CC032: Kate Shillo Beardsley of Upslope Ventures // scaling early stage investments across the country

upside

Interview begins: 7:10
Debrief begins: 44:55

Kate Shillo Beardsley is the Managing Partner of Upslope Ventures.

Formerly known as Galvanize Ventures, Upslope Ventures is committed to investing in early stage startups. Located in Denver, they look for startups throughout the country and currently have a hand in ten U.S. markets.

Having unknowingly entered venture capital in the late 2010s, Kate Shillo Beardsley has been instrumental in some major investments done in the late 2000s and early 2010s. She discusses her passion for early stage investing and how the landscape has changed since she started.

We discuss:

• Ad: Improved methods to sourcing talent and finding new possible colleagues (5:50)
• Taking on venture capital roles as an Executive Assistant (10:00)
• Benefits of an English degree in venture capital (13:55)
• What does being qualified to work in VC mean? (15:35)
• First major investments (18:00)
• The split between Galvanize and Upslope (21:20)
• Types of companies and markets Upslope look at (26:05)
• Why and how early stage? (32:30)
• Changes in VC over past ten years (38:05)
• Women in VC today (41:20)

Upslope Ventures was founded in 2014 (as Galvanize Ventures) and based in Denver, Colorado.

Learn more about Upslope Ventures: https://www.upslope.vc/
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This episode is sponsored by Integrity Power Search, the #1 full stack high growth startup recruiting firm between the coasts. They partner with venture capitalists, private equity groups and CEOs to build amazing teams for the world’s most disrupting companies.

Learn more about or get in touch with Integrity Power Search: https://upside.fm/integrity