Solve a Problem | 3 Tips from Anthony Kelani (Quake Capital)

The Demo Day Podcast by CoEfficient Labs is the go-to listen for VC’s and venture-backed founders. And who better to inaugurate our show than a man who’s lived the corporate, startup, and VC life?

In our very first episode of Demo Day, we speak with Anthony Kelani—former managing partner at Quake Capital and now the CEO of DNABlock—about his transitions into both the startup and VC worlds. Here are some of our key takeaways from Anthony: 

1. If you’re corporate…You can still be entrepreneurial (at least for a bit).

Maybe you haven’t found the idea yet. Maybe you’re still stretching your entrepreneurial legs. Luckily, if you’re in a corporate environment— it’s still possible to practice your enterprising spirit. 

Anthony worked for Northrop Grumman, the space & defense company with 90,000 employees, for 6 years. Though he admits it’s difficult to innovate in a big corporation, he cites his interest in working on projects outside of work as the source of his success. In this way, Anthony could tinker with a problem and solution on his own time, propose it to his boss when he was ready, and eventually lead his own project. 

This may fulfill you for a year or two, but part of being an entrepreneur is taking the leap of faith. Anthony left his steady (and higher) paying job for the startup world, and eventually, you’ll need to, too. 

2. If you’re a founder…Solve a problem!

As easy as it might make things—you can’t create a problem from a solution. One key piece of advice Anthony has for starting your own business is to know your problem… and then know it some more. Providing unique and in-depth insights in your pitches will generate both clarity and a connection with your potential partners. 

3. If you’re looking to become a VC partner…Build your own portfolio.

Since Anthony jumped from industry to industry—he didn’t have as much direct experience as others might. Nevertheless, he generated his own portfolio to show traction and added immense value to Quake Capital as a result. Since VCs seek an easy deal flow, providing your own portfolio of startup founders can streamline conversations and eventual investments for the firm. 

Want to Learn More?

Anthony has plenty to share—including his engineering background, what it means to scheme, and overcoming adversity. Listen now on on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our Demo Day Website.

And make sure to let us know what you learned from Anthony in the comments below!