S3E01 - Lessons from investing in 1,100+ network businesses with Jose Marin of FJ Labs.

This interview podcast features Sjoerd Handgraaf, CMO of Sharetribe, interviewing Jose Marin, co-founder and partner of FJ Labs, a leading marketplace angel investor. The conversation begins with Marin's background as a serial entrepreneur involved in building several successful marketplace companies, including MercadoLibre and OLX. The discussion then shifts to FJ Labs' unique investment approach, focusing on high-quality deal flow (over 200 inbound deals per week) and vertical expertise, without leading rounds or joining boards. Marin highlights emerging trends in marketplaces, such as B2B digitalization, cross-border commerce (exemplified by Vinted's success), and the continued potential for new vertical marketplaces. Finally, Marin offers advice for early-stage founders, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right partners, prioritizing capital efficiency, and iteratively testing pricing and go-to-market strategies.