Best Legal Thesis Talks Podcasts (2025)

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Inside Super Returns: How the Biggest Investors Pick Venture Funds 54:49

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4d ago54:49

54:49

Episode Summary What happens when hundreds of the world’s biggest capital allocators get together behind closed doors to talk about venture, private equity, and where the next $30B is going? Maxine found out firsthand at Super Returns Asia, where she chaired the LP–GP relations stage. In this episode, Cheryl turns the tables and grills Maxine on ev…

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How Prosus Ventures Became an “Honorary Australian” Fund | Sachin Bhanot 57:46

17d ago57:46

57:46

Episode Summary Sachin Bhanot leads Southeast Asia & ANZ investments at Prosus Ventures, a global fund with $100B+ in assets. Though based in Singapore, Sachin has become an “honorary Australian fund manager”, with nearly half of Prosus’s regional portfolio now in Australia and New Zealand. In this episode, Cheryl and Maxine dive into why Prosus ra…

1
Why Australia’s AI Opportunity Is Bigger Than We Think 58:44

1M ago58:44

58:44

Episode Summary Tom Humphrey, Partner at Blackbird and former operator, joins Cheryl and Maxine to reframe the conversation around Australia’s AI ecosystem. While headlines paint a picture of Australia falling behind, Tom argues we’re quietly sitting on world-class talent, global-first AI companies, and a capital-efficient edge that’s being overloo…

1
How VCs Really Assess AI Startups | Cheryl Mack, Maxine Minter and Georgie Healy 55:35

2M ago55:35

55:35

Episode Summary In this crossover episode of First Cheque and In The Blink of AI, Cheryl Mack (Aussie Angels) and Maxine Minter (Co Ventures) team up with host Georgie Healy to unpack how investors are thinking about AI, beyond the hype. From pitch decks to product demos, they reveal the frameworks and gut checks they use to spot real value in AI s…

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Decode the VC Dictionary Before Your Next Raise 49:26

3M ago49:26

49:26

Episode Summary Some investor phrases sound helpful. Others feel like a riddle. In this episode, Cheryl and Maxine crack open the language investors use when talking to founders, and translate what’s actually being said behind phrases like “not a fit,” “too early,” or “let’s have one more meeting.” They walk through the subtle (and not-so-subtle) c…

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Scaling Solo: How Charles Hudson Built a High-Volume VC Model at Precursor Ventures 57:49

3M ago57:49

57:49

Episode Summary Charles Hudson is the Founder and Managing Partner at Precursor Ventures, a solo GP fund that has backed over 450 startups across five funds, including dozens of category-defining companies led by underrepresented founders. In this episode, Maxine and Cheryl sit down with Charles to explore how he built one of the most successful hi…

1
Why Australia Builds More Unicorns per Dollar Than Anyone | with Ben Grabiner from Side Stage Ventures 37:05

4M ago37:05

37:05

Grab your copy of the Dealroom and SideStage Ventures report we talked about on the show with Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter here - https://www.sidestage.vc/outliers-report-2025 Episode Summary Ben Grabiner is the Co-founder and General Partner at Side Stage Ventures, and the author of a landmark new report in collaboration with Dealroom and AWS. In…

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Nnamdi Okike's Playbook for Investing in Non-Obvious Winners 1:01:10

5M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

Episode Summary Nnamdi Okike is the Co-founder and Managing Partner at 645 Ventures, known for his early, contrarian bets on overlooked verticals and non-obvious industries. In this episode, Nnamdi shares how he leveraged a data-driven sourcing model to identify breakout companies like Squire and Goldbelly, and why seemingly small or niche markets …

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Pocket Sun’s Guide to Standing Out as an Emerging Investor 1:05:29

5M ago1:05:29

1:05:29

Episode Summary Pocket Sun is the Founding Partner at SoGal Ventures, the first female-led, millennial VC firm investing in the future of living, working, and staying healthy. In this episode, she shares how she made her first angel investment at just 24, and how her early bets like Everly Health and Lovevery reflected a conviction in underrepresen…

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Introducing Perspective X | Hosted by Pauline Fetaui - Perspective X with Pauline Fetaui 1:19

6M ago1:19

1:19

What drives bold decisions, intentional leadership, and the courage to create something entirely new? In Perspective X, host Pauline Fetaui dives deep into conversations with extraordinary entrepreneurs and leading innovators to explore not just their successes—but the overlooked decisions, mindset shifts, and personal turning points that sparked t…

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Monique Woodard’s Cake Ventures Strategy: Big Bets on Aging, Women & Culture 54:25

6M ago54:25

54:25

Episode Summary Monique Woodard is the Founder and Solo GP of Cake Ventures, a venture fund focused on the enormous opportunities created by demographic shifts such as aging populations, rising female spending power, and America's transition to a majority-minority population. She explains how these macro-level changes expand markets across digital …

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How James Tynan from Square Peg Invests in EdTech 49:26

6M ago49:26

49:26

Episode Summary: In this episode of First Cheque, Cheryl and Maxine sit down with James Tynan of Square Peg to explore why EdTech might be one of the most misunderstood (and underinvested) sectors in venture capital. James recounts his early days bootstrapping a startup in Australia’s tough 2001 tech climate, and the lessons he took with him to Kha…

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Crafting Your Investment Thesis: How to Decide What to Invest In 44:49

7M ago44:49

44:49

Episode Summary: Having a clear investment thesis helps you make better decisions, improve your deal flow, and maximise your returns. Cheryl and Maxine break down exactly what an investment thesis is, why it matters, and how to structure one that fits your risk appetite, interests, and long-term goals. They explore the core elements of an investmen…

1
Decoding Startup Investment: SAFE Notes, Convertible Notes & Priced Rounds 57:11

7M ago57:11

57:11

Episode Summary: Understanding how to invest in startups requires more than just writing a cheque. Cheryl and Maxine break down the legal structures behind startup investing, covering SAFE notes, convertible notes, and priced rounds. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode unpacks the key terms, investor-friendly vs. f…

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Mastering Fund Cycles: How VCs Raise, Invest & Exit 46:21

8M ago46:21

46:21

Episode Summary: In this episode of First Cheque, hosts Cheryl and Maxine dive deep into the complexities of fund cycles, providing invaluable insights for emerging fund managers and entrepreneurs alike. They discuss the key aspects of raising and deploying funds, including the significance of understanding the timing and structure of fund cycles. …

1
Angel Investing 101: How To Not Run Out Of Money 38:25

8M ago38:25

38:25

Episode Summary: In this episode of First Cheque, Cheryl and Maxine dive deep into financial planning for angel investors—how to avoid running out of money, manage liquidity, and strategically deploy capital across investment cycles. If you're an aspiring angel investor wondering how much money you need to start or an experienced investor looking t…

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From Firefox to AI: Mozilla’s Fight for Open Technology 53:10

9M ago53:10

53:10

Episode Summary: In this episode of First Cheque, Cheryl and Maxine sit down with Laura Chambers, CEO of Mozilla, to dive into the transformative power of open source technology and its role in shaping the future of the internet and artificial intelligence. Laura shares insights on Mozilla’s unique nonprofit structure, the importance of transparenc…

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Liquidity Talks: The Future of IPOs and M&As 34:19

9M ago34:19

34:19

Episode Summary: In this episode of First Cheque, hosts Cheryl and Maxine delve into the critical topic of liquidity within the venture capital ecosystem. They explore why IPOs (Initial Public Offerings) and M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) are essential for investors and startups alike. The conversation covers the current state of the IPO market, th…

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2024’s Most Downloaded Episode: Startmate CEO Michael Batko’s Investment Secrets (Replay) 50:51

10M ago50:51

50:51

Episode Summary: In this special replay of our most popular episode of the year, Cheryl and Maxine sit down with Michael Batko, CEO of Startmate, to explore the transformative power of early-stage investing and community-driven entrepreneurship. From hardware startups to non-alcoholic beer companies, Batko shares how Startmate pushes boundaries, ba…

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The 2024 Wrap-Up and Spicy Predictions with Cheryl & Maxine 46:19

10M ago46:19

46:19

Episode Summary: In this year-end wrap-up, Cheryl and Maxine reflect on 2024’s venture landscape, from shifting investor sentiment to the lingering effects of the zero-interest era. They dig into the rise in early-stage investments, the resurgence of AI enthusiasm, and the cautious optimism permeating the ecosystem. With equal doses of hindsight an…

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Leveraging AI to Predict Venture Success: John Sharp's Journey with Hatcher+ 48:06

11M ago48:06

48:06

Episode Summary: In this episode of First Cheque, hosts Cheryl and Maxine engage in a compelling conversation with John Sharp, co-founder of Hatcher+, an innovative AI-driven venture capital platform based in Singapore. John recounts his fascinating transition from conducting orchestras to pioneering data-driven venture investing, highlighting how …

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Navigating the Hype Cycles and Early-Stage Deep Tech Investing with Emily 46:16

11M ago46:16

46:16

Episode Summary: Join Emily Rich and hosts Maxine and Cheryl in this episode where they explore the dynamic world of early-stage and deep tech investing. Emily shares her unconventional journey from being a high school dropout to making a decisive investment in her own education, a move that transformed her path and led her to become a significant …

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Navigating Early-Stage Investing and Scaling with Tim from Turo 48:43

12M ago48:43

48:43

Episode Summary: Join Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter on First Cheque as they chat with Tim from Turo, one of Australia's pioneering operator angels. Tim shares his journey from working at Uber to his current role at Turo, detailing the insights and risks involved in being an early-stage investor. The conversation covers Tim's first investment, his t…

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[TRAILER] In the Blink of A.I-Conversations with AI Innovators - In The Blink of AI with Georgie Healy 2:08

12M ago2:08

2:08

Episode Summary In the Blink of AI: Conversations with AI Innovators Join Georgie Healy on 'In the Blink of AI', your weekly guide to the dynamic world of artificial intelligence. Each episode features interviews with the founders of top AI startups, creative product builders, and industry leaders. With 20 years in engineering and technology, Georg…

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Mastering Early-Stage Investing: From Checklists to Decision Diaries 40:20

12M ago40:20

40:20

Episode Summary Join Cheryl and Maxine on an insightful journey into early-stage investing in this episode of First Cheque. The discussion covers the transition from basic checklists to more sophisticated decision diaries, emphasizing structured evaluation and the importance of capturing and analysing decision-making processes over time. Key topics…

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Sui Generis Copyright and User-Generated Content in the Metaverse 13:28

1y ago13:28

13:28

In this episode of Legal Thesis Talks, we discuss Janne Valkama's master's thesis from June 2024, Creative Metaverses: Sui Generis Copyright for User Generated Content in Web 4.0: Private Regulatory Models and Technologies Interaction with a Justified Copyright Law from the University of Turku. This comprehensive thesis delves into the transformati…

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Navigating Copyright in the Age of AI: Protecting Creativity in Artificial Intelligence-Generated Works 12:40

1y ago12:40

12:40

In this episode of Legal Thesis Talks, we discuss Iina Ryynänen's master's thesis from Spring 2024, titled, Lack of Copyright Protection in AI-Generated Works: A New Form of Protection, from the University of Lapland. The thesis addresses the critical issue of intellectual property protection for works generated by artificial intelligence. It exami…

1
Shaping Corporate Mandates: The Power of Shareholder Preferences and Activism 7:58

1y ago7:58

7:58

In this episode of Legal Thesis Talks, we discuss Saman Saama's master's thesis from September 2024, Firm Mandate: How Shareholder Preferences Shape the Mandate, Exemplified by Shareholder Activism from the University of Helsinki. The thesis explores how shareholder preferences—both objective and subjective—shape the corporate mandate. By analyzing…

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From Zero to One: Why Founders Make Exceptional Early Stage Investors with Matthew Browne 53:01

1y ago53:01

53:01

Episode Summary: Join Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter for an engaging session as they delve into the world of early-stage investing with Matthew Browne from Black Nova Venture Capital. This episode offers an intimate look into Browne's journey from a founder's seat to a leading venture capitalist's role, with a focus on thematic investing in what he …

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Navigating Venture Capital: Aligning Incentives and Realistic Outcomes with Georgie Turner 45:53

1y ago45:53

45:53

Episode Summary: In this engaging episode, the hosts Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter are joined by Georgie Turner, a partner at Tidal, to delve into the nuances of early-stage investing, cross-border strategies, and the evolving landscape of venture capital. The episode opens with a lively introduction to Georgie's background and her journey from Bai…

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From Scalpel to Syndicate: Paul Kelly's Guide to Navigating Biotech Investing 1:00:29

1y ago1:00:29

1:00:29

Episode Summary: In this episode of First Cheque, hosts Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter sit down with biotech investment expert Paul Kelly. The conversation demystifies the complex world of biotech investing, making it accessible for even those who are new to the field. Paul shares his journey from a practising physician to a pioneering investor in t…

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Unlocking Tax Benefits for Angel Investors: A Deep Dive into ESIC, ESVCLP, and Investment Strategies with Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter 36:41

1y ago36:41

36:41

Episode Summary: In this episode, Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter dive into the intricate details of tax incentives and structures for angel investors in Australia. Tackling the seemingly dry topic of tax with enthusiasm, they explore how these regulations can substantially benefit early-stage investors. Cheryl brings her wealth of experience to the …

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Q&A: Practical Advice on Secondaries, Valuations, and Building Strong Investor Relations 52:20

1y ago52:20

52:20

Episode Summary: In this episode of the First Cheque podcast, Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter delve into the intricacies of early-stage investing, focusing on the importance of secondaries, the value of strong founder-investor relationships, and how to navigate high valuations. This episode is a milestone as it's entirely driven by audience questions…

1
Exploring Growth Stage Investing with Ex-Investment Banker with Christina FaTurned VC 49:45

1y ago49:45

49:45

Episode Summary: In this episode, host Maxine Minter and co-host Cheryl Mack dive into the world of growth stage investing with guest Christina Fa from NewView Capital. They explore the reasons why ex-investment bankers transition to VC, discuss the nuances of growth-stage investing, and shed light on the importance of secondaries in the current ma…

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Bronwen Clune on Risk Appetite and the Future of Australian Startups 53:26

1+ y ago53:26

53:26

Episode Summary: In this episode, Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter engage in an enlightening conversation with Bronwen Clune, discussing her journey from journalism to startups and back to media. Bronwen shares insights on the Australian startup ecosystem, the future of journalism, and the intersecting landscapes of politics, markets, and entrepreneur…

1
Portfolio Allocation: Diversification vs. Concentration Strategies Unpacked 36:47

1+ y ago36:47

36:47

Episode Summary: In this episode, Maxine Minter and Cheryl Mack delve deep into the essential considerations of portfolio allocation, focusing on diversification versus concentration in early-stage investing. They explore the concept of portfolio construction, risk management, power law dynamics, and the importance of strategy in maximizing returns…

1
The Value of Being the First Investor: Insights from Ash Fontana 1:03:31

1+ y ago1:03:31

1:03:31

Episode Summary: In this episode of First Cheque hosts Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter sit down with the distinguished investor Ash Fontana to explore the intricacies of early-stage investing and the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI). The conversation delves into Fontana's diverse experiences, ranging from his formative years buildin…

1
Marvin Liao Shares Insights on Investing and Developing an Edge in Startup Ecosystems 1:00:25

1+ y ago1:00:25

1:00:25

Episode Summary: In this episode of the First Cheque podcast, our co-hosts Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter welcome venture capital trailblazer Marvin Liao to discuss the multifaceted experience of early-stage investing, the evolution of global startup ecosystems, and the profound lessons learned from economic cycles in the tech industry. The conversa…

1
The Debate Over Follow-On Investments in Early Stage Investing 47:27

1+ y ago47:27

47:27

Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode of First Cheque experienced investors Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter delve into the meticulous world of follow-on investment strategies. The episode serves as a beacon for those who wish to refine their approaches in early-stage investing, especially as they grapple with the decision of whether to f…

1
The Art of Getting to Conviction: Strategies for Successful Investing 46:46

1+ y ago46:46

46:46

Episode Summary: In the latest instalment of our podcast series, Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter delve into the intricate world of early-stage investing, shedding light on the varied approaches to gaining investment conviction. This episode serves as a guide for both novice and experienced investors who aim to refine their decision-making strategies …

1
Startmate CEO Michael Batko discusses Community-Building & Portfolio Construction in Early-Stage Investing 52:36

1+ y ago52:36

52:36

Episode Summary: In this insight-packed episode, Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter sit down with Michael Batko, the driving force behind Startmate, to explore the intricacies of early stage investing and the power of community in the startup realm. Batko shares his journey, starting from his first investment to steering one of the most active seed stag…

1
Understanding Fund of Funds: A Primer on Investing in Venture Capital 42:01

1+ y ago42:01

42:01

Episode Summary: In this insightful conversation, co-hosts Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter unpack the often misunderstood world of 'fund of funds'—investment vehicles that pool capital to invest in a variety of venture funds rather than in startups directly. Tailored for early-stage investors and industry observers, this talk reveals the nuances of f…

1
Elicia McDonald discusses resilience and founder empathy in venture investing. 56:11

1+ y ago56:11

56:11

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of First Cheque, hosts Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter have a raw conversation with Elicia McDonald, a venture capital expert renowned for her remarkable work at Airtree Ventures. Elicia's holistic approach to early-stage investing and her deep commitment to nurturing founder relationships are at the forefr…

1
Trang Nguyen on Investing in Ambitious Founders and Building Lasting Venture Franchises 58:59

1+ y ago58:59

58:59

Episode Summary: In the latest compelling episode, we delve into the investment philosophy and keen insights of Trang Nguyen, a trailblazing figure in venture capital. Nguyen shares her journey from placing an early bet on Tesla to her current efforts in redefining the startup ecosystem. She outlines her criteria for backing emerging fund managers …

1
Craig Blair Shares Insights on Investing and Building a VC Fund 50:46

1+ y ago50:46

50:46

Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of the podcast, co-hosts Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter engage with venture capital veteran Craig Blair to unpack the intricacies of successful early-stage investing. From sage wisdom to navigating the ever-evolving VC landscape, this conversation is a trove of insights for aspiring and seasoned investor…

1
Sam Wong discusses building an Ecosystem, Leverage & Investing in New Zealand. 46:09

1+ y ago46:09

46:09

Summary: In this insightful episode of the podcast, listeners are introduced to the world of venture capital through the lens of Sam Wong, a seasoned Partner at Blackbird Ventures. Delving into her journey from the early investments to scaling venture funds across markets, this conversation provides an intimate look at what it means to both contrib…

1
Angel Investing: On-Ramps, Communities, and Maximizing Learning 49:01

1+ y ago49:01

49:01

Summary In this episode, Maxine Minter and Cheryl Mack discuss their journeys into angel investing and share valuable insights for aspiring investors. They highlight the importance of community and learning in the early stages of angel investing and provide guidance on different investment strategies. Maxine and Cheryl also emphasize the need for d…

1
Navigating Pre-Seed Investing: A Conversation with Anabel Lippincott Paksoy 47:16

2y ago47:16

47:16

Summary Anabel Lippincott Paksoy, partner at 43, discusses the importance of building communities and their role in early-stage investing. She shares her experience creating the council, a female-first investing group, and emphasises the need for a deep understanding of founders and their motivations. Anabel also highlights the value of professiona…

1
Tis the season to be reflective - 2023 in review on First Cheque 32:16

2y ago32:16

32:16

Summary Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter reflect on the year 2023 and discuss the challenges and trends in the startup ecosystem. They talk about the tough environment for founders and investors, with many companies struggling to raise funds and facing down rounds. However, they also highlight the resilience and determination of founders who were able…

1
Elaine Stead discusses bravery, diversity, and changing the investing ecosystem 48:10

2y ago48:10

48:10

Summary: Elaine Stead joins the podcast to discuss bravery and courage in the investing world, particularly as a woman in the Australian ecosystem. She shares her journey as an investor and highlights the importance of investing in education and building networks. Elaine also challenges the notion of being a contrarian investor and emphasizes the n…