Meet the Minds Behind the Microphone
Did you ever picture the hosts of your favorite podcast diving deep into the heart of the tech world with their very own investment fund? Well, that’s exactly what’s happening with the dynamic duo from the Acquired podcast. **David Rosenthal** and **Ben Gilbert** are not just content with dissecting the nuts and bolts of business and technology on air; they’re taking a giant leap forward.
From Airwaves to Equity: A Bold New Venture
When GeekWire stumbled upon a fresh SEC filing today, the cat was let out of the bag. It revealed an ambitious plan by Rosenthal and Gilbert to nurture growth-stage tech companies with a new fund. But why now, and why them, you ask? It turns out, these hosts have been doing more than just talking tech. They’ve been actively investing in companies that have piqued their interest through their podcast explorations. This fund is their way of formalizing what has, until now, been a personal venture.
A Duo with a Vision
Let’s rewind a bit. Before becoming podcast sensations, Gilbert and Rosenthal cut their teeth at Madrona in Seattle, grinding through the venture capital world. It was there, amongst the buzz and hustle, that Acquired was born – initially as a side hobby in 2015. Fast forward to today, and what started as a passion project has mushroomed into a behemoth, drawing in over 600,000 monthly listeners and ranking amongst the top tech shows worldwide.
But don’t get it twisted. Despite their foray into the investment world, Gilbert assures that their primary focus remains the podcast. Producing top-tier episodes is their bread and butter, and this new venture is just a cherry on top.
Investment with a Side of Insight
Gilbert and Rosenthal embody the spirit of ‘putting your money where your mouth is.’ Their investments in startups like Vanta, Modern Treasury, and Go1 stem from the unique vantage point their podcast grants them. They’re not just spectators in the tech arena; they’re active participants, leveraging their platform to nab spots in promising companies’ investment rounds.
Storytellers with a Business Savvy Twist
Acquired is no ordinary podcast. It’s a marathon of insights, diving deep into the stories and strategies of companies for three to four hours at a stretch. Their latest masterpiece? A thorough analysis of Microsoft that Gilbert dubbed the “Super Bowl of Acquired.”
But it’s not just tech giants that get the spotlight. Their lens also focuses on trailblazers like Nike, Costco, and LVMH, attracting industry titans like NVIDIA’s Jensen Huang and Uber’s Dara Khosrowshahi to share their narratives.
Looking to the Horizon
With Gilbert recently shifting gears to dedicate more time to Acquired and Rosenthal continuing his investment endeavors at Kindergarten Ventures, it’s clear this duo is on an upward trajectory. They’re blending their love for storytelling with a keen eye for investment, proving that when it comes to business and technology, they’re not just talking the talk—they’re walking the walk.
So, what does the future hold for this enterprising pair? One thing’s for sure; they’ll keep pushing the envelope, whether on the airwaves or in the boardroom. And for us listeners and tech enthusiasts, that’s a journey worth tuning into.
