Nia Patel - Montage Ventures
Read the VC Uncovered Profile:
www.vcuncovered.com/p/nia-patel-montage-ventures
Podcast Summary:
Drew Glover talks to Nia from Montage Ventures on the power of “ownership mentality” and the strategic advantage of being an outsider. Nia details Montage’s hands-on approach, describing how they strive to be the “hardest working investors on the cap table” by assisting with executive recruiting and go-to-market strategies. She also draws a fascinating parallel between her training in the Royal Air Force and venture capital, explaining how a “Positive Mental Attitude” (PMA) is critical for identifying potential in the early stages.
The conversation turns heads when Nia defines the difference between a VC acting as a true partner versus an “expensive passenger.” She backs up Montage’s strategy with impressive numbers, revealing a 100% follow-on financing rate for their Fund 3 portfolio (17 for 17). She also offers a contrarian take on founder backgrounds, arguing that “cognitive debt” often holds industry insiders back, while true disruption is usually driven by outsiders who don’t know the rules they are breaking.Drew Glover talks to Nia from Montage Ventures on the power of “ownership mentality” and the strategic advantage of being an outsider. Nia details Montage’s hands-on approach, describing how they strive to be the “hardest working investors on the cap table” by assisting with executive recruiting and go-to-market strategies. She also draws a fascinating parallel between her training in the Royal Air Force and venture capital, explaining how a “Positive Mental Attitude” (PMA) is critical for identifying potential in the early stages.
The conversation turns heads when Nia defines the difference between a VC acting as a true partner versus an “expensive passenger.” She backs up Montage’s strategy with impressive numbers, revealing a 100% follow-on financing rate for their Fund 3 portfolio (17 for 17). She also offers a contrarian take on founder backgrounds, arguing that “cognitive debt” often holds industry insiders back, while true disruption is usually driven by outsiders who don’t know the rules they are breaking.
Sponsor:
This season is supported by SVB. Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank. Member FDIC.
SVB is a trusted collaborator for the founders pushing boundaries and the investors who back them. We’re proud to have them as our sponsor.
Please note, this podcast is for informational purposes and is not investment, financial, or legal advice. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of SVB.
