The data-driven way to invest in pre-VC startups

Dave Lambert, co-founder and managing director at Right Side Capital Management, has built one of the most active pre-VC investment firms in the U.S. With a portfolio of over 2,000 companies, Dave and his team take a data-driven approach to ultra-diversified early-stage investing, making quick decisions and challenging traditional VC norms.

 

In this episode...

In this episode, Dave shares how Right Side Capital identifies high-potential startups before they reach traditional VC rounds. He explains how his experience as both an entrepreneur and an investor led him to see inefficiencies in early-stage fundraising—and how data and systematic portfolio construction can optimize returns.

Dave also discusses the evolution of venture capital, the impact of AI on startup scaling, and why ownership percentage is irrelevant when evaluating investment opportunities. His unique approach reveals how ultra-diversification and a power-law mindset can uncover the next billion-dollar companies.

 

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• 00:43 Introduction to Driving Alpha
• 00:48 Meet Dave Lambert: Entrepreneur and Investor
• 01:48 Challenges in Early Stage Investing
• 04:11 The Data-Driven Approach of Rightside Capital
• 06:42 Evolution of Investment Strategies
• 13:47 The Impact of AI on Startups
• 17:01 Fundraising and Portfolio Management
• 19:50 Sourcing and Evaluating Investments
• 31:18 Advice for Aspiring Investors
• 34:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts