Blog > Harrison Faull


Russ Shaw CBE - From Harvard to O2, Skype and nurturing London's Tech Scene

Russ Shaw CBE - From Harvard to O2, Skype and nurturing London's Tech Scene

This is episode 10 of The OpenVC Podcast. In this episode, Russ Shaw shares his journey from launching Skype’s mobile division to leading O2 as CMO, where he famously pulled Arsenal’s sponsorship. Now the founder of Tech London Advocates (10,000+ members), he discusses tech leadership, branding, and ecosystem growth.

Posted by Harrison FaullRuss Shaw | October 15, 2024
Serial Founder, Angel Investor & VC: Max Fleitmann

Serial Founder, Angel Investor & VC: Max Fleitmann

This is episode 13 of The OpenVC Podcast. In this episode, Max talks about how he started building websites at 13 and later scaled his edtech company, StudyHelp, to millions in revenue before exiting. Now leading Wizard Ventures, he shares insights on acquiring and scaling internet startups, driving traffic, and crafting effective pitch decks.

Posted by Max FleitmannHarrison Faull | October 1, 2024
Co-founder at Twin Path Ventures: John Spindler (& ex co-founder of London Co-Investment Fund)

Co-founder at Twin Path Ventures: John Spindler (& ex co-founder of London Co-Investment Fund)

This is Episode 8 of The OpenVC Podcast. In this episode, John Spindler shares his journey from founder to investor, overseeing £85M+ in investments across 150 startups. With a 60x angel investment win, he breaks down AI startup evaluation, frontier AI opportunities, and key investment strategies.

Posted by Harrison FaullJohn Spindler | September 18, 2024
F4 Fund General Partner: Joakim Achren, co-founder of Next Games (ultimately acquired by Netflix)

F4 Fund General Partner: Joakim Achren, co-founder of Next Games (ultimately acquired by Netflix)

This is episode 7 of The OpenVC Podcast. In this episode, Joakim Achren, founder of Next Games (160+ employees, acquired by Netflix), built hit games for Stranger Things and The Walking Dead. Now leading F4 Fund with 28+ angel investments, he shares insights on gaming VC, fundraising, and emerging platforms.

Posted by Harrison FaullJoakim Achren | September 3, 2024
DQ Ventures' Oliver Palmer on selling a startup for $85M, advice for VCs and founders + more.

DQ Ventures' Oliver Palmer on selling a startup for $85M, advice for VCs and founders + more.

This is episode 6 of The OpenVC Podcast. In this episode, Oliver Palmer, founder of TigerSpike (sold for $85M), shares his journey from building an innovative mobile tech company to co-founding DQ Ventures. He discusses de-risking the startup journey for founders, lessons from selling a company, and the value of seasoned advisors.

Posted by Harrison FaullOliver Palmer | August 20, 2024
XPRESS Ventures' Newton Davis on Investing in Mobility, Supply Chain, & B2B SaaS

XPRESS Ventures' Newton Davis on Investing in Mobility, Supply Chain, & B2B SaaS

This is episode 5 of The OpenVC Podcast. In this episode, Newton Davies, Investment Manager at XPRESS Ventures, shares insights on investing in startups that digitalize traditional industries. He discusses the power of storytelling, leveraging corporate strategic advantages, and key lessons from investing across Europe.

Posted by Harrison FaullNewton Davis | August 6, 2024
From Startups to Unicorns: Phil Nadel has invested over $100M into 200+ startups

From Startups to Unicorns: Phil Nadel has invested over $100M into 200+ startups

This is episode 3 of The OpenVC Podcast. In this episode, Phil Nadel, managing partner of Forefront Venture Partners, shares his journey from angel investing to running one of the largest rolling funds on AngelList. With over $100M invested into 200+ startups, he discusses the benefits of rolling funds, post-revenue investments, and the importance of adding value to portfolio companies.

Posted by Harrison FaullPhil Nadel | July 16, 2024
Aurelia Ventures's Felix Keus on building the world's best B2B SaaS scale up program.

Aurelia Ventures's Felix Keus on building the world's best B2B SaaS scale up program.

This is episode 2 of The OpenVC Podcast. In this episode, Felix Kues, managing partner of Aurelia Ventures, shares insights on their highly selective B2B SaaS program, which has helped startups raise over $250M. He discusses choosing the right accelerator, increasing success rates, and key pitfalls founders should avoid.

Posted by Harrison FaullFelix Keus | July 2, 2024
Berkeley Skydeck's Chon Tang on Founders, VCs and Deep Tech in the US

Berkeley Skydeck's Chon Tang on Founders, VCs and Deep Tech in the US

This is episode 4 of The OpenVC Podcast. In this episode, Chon Tang, founder and managing partner of the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund, shares how the largest accelerator at UC Berkeley has helped startups raise over $1.8 billion. He discusses the unique value proposition of SkyDeck, navigating failure, and the role of the Berkeley platform in supporting global founders.

Posted by Harrison FaullChon Tang | June 18, 2024