CC033: Alex Rubalcava of Stage Venture Partners // investing in early-stage enterprise software

Interview starts: 6:23
Debrief beings: 48:05

Alex Rubalcava is a General Partner and Co-Founder of Stage Venture Partners, an L.A.-based VC firm that invests in upcoming software technologies.

Alex began his investing career with Anthem Venture Partners in Los Angeles before switching to public market investing. He founded Stage Venture Partners in 2015 with his co-founder, and the company has since worked with startups including Balto, Sightline, and Iris.TV.

Well-versed in venture capital and investing, Alex shares with us some valuable insights into the investing world, including his experiences in both private and public environments and what he looks for in companies when wanting to invest.

We discuss:

• Public vs. private market experiences (8:58)
• Effects of proliferation of VCs in the LA area (15:15)
• Specialized investments vs. broader focus (16:25)
• What is enterprise software (23:18)
• Helping and adding value to spread companies (29:50)
• Why you, why now, why us (31:43)
• Evaluating different venture opportunities (38:30)
• Working with Balto (previous Upside guest) (42:57)
• Upside's Listener Survey 2019 (46:54)

Learn more about Stage Venture Partners: http://www.stagevp.com/
Follow Alex on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexRubalcava/
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This episode is sponsored by Integrity Power Search, the #1 full stack high growth startup recruiting firm between the coasts. They partner with venture capitalists, private equity groups and CEOs to build amazing teams for the world’s most disrupting companies.

Learn more about or get in touch with Integrity Power Search: https://upside.fm/integrity