In this episode, John Radford sits down with Alistair Russell, investor at Venrex, to unpack the realities of startup fundraising, the evolving nature of venture capital, and the key differences between the UK and US tech ecosystems. Alistair shares his personal journey into VC, lessons learned from early bets, and what separates average startups from exceptional ones. From the importance of product-market fit and customer feedback, to why technology alone isn’t enough—this conversation is packed with insights for founders, startup operators, and anyone navigating the world of early-stage investment. Whether you're raising your first round, refining your pitch, or exploring transatlantic growth, this episode is a masterclass in modern venture capital strategy.