Molly Alter: Starting early in VC & building a transatlantic focus in vertical AI with Northzone

Molly Alter: Starting early in VC & building a transatlantic focus in vertical AI with Northzone

Author: JBM, James Mitra March 5, 2025 Duration: 40:13
40 Minute Mentor
Business
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Molly Alter, Partner at Northzone, the multi-stage fund partnering with Founders from Seed to Growth, across Europe and the US.  Molly started her career in VC in 2016, straight out of Harvard University. Since then, Molly has worked with some of the biggest funds in the industry, including Insight Partners and Index Ventures.  Now, at Northzone and back in New York, Molly focuses on vertical SaaS and AI, across early and growth stages.  In today’s episode, we dive into her career in VC and her transatlantic focus.  📚 Episode Chapters:  ➡️ A foundation in theatre & first entrepreneurial ventures [04:00] ➡️ Joining VC early on [09:00]  ➡️ Characteristics needed in VC [14:45]  ➡️ Advice for getting into VC [20:00]  ➡️ Why Northzone [21:30]  ➡️ Focusing on SaaS & AI [24:00]  ➡️ Advice for Founders currently fundraising [28:30]  ➡️ US vs European market [32:00]  ⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Molly here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-alter-3ab1159a/ ➡️ Learn more about Northzone: https://northzone.com/  📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:  Today’s episode is sponsored by ECAP Financial, your trusted partner for fractional CFO services for companies looking to fundraise or go through an M&A process.  Whether you’re a Founder looking to raise investment, planning for an exit, or navigating financial challenges, ECAP Financial, led by the brilliant Corinne Thompson, helps scaleups secure the right funding at the right time.  💡 Check out their latest fundraising course here: https://fundraising-academy2.teachable.com/p/fundraising-academy  💡 Don’t forget to follow them on YouTube for even more advice: https://www.youtube.com/@ecapfinancial/videos  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Dinika Mahtani: From Operator at Uber to backing early-stage startups at Cherry Ventures Nicolas d’Audiffret: How To Build A $2 Billion Unicorn In Under 3 Years Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what a conversation with a truly groundbreaking founder or an elite performer actually sounds like? 40 Minute Mentor captures exactly that, offering intimate, structured dialogues designed to unpack the real journeys behind extraordinary success. Hosted by James Mitra, this podcast operates on a simple but powerful premise: profound insight doesn't require hours of your time. Each episode is a focused, forty-minute session with a different leader, from purpose-driven entrepreneurs building unique companies to Olympic athletes who have mastered their craft. The conversations move beyond theory, delving into the pivotal decisions, personal challenges, and practical lessons that have shaped their paths. You'll hear not just about their triumphs, but the resilience required during setbacks, providing a honest look at what building a brilliant career or venture genuinely entails. As one of the UK's prominent business podcasts, it serves as a direct source of mentorship, aiming to elevate ambitions by sharing these powerful career narratives. Tune in for a regular dose of inspiration and actionable wisdom, all within the span of a single commute or workout.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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