In this episode of Disruption/Interruption, host KJ sits down with Chris Dolezalek, Executive Vice President of R&D at Hum Capital. Chris shares his journey from Silicon Valley’s most highly funded startup to leading innovation in venture capital. He discusses the flaws in traditional VC, the power of resilience, and how technology and human insight are reshaping funding for diverse founders. Listeners will hear hard-won lessons from the edge of chaos, stories of near-failure and rebirth, and practical advice for founders seeking capital in uncertain times.

Four Key Takeaways:

1. Resilience is Essential [29:46]
   Chris emphasizes the importance of getting up after setbacks, sharing the Japanese saying, “Get knocked down seven times, get up eight,” and how resilience is a key trait for founders.
2. Venture Capital Needs Disruption [8:15]
   Traditional VC relies on personal networks and outdated data, often excluding minority and female founders. Hum Capital is using real-time financial data and AI to democratize access to funding.
3. Human Insight Complements AI [19:35]
   While AI can flag promising companies, Chris explains the need for human judgment—what he calls “AI whispering”—to make the best investment decisions.
4. Learned Resilience and Growth [36:05]
   Chris introduces the concept of “learned resilience”—not just bouncing back, but learning from setbacks to come back stronger and smarter.

Quote of the Show (32:52):
“The truth about software is the Milli Vanilli effect. You don’t have to be able to sing. You just have to look good.” – Chris Dolezalek

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Ways to connect with Chris Dolezalek:

LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdolezalek

Company Website: https://humcapital.com

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