In this episode, we dive into the world of venture capital and angel investing with Mike Jarmuz, co-founder of Lightning Ventures and CEO of Thunderfunder. Mike shares his journey from punk rock to venture capital, highlighting his passion for supporting startups, especially those in the Bitcoin space. We explore the concept of Thunderfunder, a platform designed to democratize investing in startups, allowing even non-accredited investors to participate in funding rounds.

Mike explains the challenges and opportunities in the current regulatory environment, discussing the importance of accredited investor status and how Thunderfunder aims to make investing more accessible. He also shares insights into the potential of Bitcoin and open-source projects, emphasizing the need for innovation and community support.

The conversation touches on the parallels between the music industry and venture capital, with Mike drawing on his experiences in both fields to illustrate the importance of nurturing talent and ideas. We also discuss the role of crowdfunding and the value-for-value model in supporting content creators and small businesses.

Throughout the episode, Mike offers advice for founders and investors navigating the current economic landscape, encouraging resilience and innovation. He also shares personal anecdotes, including his efforts to introduce his mother to Bitcoin and the importance of music in his life.

Join us for an engaging discussion on the future of investing, the power of community, and the potential of Bitcoin to transform industries.

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https://x.com/LTNGventures
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🔥 LISTEN TO EPISODE HERE

https://serve.podhome.fm/episodepage/djvalerieblove/184

(00:00:16) Introduction and Guest Introduction

(00:01:09) From Punk Rock to Venture Capital

(00:02:00) Understanding Thunderfunder and Lightning Ventures

(00:07:24) Investment Regulations and Accredited Investors

(00:11:24) Crowdfunding and Supporting Local Businesses

(00:16:16) Ideal Candidates for Thunderfunder

(00:24:00) Open Source Projects and Investment

(00:31:34) Bitcoin Environment and Regulatory Challenges

(00:39:21) Bitcoin Friendly Banks and Business Operations

(00:46:23) User Experience and Adoption Challenges

(00:51:58) The Journey from Punk Rock to Venture Capital

(01:00:49) Value for Value and Supporting Creators

(01:04:00) Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Founders

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