Unveiling the Finance World: Navigating Entrepreneurship and Micro Private Equity with LaSean Smith

Colors of Web3 & Entrepreneurship

In this 13th episode of Colors of Web3 & Entrepreneurship, dive deep into the dynamic world of finance and entrepreneurship with the insightful LaSean Smith, founder of CAGR. Join the conversation as we explore the various topics including various finance concepts, AI, virtual creators, private equity, entrepreneurship, and Web3. LaSean shares his experiences and unconventional insights, shedding light on the psychology of customer interactions and the key to building successful businesses.

⌛ Timestamps

00:00:00 Episode trailer

00:00:19 Podcast introduction and guest introduction

00:00:39 LaSean's brief self-introduction

00:01:20 LaSean's professional background

00:03:40 Why he decided to invest full-time

00:06:03 His entrepreneurial journey in 3 different businesses

00:08:13 LaSean's big business exit in 2011 and his reflection on the sale

00:13:16 LaSean's hobbies outside of investment

00:16:20 The types of books that he reads

00:17:30 His prediction that 2024 will be the breakout year for video AI models

00:18:36 Why he's bullish on virtual creators

00:21:00 The top 10 grossing media franchises are non-human characters (virtual creators)

00:24:51 Chart of the highest-grossing franchises

00:26:24 Deep dive on his main company CAGR.com

00:27:30 Different types of deals and where his company sits

00:28:42 His explanation about the various types of investments

00:35:31 His explanation of how private equity works

00:43:31 His areas of focus and his firm's thesis

00:45:00 What is not working in his current business

00:46:11 What is working in his current business

00:50:33 His topics that he would like to explore in 2024 00:56:48 The criteria he uses to evaluate businesses that he wants to invest in

01:04:35 A local construction business deal that did not work out for him and key man clause definition

01:05:51 Life cycle of angel investment deals and his lessons as an angel investor

01:12:07 Life cycle of private equity and micro private equity 01:15:01 Advantages of using permanent capital

01:21:35 Why he has not invested in any Web3 companies yet, but still remain bullish on the space

01:22:41 LaSean's opinion on Web3 space

01:29:55 Inflection points in technology

01:32:30 What Web3 companies can do to onboard 1 billion people according to LaSean

01:35:51 Advice for startup founders

01:38:47 Advice for people who want to break into private equity

01:42:38 Where people can follow LaSean and reach out to him 01:44:50 Episode outro

Follow LaSean's company: https://cagr.com/

My social media if you guys want to follow me:

Twitter/X: ⁠https://www.twitter.com/LamWeb3⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamweb3/⁠

Website: ⁠https://lamtrinh.xyz⁠

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