The VC Model Most Firms Get Wrong - Mike Collins Explains

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Collins, Founder and CEO of Alumni Ventures, to explore how venture capital is evolving and why network-driven investing is becoming increasingly powerful. Mike shares the origin story of Alumni Ventures and how it grew from a small alumni-based experiment into one of the most active venture platforms in the world, backing hundreds of companies across stages, sectors, and geographies.

The conversation dives into how Alumni Ventures approaches investing without leading rounds, instead partnering alongside top-tier venture firms while leveraging a global network of investors, operators, and founders. Mike explains how this “connected capital” model creates value beyond the check and why collaboration, rather than competition, is core to the firm’s strategy.

We also touch on broader trends shaping the future of venture capital, including artificial intelligence, energy innovation, healthcare, and the globalization of entrepreneurship. Drawing on decades of experience as both an operator and investor, Mike offers a thoughtful perspective on long-term thinking, governance, and what truly drives successful outcomes in venture backed companies.

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at a modern VC model, with insights that are relevant for founders, investors, and anyone curious about where innovation and capital are headed next.