Episode E107: Julia Krieger - Pari Passu Venture Partners

In this enlightening episode of the Female VC Lab Podcast, host Barbara Bickham sits down with Julia Krieger, the dynamic force behind Pari Passu Venture Partners. Julia shares her journey to becoming a venture capitalist, driven by her passion for building and creating. She reveals the innovative model of Pari Passu, which focuses on individual SPVs and robust support systems to ensure the success of their diverse portfolio.

Barbara and Julia delve into the meaning and inspiration behind the name "Pari Passu," emphasizing equal footing and deep founder support. Julia also discusses the importance of having operatives on the cap table who bring invaluable experience and insights to the businesses they invest in.

Listeners will gain insights into Julia’s current personal growth journey, highlighted by her reflections on The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer. Julia shares her philosophy of "flow versus force," explaining how this mindset can influence leadership and operational success.

Looking forward, Julia and Barbara explore future trends in venture capital, such as the increasing emphasis on value-add investors and the thoughtful selection of cap table participants. They also touch on emerging industries that promise interesting opportunities for investors.

Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with practical wisdom, future forecasts, and the innovative approach of Pari Passu Venture Partners. Tune in to discover how this unique venture capital model fosters a supportive, dynamic community for founders and investors alike.

Key topics discussed:

• Julia Krieger's journey to venture capitalism

• Unique SPV-focused model of Pari Passu Venture Partners

• The significance of the name "Pari Passu"

• Concept of "flow versus force" in leadership

• Emerging trends and industries in venture capital

• Pari Passu’s commitment to creating a supportive investment community

Contact Information: Julia Krieger - julia@ppvp.com
Pari Passu Venture Partners App [Available on app stores]

Tune in and be inspired by Julia Krieger's innovative approach to venture capital!

Insights from Julia Gudish Krieger: Navigating the Venture Capital Landscape

Welcome back to the Female VC Lab Podcast, where we explore the journeys of women in venture capital. In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Julia Gudish Krieger, a partner at Pari Passu Venture Partners. Julia shared her insights on venture capital, her unique investment thesis, and the evolving landscape of investing.

From Operator to Venture Capitalist

Julia's journey into venture capital stems from her entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to create and build. Here’s what inspired her transition:

• Diverse Exposure: Venture capital allows Julia to engage with a variety of companies, sectors, and stages, satisfying her intellectual curiosity while also feeding her entrepreneurial itch.
• Supportive Community: Julia believes that success in business requires a supportive network, akin to “it takes a village.” This philosophy underpins her approach to investing.

The Pari Passu Thesis

At Pari Passu Venture Partners, Julia and her team have developed a distinctive investment strategy:

• Individual Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs): Unlike traditional venture funds, Pari Passu focuses on thoughtful, individual SPVs that provide substantial resources and support for portfolio companies.
• Value-Added Investors: Julia emphasizes the importance of having operators on the cap table—individuals who have firsthand experience in building businesses and can provide invaluable support.
• Bridging Gaps: The firm aims to connect high-net-worth individuals who may not be able to invest large sums in top-tier funds with curated investment opportunities, allowing them to contribute smaller amounts and still make a meaningful impact.

The Meaning Behind "Perry Pursue"

The name "Pari Passu" reflects Julia's commitment to equality in the venture space:

• Equal Footing: The term signifies a platform where founders support each other, fostering a sense of camaraderie among operators and entrepreneurs.
• Shared Experiences: Julia highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in supporting founders, especially those who have faced the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Continuous Learning and Personal Growth

Julia is an advocate for ongoing personal development. Currently, she is rereading "The Surrender Experiment" by Michael Singer, which explores the concept of:

• Flow vs. Force: Julia emphasizes the importance of working in a state of flow rather than force, especially as a leader. This mindset encourages adaptability and openness to new ideas.
• Life Lessons: The book illustrates how surrendering to life’s opportunities can lead to unexpected successes, reinforcing the value of being receptive rather than rigid.

The Future of Venture Capital

Looking ahead to the next two years, Julia identifies key trends shaping the venture capital landscape:

1. Value-Added Investors: There will be an increasing emphasis on investors who can provide real support during challenging times, not just during periods of growth.
2. Thoughtful Fundraising: Founders are becoming more strategic about raising capital upfront, focusing on building solid business fundamentals instead of relying solely on future funding rounds.
3. Emerging Industries: Julia anticipates growth in sectors previously considered niche, such as defense technology and wellness tech, as they gain mainstream acceptance and scientific backing.

Connect with Julia

If you’re interested in learning more or connecting with Julia, you can reach her via:

• Email: Julia at PPVP.com
• Pari Passu App: Download the app to engage with a community of founders and investors.