Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital.

In this episode, we sit down with Ken Thomas, partner at BackFuture Ventures, who shares insights from the frontlines of venture capital and investment. From the bustling tech scene in New York to his experiences in London, Ken offers insights into early-stage investing and a view on what it takes to spot the next big thing. He also dives deep into what sets great founders apart, how storytelling plays a crucial role in winning investors, and the trends shaping the future of tech, including the rise of AI.

Ken reflects on his journey into VC, the challenges of navigating different ecosystems, and how he finds and nurtures relationships with founders. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking for funding or curious about how the VC world works, this episode provides a treasure trove of actionable insights and real-world examples.

Timestamps

• Introduction and Ken’s Story (0:00 – 1:13)

• Investing in B2B SaaS and What VCs Look For (1:13 – 3:46)

• How Ken Finds Deals and Maintains Relationships (3:46 – 4:38)

• Comparing the VC Ecosystems: UK vs. US (5:35 – 7:15)

• Emerging Trends: AI and the Application Layer (7:40 – 8:58)

• The Importance of Storytelling for Founders (10:09 – 11:19)

• The Investment Process Explained (11:38 – 13:51)

• The Value Add of VCs (14:14 – 15:43)

• Community and Pitch Competitions (16:02 – 18:23)

• Closing Thoughts & Advice for Founders (18:38 – 19:24)

• BackFuture Ventures Website: https://www.backfuture.vc/

• Ken’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethkashifthomas/