Victor Gutwein of M25 // A conversation 200 episodes in the making [CC080]

Interview Begins: 9:01
Debrief: 59:30

Victor Gutwein is the Founder and Managing Partner of M25

M25 is an early-stage venture firm based in Chicago, investing solely in tech startups headquartered in the Midwest. Since they launched in 2015, they've become the most active investor in the region.

They are led by two of the youngest fund managers in the industry, and they enjoy challenging traditions. They invest broadly, and our unique, analytical approach to venture investing aims to reduce the risk, while maintaining the high returns typically associated with this stage of investing. They emphasize our expansive networks, and thrive on collaboration - helping to syndicate deals, encouraging fair terms as a best practice, and prioritizing relationships.

A Kauffman Fellow (Class 22) and former leader in Hyde Park Angels, Victor founded M25 in 2015 and quickly grew it to become the most active venture firm in the Midwest.

We discuss:

• Generational Entrepreneurship 12:27
• Starting small with VC 19:04
• Value Negative Capital Before 21:36
• Angel Groups Before and Now 23:51
• Knowing the Best Deals in the Region 26:18
• M25's Model 29:46
• Maintaining Reputation 33:50
• Trending Opportunities in the Midwest 37:58
• Concerns in the Midwest 41:11
• Expanding beyond the Midwest 44:52
• Midwest on Early Stage VCs 52:28
• M25 Summit 55:07

M25 was founded in 2015 in Chicago, Ilinois.

Learn more about m25
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