Chris Rizik has done what most VCs only dream of.
He’s
invested
in
60 VC funds supporting 800+ startups while reshaping the entire Midwest startup ecosystem.
In this episode, Shane sits down with Chris — NVCA Venture Vanguard Award winner, Michigan VC Hall of Fame inductee, and Managing Partner of Renaissance VC — to share the mindset and strategies that made him one of the most respected voices in venture capital.
✅ What you’ll learn:
• The #1 trait Chris looks for in a GP before investing
• Why democratizing venture capital leads to stronger returns
• The toughest lessons every VC must learn (and how to know when to walk away)
• How specialized funds can outperform mega-funds in the AI era
• What today’s GPs must do to stand out
If you’re a tech founder, fund manager, or investor, this conversation is packed with wisdom you won’t find in any pitch deck.
🎧 Hosted by Shane Ray Martin — Investor at B Ventures Group, the world’s first PeaceTech VC fund, LinkedIn Top Voice in Negotiation, and Certified Peace Mediator — helping founders grow both peace and profit.
👉 Message and connect with Shane:
linkedin.com/in/shaneraymartinPS - On October 1st, Chris is hosting UnDemo Day in Detroit, MI! Check out the full details:
renvcf.com/undemo-day/ 
