Many of my venture friends have raved about Peter, Founder at Stellation Capital, and now I completely understand why. From founding Rough Draft Ventures, HackHarvard, and Harvard Ventures(just to name a few), he’s become a cornerstone of the venture community. I got my start in venture through the Boston startup ecosystem, and I’ve been so fortunate to experience firsthand the ripple effects of his impact.
In episode 40 of New to Venture, Peter and I take a walk down memory lane, breaking down the traits that make him such a standout investor. Plus, we geek out over Magic: The Gathering and modding gaming devices. Tune in!
My key takeaways:
1️⃣ Creators have an edge: All VCs allocate and advise, but few create. If you’re early in your VC journey, build something. It could be content, a community, an organization, an initiative, or a product. Creating tangible impact attracts mentors, opportunities, and meaningful connections.
2️⃣ Avoid a zero-sum mindset: Focus on creating value for the broader community rather than competing for a fixed pie. A rising tide lifts all boats; strive to be the force that elevates everyone.
3️⃣ Spot potential early: The ability to recognize greatness before the world does is a superpower. Don’t rely on pedigree. Trust your instincts and invest in people ahead of the curve. Also, playing a role in the rise of future leaders isn’t just good business; it’s deeply rewarding!
4️⃣ Specialize, then rotate: For early VC folks, master one or two areas while staying flexible. Once you have a strong grasp of the landscape, explore new verticals and industries. Get comfortable becoming an expert, over and over again.
5️⃣ Find your signature investing style: Whether it’s how you source, support, or select, develop an authentic approach that differentiates you.
6️⃣ Find your signature learning style: Discover how you absorb information best. Whether it is through books, podcasts, conversations, or other means. You should be continuously consuming information. The more mental models you integrate, the sharper your decisions and insights will become.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introductions
(02:30) - Magic the Gathering + Modding Xboxs
(07:02) - Origin stories
(16:26) - Traits helped Peter grow
(21:45) - The birth of Stellation Capital
(29:13) - Peter’s first firm hire
(33:46) - Highlights and lowlights
(38:08) - Ceremonial final Qs