The MedTech Startup Podcast - Justin Olshavsky - Pioneer Bio+Health Fund

The MedTech Startup Podcast

Venture Capital Insights: From Startup Founder to VC | Justin Olshavsky
In this engaging interview, Justin Olshavsky, General Partner at Pioneer Bio and Health Fund, shares valuable insights from his unique journey of transitioning from being a young MedTech entrepreneur to an influential venture capitalist. He sheds light on the pros and cons of exits, what it took to raise capital for his own startup Voyage, and the importance of having a deep bench of experience in your team as a VC. As a Y Combinator alum, he's excited about scaling impact and supporting ambitious early-stage companies. In addition, Olshavsky touches on the pros and cons of becoming a VC and the mechanics of setting up a fund. This episode provides an inspiring perspective and essential knowledge for aspiring entrepreneurs and future VCs alike.
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
00:00 Getting to Know Justin Olshalvsky
00:05 The Bay Area and Its Influence
01:05 Welcome to the MedTech Startup Podcast
01:37 Justin's Journey from Engineer to Venture Capitalist
04:57 The Birth and Growth of Pioneer Bio and Health Fund
13:09 The Role of Luck and Effort in Entrepreneurship and Investment
15:58 The Voyage Story: From Academia to Entrepreneurship
17:03 The Journey to External Funding
17:20 Learning the Basics of Fundraising
17:35 The Initial Steps of Voyage
18:12 The Importance of a Strong Team and Mentors
18:55 The Art of Pitching to Investors
19:23 The Voyage Funding Journey
20:27 The Reality of Company Exits
22:55 The Transition from Entrepreneur to VC
24:22 The Challenges and Rewards of Being a VC
29:15 The Mechanics of Setting Up a Fund
32:03 The Differences Between Raising Funds as an Entrepreneur and a VC
33:55 The Pros and Cons of Becoming a VC
36:10 Closing Thoughts