On this inaugural OG Crypto Series episode, I, Chris Groshong sit down with Managing Partner at Stillmark Capital, Alyse Killeen to discuss what it takes to have longevity in the Crypto and Blockchain industry.
This is a new series we're launching called The "Crypto OG Series" where I tap into my rolodex of VIPs, movers and shakers from the Blockchain space that have been around the industry and share their knowledge, perspective and philosophies.
In this one, we talk about Venture Capital in Crypto and Alyse’s philosophical approach to investing through Stillmark Capital.
Are there any differences between LA and Silicon Valley approaches to investing?
And what does she look for in founders and does emotional intelligence play a factor?
Hear a story about the history of entrepreneurship in her family dating back several generations.
Alyse and I first met at an afterparty in June of 2014 as part of a conference (no longer in existence) called Coin Congress.
She said some very motivating words to me that helped me push through tough times.
I point this out because this industry is small compared to other Technology categories.
You never know how the words you speak will be received or the importance someone may give to them.
The people you affect may become allies, liaisons or partners in the future.
Be positive, genuine and spread goodwill. You will be rewarded many times over.
Founding Partner StillMark Co. Founder and Executive Director of City Fellows Consortium and Women in Venture. Mentor at Silicon Valley’s Plug and Play Tech Center and Alchemist Accelerator, and to NYFTL by the Partnership Fund for NYC and Springboard Enterprises. Fintech Fellow at Singapore University of Social Sciences in Singapore. Company Advisor contributing on issues of Strategy, Finance, Org and Ops, and more. First learned about company building alongside a successful entrepreneurial grandfather, catalyzing an affinity for and commitment to entrepreneurs. Rooting for Underdogs and Outsiders.
This episode of LAB Radio was a part of our coverage of CryptoBlockcon where Chris Groshong interviewed Erin Nakamoto.
As described on Erin's website, here's a brief bio:
"My story is a relatively short one. I was working in DTLV in the group sales department of the D Las Vegas in 2014 when they announced to the staff that they were now accepting bitcoin for payment. They had us open a Blockchain wallet, told us not to lose our passwords (private keys) and gave us all a small amount. That same day, I had a gentlemen call me and ask if he could host a bitcoin meetup at our hotel. We met, and the rest is history!
…WELL, fast forward a couple of years, I absolutely lost my private keys, but that same gentlemen that called…not only did we plan an awesome meetup together, but we fell madly in love and are still together today. So, all in all, I lost $75 bucks but I found the love of my life so it worked out pretty well for me. My life has changed drastically.
I have since taken over the Las Vegas Bitcoin Meetup and host them monthly. Kingsley and I live in Las Vegas with our amazing pets and we live off of our crypto! It has been an experience, I’ll tell ya. Lots of highs and lows, but I feel like my life got way more interesting since I’ve started living this way. I have way more adventures and it’s a great conversation starter. If you ever need advice on how to survive off of bitcoin, I’m your girl. I’ve got tips for days. I believe in the power of the blockchain and believe it will change all of our lives. I believe in trustless, peer to peer, borderless technology. I use my crypto like I use my cash and while not everyone does that, I feel that this is the only way that we’re going to spread mass adoption. But hey, that’s just my .2"
Erin is a consummate influencer, event organizer (Las Vegas Bitcoin Meetup), connector and networker. We were thrilled to connect with her and talk Crypto at CryptoBlockCon.
Check out the post here: https://coinstructive.com/ep51-erinnakamoto/