An inside look at the Mandalore thesis. Minh shares our perspective on company building and the future of capital, outlining the principles that guide our investment strategy.
AI Startups in PE/VC: Overhyped or Underestimated?
AI startup valuations are at an all-time high. Is this a bubble or the new reality? We debate whether AI companies are overhyped or genuinely underestimated by VC and PE investors, and what to look for beyond the hype.
Studio vs. Accelerator: Which Model Drives Better Founder Outcomes?
Which path is right for you? This episode compares the studio and accelerator models from a founder's perspective, examining equity, speed to market, and long-term success rates.
🔊 This podcast episode was created with the support of AI.
Venture Studio vs. Incubator vs. VC Fund: What's the Difference?
A foundational look at the key models for early-stage company building. We break down their differences in capital, support, and equity to help founders understand the landscape.
🔊 This podcast episode was created with the support of AI.
AI Investment Trends: What VC Funds Need to Know Now
Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, and investment strategies. In this episode, we highlight the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges for funds looking to navigate the AI landscape, helping investors make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving market.
🔊 This podcast episode was created with the support of AI.
Why Specialization is the New Growth Hack in Fintech
This episode explores how vertical fintechs are using specialization to scale faster and capture niche markets. We discuss why focusing on a specific problem or audience is becoming the most effective growth strategy and what this means for investors, founders, and the future of financial technology.
🔊 This podcast episode was created with the support of AI.
Europe's Venture Studios: Reinventing the Early Stage Playbook
In this episode, we’re diving into Europe’s venture studios and how they’re reinventing the early-stage playbook. We’ll explore why this model is gaining momentum, how it compares to the U.S. and Asia, and what makes Europe such fertile ground for venture building. Along the way, we’ll look at examples like eFounders, Rocket Internet, Entrepreneur First, and Antler — and highlight what founders and investors can learn from their approaches.
🔊 This podcast episode was created with the support of AI.
From Unicorn Dreams to Revenue Reality: Minh Q. Tran on Venture Capital in Insurtech
FSBrew, the Middle East's leading podcast on insurance and insurtech, welcomes Minh Q. Tran, a venture capitalist with 25+ years of experience in tech and finance. Minh leads Mandalore Partners, specializing in corporate venture capital as a service, helping insurance companies invest in innovative startups.
The discussion covers startup funding, collaboration in the insurance industry, revenue generation, market fit, product competitiveness, and team expertise. Minh shares insights on disruptive vs. collaborative startups, AI adoption, regulatory challenges, and reinsurance opportunities in the Middle East. He also provides advice on scaling, investment strategies, and navigating local regulations.
In the rapid-fire round, Minh discusses blockchain, his investment philosophy, and key traits of successful entrepreneurs. This episode is packed with valuable insights for Insurtech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals.