Before Rick Heitzmann became one of the most legendary venture capital investors alive, he was a college student taking strange risks, betting on himself long before he bet on founders. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Rick reveals the early decisions, failures, and unexpected moments that shaped the mindset behind his rise.

From growing up with teacher parents, to running Georgetown’s student body, to taking wild career leaps that gave him responsibility far beyond his age—Rick shares the foundational lessons that transformed him into the VC and startup kingmaker he is today.

This episode is the origin story behind a world-class investor: how he learned to take asymmetric risks, why your 20s should be for learning, and the overlooked traits Rick looks for in future founders and operators.

If you’ve ever wondered how legendary investors are made—not born—this is your blueprint.

Stay tuned for Part 2, which drops next week, where we delve into the stories behind Rick's best investments and his advice to founders and investors.

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