UVC: Michael Lints from Golden Gate Ventures on later-stage fundraising, the questions worth preparing for well in advance, and a 2022 vision for southeast asian startup ecosystem
Understanding VC is a deep dive on how Venture Capitalists work. In this episode, in order to understand more about later stage fundraising, I talk to Michael Lints from Golden Gate Ventures, a fund focused on series A and series B investing. Michael shares some of his insights about the differences of approach between early-stage and later-stage fundraising, and the details that require close attention. He also shares his preferred pitching technique which operates on progression through feedback and the singular question that founders and fund managers need to ask prospective investors to avoid getting mired in aimless deliberations. As a new year present, Michael also shares some tips for emerging introverted founders to expand their network without having to compromise their personality. To conclude the episode, Michael delineates his 2022 vision for the southeast asian startup ecosystem, and how we can ascertain progress by being mindful of balance.
In this episode, you will learn:
- How did Michael’s four years at ING Insurance fuel him to explore entrepreneurship?
- The coincidence that introduced Michael to venture capital, and made him a partner at Golden Gate Ventures.
- What are the parallels and differences between fundraising as a fund manager and as a founder?
- What are the nuances of identifying suitable investors for series A and B fundraising?
- Why should founders pitch to only a handful of their choicest VCs when they are starting off?
- What is the technique for getting certain and prompt responses from investors?
- Why does the need for diversification of investors on your cap table increase with every succeeding stage?
- What are the introverts’ strengths which have the potential of building a prolific and responsive network? How can one network effectively without speaking in front of crowds?
- Michael’s speculations about the evolution of the Southeast Asian startup landscape in 2022, and some measures that founders should start taking
About
Michael Lints has over 20 years of experience helping innovative businesses obtain the resources, insights, and expertise they need in order to be successful. Michael has been a startup operator, investor, and mentor, and is currently a Partner at the Singapore-based venture capital firm Golden Gate Ventures. He joined the firm in 2013 and is currently leading growth venture efforts, which include LP fundraising and portfolio management for Golden Gate Venture's investments at Series B and beyond.
Michael’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2000 when he co-founded an IT managed services startup in Europe that was acquired by a large data and telecom company six years later. In 2007, Michael founded a venture fund focused on Dutch small- and medium-sized enterprises to help them with capital financing, business development, and strategy. During the same period, he was invited to join the Economic Development Board Rotterdam as Vice Chairman. In that role, he launched the Young Economic Development Board where he brought together a highly influential Dutch network to develop a sustainable framework for public-private relationships that increased local business investment while leveraging the public infrastructure.
Michael has helped support firm and portfolio-level priorities that have spanned fundraising, capital allocation, and corporate development. He has helped to raise over USD $60M for Golden Gate Ventures and its portfolio companies, including helping to raise later stage rounds from external investors as well as leading two early strategic acquisitions.
Outside of work, sport is an essential part of Michael’s life. He is a former member of the Dutch karate team and the former ambassador for Treknology (Trek bikes distributor in Singapore). Michael actively participates in Ironman 70.3 races and marathons. He is also passionate about social justice and uses sport as a vehicle to raise awareness for important issues such as civil rights, economic opportunity, and education. Besides sport, Michael is an active writer and writes articles regarding life, balance, and venture capital on michaellints.com.
Michael Lints
Partner at Golden Gate Ventures
Michael Lints has over 20 years of experience helping innovative businesses obtain the resources, insights, and expertise they need in order to be successful. Michael has been a startup operator, investor, and mentor, and is currently a Partner at the Singapore-based venture capital firm Golden Gate Ventures. He joined the firm in 2013 and is currently leading growth venture efforts, which include LP fundraising and portfolio management for Golden Gate Venture's investments at Series B and beyond.
Michael’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2000 when he co-founded an IT managed services startup in Europe that was acquired by a large data and telecom company six years later. In 2007, Michael founded a venture fund focused on Dutch small- and medium-sized enterprises to help them with capital financing, business development, and strategy. During the same period, he was invited to join the Economic Development Board Rotterdam as Vice Chairman. In that role, he launched the Young Economic Development Board where he brought together a highly influential Dutch network to develop a sustainable framework for public-private relationships that increased local business investment while leveraging the public infrastructure.
Michael has helped support firm and portfolio-level priorities that have spanned fundraising, capital allocation, and corporate development. He has helped to raise over USD $60M for Golden Gate Ventures and its portfolio companies, including helping to raise later stage rounds from external investors as well as leading two early strategic… Read More
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