Mangusta Capital

Breaking into venture capital has always been competitive, yet 2024’s landscape brings extra challenges. Here’s a look at how the venture landscape has become even tougher —and how early-career professionals can succeed regardless. ? Macro Volatility: High costs of capital motivated by inflation and interest rate changes have made VC firms cautious, focusing on managing portfolios rather than expanding aggressively. Openings in junior roles have shrunk as venture funding fell over 50% in early 2023. By mid-2023 the accumulation of $300 billion in dry powder reserves shows firms waiting to invest, limiting chances to break in.? ? Specialization: As firms shift toward investments with new, and massive, disruption opportunities, ever-more specialized experience is needed. The recent late-stage and AI boom have encouraged specialist investors while generalist early-career roles remain closed. ? How to stand out in VC: ? Develop Targeted Expertise: Focus on developing experience in top-growth sectors like AI and health tech, which make you more valuable in the eyes of VC firms. Looking ahead and catching these trends early can you put you ahead of the curve — VCs have invested in AI 15% more than other sectors since 2022.? ? Network Strategically: Connecting with industry professionals proves itself invaluable. Reaching out in any way, even by cold emails, can enable access to a crucial mentor. Tailor these messages to highlight why you’re a strong fit for a specific role and demonstrate understanding of the firm’s thesis and expertise. ? Perfect Your Pitch: Develop a concise, tailored pitch showcasing your skills, unique drive, and awareness of current VC trends. ? Breaking into VC is challenging, but it remains as rewarding as ever. The correct strategy, grit, and desire to learn will prepare you for success.

?? Reflecting on a fantastic LP breakfast we at Mangusta Capital hosted at the iconic Hotel de Paris in Monaco! Bringing together a remarkable group of limited partners for a morning of deep discussions and strategic insights was a true highlight of our time at SuperInvestor. Over breakfast, we explored the latest trends in venture capital, evolving market dynamics, and the transformative role of AI and tech in shaping the future of investment. A big thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the dialogue. It’s moments like these that drive meaningful connections and collaborative growth, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to share ideas with such forward-thinking partners. Looking forward to many more conversations ahead! #SuperInvestor #VentureCapital #AI #Networking #Monaco #HoteldeParis #LPInsights cc Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, Tommaso Chiabra, Marco Talarico, Luigi Giacomo Mascellaro, Paolo Altomare

"AI isn’t just the future — it’s here, and it’s already disrupting industries faster than many can adapt." This was the crux of the AI Panel at the VNTR Summit in Lisbon, where I had the privilege of diving into the real-world impact and challenges of AI with some of the brightest minds in tech and investment. It was an honor to join such a distinguished group of investors including Neville Teagarden, Kelly Perdew, Zach Coelius to discuss the latest trends and opportunities in AI. We cut through the hype to explore what’s genuinely working (and what’s not) as AI reshapes businesses, upends traditional models, and forces us to rethink how we build and scale startups. From practical applications to ethical dilemmas, the conversation was a testament to the transformative potential — and risks — of this technology. A big shoutout to the VNTR Summit team led by Yuri G. Rabinovich for orchestrating such an electric atmosphere and to all the participants who brought their A-game with insightful questions and ideas. I look forward to continuing these conversations and exploring new collaborations. See you all in Davos next year! #VNTRSummit #AI #Disruption #Innovation #LisbonTech #VNTR #VentureCapital #Investment #AI #Blockchain #Innovation #Networking #Lisbon

?? Just returned from an inspiring whirlwind between Web Summit in Lisbon and SuperReturn in Monaco, and I'm feeling both energized and humbled. It’s always eye-opening to connect with fellow investors, founders, and thought leaders who challenge and expand my perspective. Here are a few key takeaways that I’m bringing back to Mangusta Capital: 1. *Embrace the "Known Unknowns"* ??Being around so many innovative minds serves as a reminder of just how much there is still to learn. As investors, we often pride ourselves on knowing the right trends and market drivers, but it’s equally important to stay grounded in what we *don’t know.* Recognizing and actively seeking out these “known unknowns” helps us remain adaptable, resilient, and prepared to navigate the complexities of investing in evolving sectors like AI and consumer tech. 2. *Sustainable Growth is a Shared Responsibility* ??A key theme that resonated throughout both conferences was the need to look beyond pure growth metrics and consider long-term impact. Whether in venture capital or private equity, investors are increasingly in a position to drive change in areas like ethical AI and climate-focused tech. Hearing from so many founders focused on responsible innovation affirmed for me that our industry can—and should—be a force for sustainable transformation. 3. *The Power of the Right Network* ??It’s incredible to see what a network can achieve when people come together with open minds. The discussions and partnerships formed at these conferences underscored how strategic connections often lead to breakthrough ideas and opportunities. Whether sharing knowledge or collaborating on deals, having access to a global community of peers is invaluable, and I’m grateful for the insights shared and connections made. Excited to take these insights forward and continue pushing boundaries. If we connected at Web Summit or SuperInvestor, let’s stay in touch—I’m looking forward to seeing where our shared learnings take us next. #WebSummit #SuperInvestor #VentureCapital #ContinuousLearning #SustainableInvesting #NetworkEffect #MangustaCapital cc Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio Tommaso Chiabra Marco Talarico Luigi Giacomo Mascellaro Paolo Altomare

While this may seem like basic information, it's crucial for anyone navigating the AI landscape to understand the pivotal distinction between the costs and resources associated with **training** versus **inference** in large language models. **Training** a model requires a substantial investment in computational power and quality data, often running into millions of dollars. This initial phase is critical as it sets the foundation for the model’s effectiveness and efficiency. Conversely, **inference**—the application of the model to new data—is less resource-intensive, yet still demands strategic planning to optimize performance and manage operational costs. For investors and developers in the AI space, grasping these dynamics is vital. It can significantly influence business models and funding strategies, ultimately shaping the future of AI innovation. Curious to dive deeper? Check out the full article that Dongwoo Suh and I published on our Mangusta Capital blog here: https://lnkd.in/gnM_Y8jQ #AI #LLMs #VentureCapital #InvestmentStrategies #Mangusta

Mangusta Capital is expanding, and we’re looking for a Chief of Staff with grit, vision, and relentless drive to grow with us. A few key requirements:?? 1?? This role is in-person; candidates must be based in San Francisco.?? 2?? Ideal candidates will have no more than 2 years of professional experience. This is a high-stakes role—best suited for those who thrive under intense pressure. We need someone who’s hyper-responsive, answers messages and emails in real time, and is always “on”—working nights, weekends, and loving the grind. We want a strategic powerhouse who leads our most critical initiatives, tackles challenges with initiative, and doesn’t need to be told what to do. This isn’t a support position; it’s a force multiplier. We’re looking for someone with an unstoppable work ethic, who sees challenges as opportunities and is driven to push boundaries. If you’re ready to go all-in and have experience in startups, venture capital, finance, or consulting, send me a DM on LinkedIn with your resume and any relevant work samples. #hiring #chiefofstaff #venturecapital #finance #tech #startups

Kashif and the TaxGPT team are some of the best in the game. Check out this incredible opportunity!

Mangusta Capital Managing Partner, Kevin Jiang, was at Web Summit today, as one of the judges for the 10 semi-finalists of the Web Summit #PITCH competition! It’s inspiring to see new talent—the backbone of disruption in AI and tech—that we’re here to support and elevate. #WebSummit2024 #VentureCapital #Founders #AeternityFoundation #AI

Today at Web Summit, Our Managing Partner Kevin Jiang will join a powerhouse panel?(AI)nvesting?to discuss the ever-evolving landscape of AI investing. With AI startups continuing to lead in the funding ecosystem, there’s no sign of a slowdown. From high-profile rounds like xAI to emerging ventures with groundbreaking potential, what makes venture capitalists so bullish on AI? And how do they envision the future of this market? Kevin is joined by Kanu Gulati (Khosla Ventures), Carlos Silva (Faber), Clément BENOIT (Clone), and Jennifer Strong. Don’t miss their insights on what’s driving this AI investment wave and where it’s headed next! #WebSummit #AI #VentureCapital #Innovation

?? Wrapping up an incredibly productive time at SuperInvestor in Monaco! On behalf of Mangusta Capital, Benjamin Radomski and I had a fantastic time connecting with so many forward-thinking investors, sharing insights, and discussing the evolving landscape of venture capital and AI markets. The conversations around the intersection of VC and AI were particularly energizing, from navigating today’s funding challenges to exploring the impact of generative AI and automation on the future of industries. Meeting with peers who are equally passionate about innovation and growth reaffirmed the importance of collaborative learning in this fast-paced space. Thank you to everyone who made this event so valuable! Looking forward to seeing where these conversations and connections lead. #SuperInvestor #VentureCapital #AI #Networking #Monaco #Innovation