Ever wondered how venture capital really works? In this illuminating episode, we're joined by Abi Mohammed, Community Lead at Diversity VC, who shares her incredible journey from software engineer to angel investor and champion for diversity in tech funding.
Abi reveals how a chance 7AM networking event (and a crush!) led her to discover the world of venture capital, and how she co-founded an angel investment syndicate despite knowing almost nothing about investing at the time. With refreshing honesty and clarity, she breaks down complex investment concepts into terms anyone can understand.
You'll learn the fundamental differences between angel investing and venture capital, what investors really look for when evaluating startups, and the hidden costs of investment that nobody talks about. Abi shares raw insights from reviewing over 300 founders to select just 4 deals, and explains why she left software engineering after facing discrimination to create more equitable pathways in tech.
Whether you're a founder considering funding options, aspiring to work in VC, or simply curious about how investment shapes the technology we use every day, this episode offers valuable perspective from someone who's navigated the journey as an outsider and is now helping to transform the industry from within.
Show Notes
Abi's unexpected journey into venture capital
The difference between angel investing and VC explained simply
Understanding cap tables, dilution, and board dynamics
Bootstrapping vs raising capital: which is right for your business?
How Abi created the Libra program at Tech Nation to support underrepresented founders
Success stories of diverse founders securing venture funding
Resources Mentioned
Venture Deals (book recommended for understanding VC terminology)
Future VC program - https://www.diversity.vc/
Libra program for underrepresented founders (now under Founder Forum)
Community Growth Ventures (angel investment syndicate)
Andy Ayim's Angel School
Connect With Us
Follow Abi: LinkedIn (Abi Mohammed), Instagram (@TeamAbii)
Follow Glowing in Tech: @GlowinginTech on Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn
Tags
Venture Capital, Angel Investing, Women in Tech, Diversity in VC, Startup Funding, Female Founders, Tech Careers, Entrepreneurship, Black Women in Tech, UK Tech Scene, Inclusive Investing
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Abi Mohamed and Diversity VC
01:17 Abi's unexpected journey into venture capital
03:27 What is angel investing vs venture capital explained
05:38 Due diligence process and evaluating startup potential
08:58 Understanding cap tables and investment terminology for beginners
13:56 The different stages of venture funding explained
16:11 Bootstrapping vs venture scaling - which is right for your business?
18:47 Transitioning from engineering to investing after facing discrimination
21:16 Creating opportunities for underrepresented founders through Tech Nation
24:40 Success stories from the Libra program for diverse founders
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