Episode #9: Max Kausman- working in early-stage VC at Tidal Ventures, trends in the Australian startup ecosystem and building great relationships during your career

Max Kausman is an investor at Tidal Ventures- an Australian venture capital firm that focuses on investments in the seed phase. 

Max studied commerce and law at Monash University, and also worked at corporate advisory firm Vesparum Capital during his studies. He then jumped into the world of consulting at Bain and Company before joining Tidal in November 2020. I chatted with Max about how venture capital works, trends in the Australian startup ecosystem and the importance of building strong relationships during your career. Enjoy!

Timestamps:
[1:05]- Who Max wanted to be when he grew up

[1:55]- Max’s career journey

[5:10]- How Max’s interest in investing started

[7:14]- Highlights of working at Bain and Company

[9:12]- Is consulting a good training ground for those interested in startups and tech?

[11:48]- Tidal Ventures Explainer

[14:53]- What are the different stages of VC funding?

[17:09]- What metrics do you look at the seed phase?

[20:10]- What are the mechanics of a VC fund?

[24:08]- Hurdle rates at a seed-stage fund

[25:31]- Surprises of working at Tidal.

[27:27]- What makes a great founder?

[31:52]- Trends in the startup and VC industry

[34:20]- Are there any sectors that Max is interested in?

[36:32]- Carted explainer

[41:20]- The best investment Max has made in his personal life

[44:42]- Advice for students

References:
Tidal Ventures
Vesparum Capital
The Seed Stage- Georgie Turner- Principal at Tidal Ventures
TheLoops
PredictHQ
Carted