In this podcast episode, Han Shen, the founder of iFly VC, shares his insights on investment strategies, fundraising experiences, and the changing landscape of the US startup scene. Han specializes in tech-enabled consumer businesses that focus on underserved demographics. He stresses that having a deep understanding of the market and operational excellence is far more important than simply chasing trends. He advocates for a concentrated portfolio, emphasizing the strength of founder teams and building valuable partnerships with limited partners (LPs). Han also opens up about his fundraising journey, discussing the hurdles he faced in securing initial investments and nurturing relationships with LPs. Additionally, he points out the emerging opportunities in sectors outside traditional startup hotspots like Silicon Valley, particularly within service-oriented brick-and-mortar retail.
