VC10X - UC Berkeley's Startup Accelerator - Caroline Winnett, Executive Director, Berkeley SkyDeck | VC10X - Startups, GTM, Investing, Venture Capital, Asset Management, Private Equity, Family Office

This VC10X podcast episode interviews Caroline Winnett, Executive Director of Berkeley SkyDeck, a startup accelerator. The discussion covers SkyDeck's structure, including its unique partnership with UC Berkeley where half the fund carry is donated back to the university, its selection process (receiving nearly 5,000 applications annually), and its support for founders from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations. Winnett details how SkyDeck leverages UC Berkeley's vast network for mentorship and resources, emphasizing a hands-on, bespoke approach to supporting startups. Listeners learn about SkyDeck's funding model and the criteria used to evaluate applicants, gaining insights into a successful university-affiliated accelerator program.

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VC10X - UC Berkeley's Startup Accelerator - Caroline Winnett, Executive Director, Berkeley SkyDeck

VC10X - Startups, GTM, Investing, Venture Capital, Asset Management, Private Equity, Family Office

Introduction: Berkeley's Transformation into a Startup Hub

Introduction of Caroline Winnett and the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund

SkyDeck Fund's Motivation and Target Audience

SkyDeck Accelerator Program Structure and Support

SkyDeck's Operational Team and Selection Process

Application Process and UC Berkeley's Evolving Reputation

Benefits of SkyDeck for UC Berkeley

SkyDeck Fund's Portfolio Construction and Post-Accelerator Goals

Evaluating Student Founders and the Role of Prior Experience

University Reputation as a VC Signal and DEI Approach at SkyDeck

Rapid Fire Round: Key Aspects of SkyDeck's Investment Strategy

VC10X - UC Berkeley's Startup Accelerator - Caroline Winnett, Executive Director, Berkeley SkyDeck

VC10X - Startups, GTM, Investing, Venture Capital, Asset Management, Private Equity, Family Office

00:00Introduction: Berkeley's Transformation into a Startup Hub

Introduction: Berkeley's Transformation into a Startup Hub

02:09Introduction of Caroline Winnett and the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund

Introduction of Caroline Winnett and the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund

04:48SkyDeck Fund's Motivation and Target Audience

SkyDeck Fund's Motivation and Target Audience

07:23SkyDeck Accelerator Program Structure and Support

SkyDeck Accelerator Program Structure and Support

11:02SkyDeck's Operational Team and Selection Process

SkyDeck's Operational Team and Selection Process

15:42Application Process and UC Berkeley's Evolving Reputation

Application Process and UC Berkeley's Evolving Reputation

19:42Benefits of SkyDeck for UC Berkeley

Benefits of SkyDeck for UC Berkeley

22:39SkyDeck Fund's Portfolio Construction and Post-Accelerator Goals

SkyDeck Fund's Portfolio Construction and Post-Accelerator Goals

26:09Evaluating Student Founders and the Role of Prior Experience

Evaluating Student Founders and the Role of Prior Experience

32:19University Reputation as a VC Signal and DEI Approach at SkyDeck

University Reputation as a VC Signal and DEI Approach at SkyDeck

34:44Rapid Fire Round: Key Aspects of SkyDeck's Investment Strategy

Rapid Fire Round: Key Aspects of SkyDeck's Investment Strategy