VC Corner Q&A: Carey Ransom of OC4 Venture Studio
Carey Ransom is a technology entrepreneur, executive, investor and advisor, and has started, grown and/or led 8 B2B and consumer technology companies during startup and growth phases. He’s currently the President of OC4 Venture Studio, a new technology entrepreneur-focused startup studio and fund in Orange County. He’s also host of Accelerate OC, a weekly show and podcast featuring Orange County innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders. Since 2003, Carey has also invested in 12 of his own or angel-funded others’ ventures, with a current IRR of 25%+ (unrealized). Most of these ventures are SaaS, fintech or data/analytics companies.
— What is OC4 Venture Sudio’s mission?
OC4 Venture Studio’s goal is to invest in and support early stage founders of big idea data-centric SaaS companies, primarily based in Southern California.
— What is one thing you are excited about right now?
The number of new problems caused by the current disruption that inspire founders to develop solutions and improve lives and move life forward.
— Who is one founder you think we should watch?
Deepa Krisnan at Spoonful.
— What are the 3 top qualities of every great leader?
Curious, humble, and emotionally intelligent.
— What was your very first investment?
Sweat equity into a SaaS startup in 2003 called MessageRite. I met the founder and got excited about the product and problem. I joined as the first and only business person (I did marketing, sales, business development) and we grew rapidly and sold the company very quickly. It became part of Microsoft in 2005.
— What is one question you ask yourself before investing in a company?
Is this a founder I want to regularly work with, coach, and learn from?
— What is one thing every founder should ask themselves before walking into a meeting with a potential investor?
Is this an investor I want to regularly work with, learn from, and coach?
— What do you think should be in a CEO’s top 3 company priorities?
Depends on the stage and state of the business, but usually at the top are: ensuring that the vision is clear and cast, there is sufficient capital in the business, and that the best possible team is in the company (or being recruited).
— Favorite business book, blog or podcast?
Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni.
— What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
Coaching or watching my kids play sports (and occasionally playing with them).
— Who is one leader you admire?
Mike Mussallem, CEO of Edwards Lifesciences. He epitomizes a purpose-driven leader who deeply understands the multiple constituents (shareholders, employees, customers, community) and strives to serve them all effectively.
— What is one interesting thing most people won’t know about you?
I grew up in a multi-generational retail family business and got to work with my father and grandfather throughout my childhood, and believe I learned most of my business and leadership lessons there. When my dad sold it 2 years ago, it was 146 years old.
— What is one piece of advice you’d give every founder?
Love the problem and the customers you’re serving.
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