In today's episode of Category Visionaries, we speak with Kirby Winfield, Founding GP at Ascend VC, about his love for angel investing and the passion he feels in providing founder-friendly venture capital with genuine value to add to their partners’ offerings. By leaning into projects they have a genuine love for and interest in, Ascend gives so much more than just capital, forging a unique identity among a crowded field of VC firms through real commitment and support to turn business aspirations into commercial reality.
We also speak about Kirby’s background in the startup space and taking his first company public in 1990s, how Ascend was founded and developed its investment strategy, the future of venture capital in a post-covid economy, and why, when trying to raise funds, building relationships is a never-ending process that takes dedication to get right.
Topics Discussed:
- Kirby’s career in the startup space, and taking his first company to market as far back as the late 90s
- The inspiration for founding Ascend and the unique approach to investment which places this generalist VC in a class of its own
- How Kirby learned to pursue his own path in the investment space, and stopped worrying about emulating others’ success
- Why, as a founder seeking funding, it’s important to stay committed to a consisted cycle of building investor relationships
- The vital role of personal fit in pursuing investments, and why everyone should play to their strengths
- Being a ‘recovering marketer,’ and setting out on a path towards more specialist skills and expertise