Kauffman Fellows Module 5 Impressions: “Managing the Firm as a Business”

According to our Marketing Lead, Kelly Wiarda, I tend to start my posts with a quick and casual opening. I thought it was funny and decided to keep that going as it’s my strategy to ease myself into writing, since it’s not really my “thing”.

I love every Kauffman module and always come out of them extremely inspired and motivated to implement so many new ideas. Module 5 was the best one yet! Here is why:

The topic

This module’s topic was “Managing The Firm as a Business”, which is super relevant for a huge portion of our class, including us at Grand Ventures. Venture capital is a sexy industry, but many forget that, as emerging managers, we are truly operating like a startup. The teams are small, everyone wears multiple hats, there is a lot to do with limited resources, we have to fundraise, and we get 100s of “no”s. In summary, investing in great companies is just one part of the business, and this module covered many operational aspects of running a successful firm that are hidden behind the curtains. Most importantly, in typical Kauffman style, it provoked us to continue to have the hard partner conversations today that will drive us to build a long-lasting future for Grand Ventures.

The People

It is hard to believe that class 27 is one year into the 2-year program. Although it’s sad to see time go so fast, it’s also heartwarming to see how time has brought our class much closer.

We begin every module with a two-hour class debrief. During this time, every single person gives a positive or negative update on their personal and professional lives. This exercise gives people perspective and allows them to meet each fellow where they are mentally. Through vulnerability, we put our guards down a bit more each module, and the result is a much more sincere and supportive relationship. Our class now knows each other so much more and getting together is a blast!

The Location

We were back at 1440 Multiversity, and I can’t speak enough about how much I love the place and how effective it is in providing the perfect environment for the human interaction and reflections we need during the module.

Cheers to a year into the Kauffman Fellow Program, to welcoming class 28, and to me reporting back after only a few weeks after the module! Stay tuned, I can’t wait to report back on Kenya in September.