Thank you to Sydecar for sponsoring today’s episode! Read more about the SPV product that both Harry and Colin use for their investments below.
In this episode, Harry speaks with Ben Lang. Ben is a community builder and angel investor formerly serving as the Head of Community at Notion. With a passion for cultivating powerful networks, Ben has transitioned into angel investing, focusing on early-stage startups.
You might recognize Ben’s name as he recently went viral for sharing on Twitter the Notion template that he and his wife use to manage their relationship. I actually thought it was pretty cool..
Wannabe Angels, begin your venture capital career with Sydecar--the go-to platform for those new to managing SPVs and funds. Sydecar is on a mission to make private markets more accessible, transparent, and liquid by standardizing how investment vehicles are created and executed. Our intuitive software empowers you to launch SPVs and funds instantly, monitor funding in real-time, and offers hassle-free opportunities for early liquidity.
As you close your first deals and begin building your portfolio, Sydecar acts as your silent operating partner. We handle all back-office tasks in one centralized location, allowing you to focus on deal-making without the burden of managing subscription documents, tracking wires, or distributing K-1s.
Given the unpredictability of private markets, you need back-office support that's reliable. Sydecar's responsive and proactive customer support team is always at your service, ensuring you have the stability and assistance needed to successfully navigate the complexities of managing SPVs or starting your fund. To learn more, visit Sydecar's Wannabe Angels page: https://www.sydecar.io/wannabeangels
Ben's angel investing approach is centered around supporting startups that emphasize community engagement and technology-driven solutions. His portfolio includes diverse ventures, from innovative community platforms to tech tools enhancing user connectivity.
With a rich background in community management and strategic investments, Ben shares insights into effective community building strategies and the evaluation of startup potential. He also discusses the importance of founder personality in venture success and offers advice for aspiring angel investors.
Where to Listen and Watch:
Apple -
Spotify -
YouTube -
Segments:
0:00 Intros
7:30 Rapid fire questions
8:51 What is community?
9:30 What is an example of what Ben works on?
11:10 How can you get involved in Ben's events?
14:04 Who does Ben look up to in the community space?
15:37 What were Ben's initial angel investments?
19:03 What do Ben's investments look like now?
24:46 What has Ben been most excited about recently?
26:36 How does Ben judge a founder's personality?
30:27 Is now a good time to angel invest?
32:04 How does Ben view the difference between investing and advising?
33:14 What should an investor offer to a founder?
35:00 Where can you find Ben?
Links to Additional Info:
Other Ways to connect with Wannabe Angels
Substack -
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTd0VpLRUqEfQ5mk431z2Lg
Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wannabeangels
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wannabeangels/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/wannabe_Angels
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wannabe-angels/
About Harry: Harry Campbell runs The Rideshare Guy, a popular community for drivers and gig workers. He’s an active angel investor having invested over $500k of personal funds in 30+ companies and funds over the past few years, still trying to figure it all out though! Harry also has a $500k mini-fund that invests in early stage mobility, logistics, marketplaces and his network.
Interested in learning about some of the companies Harry is angel investing in and read his deal memos, for FREE - just fill out this form - https://forms.gle/eYwtDE7p9K2bepnF8\
Harry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrygcampbell/
Harry Twitter - https://twitter.com/TheRideshareGuy
About Colin: Colin Gardiner has spent over a decade building startups focusing on online marketplaces. Most recently, he worked for Outdoorsy as Chief Revenue Officer. He advises marketplace/platform startups on growth, analytics, monetization, fundraising, and strategy. He also runs the rapidly growing syndicate Yonder Ventures, which invests in marketplaces and platforms and the SaaS, Fintech, Insurtech, and the technology enabling them.
Colin LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colingardiner/
Colin Twitter - https://twitter.com/ColinGardiner
Community and Capital: Investing Insights with Ben Lang [Ep 34]