In this UPWARD conversation, Laura Smith and Nico Blier-Silvestri discuss the importance of inclusion in VC networking, the impact of company culture on startups, and the role of founders in shaping that culture. They explore the challenges of navigating trust and diversity in Scandinavian startups, assess founder dynamics, and identify red flags in early-stage teams. Nico shares valuable tips and lessons learned from his journey as a founder and emphasizes the need for founder enablement and intentional wellbeing to support entrepreneurs in their growth.
You can find more about Nico's VC, Dreamcraft Ventures, at [ Ссылка ] - or follow Nico on LinkedIn at [ Ссылка ].
You can follow Laura on LinkedIn at [ Ссылка ], reach out for ad hoc advice or consulting at www.workupward.com.
#vc #investors #inclusion #companyculture #founders #diversity #trust #startup #entrepreneurs #personalgrowth #founderenablement #Slush #wellbeing
Chapters
00:00 Building Trust and Inclusivity
08:22 Creating a Strong Company Culture
15:31 Supporting Founder Well-being
20:24 Challenges in the Nordic Region
25:33 The Importance of Diversity
26:31 Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Venture Capital
37:20 Identifying Red Flags in Early-Stage Teams
46:11 The Importance of Honesty and Resilience for Founders
49:30 Challenging Biases in the VC Industry
