Adrian Mendoza: How to Tell Stories that Connect, Inspire, and Sell

On today’s episode, Apollo chats with Adrian Mendoza, Founder & General Partner of Mendoza Ventures, the first Latinx VC Fund on the East Coast. Focused on fintech, AI, and cybersecurity, Adrian is dedicated to diversity when making investment decisions. 80% of their portfolio consists of startups led by immigrants, people of color, and women.

Scoring with a majority in Prioritize and Leverage, Apollo and Adrian discuss how his working style has changed through his success. Adrian, once purely an executor while starting Mendoza Ventures, describes his transition into a leader by “firing” himself from unscalable tasks he would have previously done himself. 

While advising his early stage portfolio companies, Adrian aims to create a memorable experience: bringing around a plush dog with the firm's logo on it to every investor meeting. He stresses to Apollo the importance of telling your story and describing your vision, so that others from similar communities can follow in those footsteps.

Side note - If you were interested in taking a look at the art of Adrian's brother, Angel Mendoza, here is the link to his website. 

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Guest Bio

Adrian Mendoza is an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, Founder & General Partner of Mendoza Ventures, the first Latinx VC Fund on the East Coast. Founded in 2016 by Adrian and his wife Senofer, Mendoza Ventures has raised two funds, and is in the process of its third as we speak.

Focused on fintech, AI, and cybersecurity, Adrian is dedicated to diversity when making investment decisions. 80% of their portfolio consists of startups led by immigrants, people of color, and women. Through their first two funds, they’ve invested in 13 companies including Listo and Wabbi.

A forward-thinker with a proven track record, Adrian combines his deep-rooted industry knowledge with a keen sense of market trends, enabling him to make impactful investments that shape the future of technology. Adrian and Senofer made Axios’ list of the five most influential people in Boston 2022, and were named to the Boston Business Journals Power 50 Movement Makers. Beyond his role as a successful entrepreneur, Adrian is a sought-after speaker, mentor, and advocate for fostering a culture of innovation, appearing on CNBC multiple times last year. 

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Guest PLE Score

• Prioritize - 52%
• Leverage - 32%
• Execute - 14%

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Guest Quote

“I don't care what people think of me. I just go and I do it. Because if I can do it, whether I fail or succeed, I'm laying the groundwork for the next person to walk behind me. If I'm making the path in the snow up Everest, I'm literally clearing the way for the next 10 people that are like, ‘Hey, I'm gonna follow him and we are gonna succeed together.’” - Adrian Mendoza

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Time Stamps 

*(2:47)  Intro

*(5:15) Adrian’s Achievement Index

*(8:24) Getting people to believe in your story

*(16:10) The Mascot of Mendoza Ventures

*(29:44) Why Bank of America is anchoring Mendoza Ventures' Third Fund 

*(34:06) Representation in VC funding 

*(42:49) Apollo’s Takeaways

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Links

• Find out YOUR Achievement Index
• Connect with Adrian Mendoza on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Mendoza Ventures
• Check out Angel Mendoza's Art
• Connect with Dr. Apollo Emeka on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Apollo Strategy Group