In this episode, Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter sit down with Michael Batko, the driving force behind Startmate, to explore the intricacies of early stage investing and the power of community in the startup realm. Batko shares his journey, starting from his first investment to steering one of the most active seed stage investors in the industry. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Batko and his team utilize a community-driven approach to identify, select, and uplift transformative business ideas.

Diving into the Startmate selection process, Batko reveals the operational complexities of coordinating a vast network of mentors and how their personal investment in the fund aligns interests and boosts engagement. The conversation also uncovers the evolution of Startmate's investment thesis, its expansion into diverse industries, and Batko's approach to encouraging non-consensus thinking to unlock extraordinary potential. The episode delves into the significance of carry in VC funds, the strategic role of a continuity fund, and the decision-making framework for follow-on investments, all while reflecting on Batko's philosophy of betting on the hungry rather than the proven.