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Partner Path
Partner Path is a podcast exploring the venture capital and startup ecosystem through a younger perspective. We feature candid conversations with early-stage founders, operators, and emerging investors—offering insight into everything from sourcing and investment strategies to product execution and go-to-market lessons. Whether you’re an aspiring investor, founder, or just curious about VC, tune in for an inside look at the industry.
Partner Path
E42: Empowering the Next Generation of Founders with Kofi Ampadu (a16z)
This week, we sat down with Kofi Ampadu, a Partner at Andreessen Horowitz who leads the Talent x Opportunity Initiative (TxO). TxO focuses on discovering and supporting high-potential entrepreneurs who have the vision and determination to build transformative businesses but lack traditional access to resources and networks.
We explore his experiences working as an engineer at Kraft, the importance of having hard conversations early on, and what drives innovation in CPG companies. Kofi also shares how to optimize a brand for staying power, investing at the intersection of culture and lifestyle, and how TxO defines PMF.
Episode Chapters:
- What makes Kofi, Kofi - 2:08
- Transition from enterprise to startups - 5:38
- SKU'd Ventures - 12:35
- Innovation in CPG - 17:25
- AI's impact on CPG - 21:00
- TxO - 26:00
- Thesis at TxO - 30:00
- Donor advised fund - 33:30
- Quick fire round - 41:53
As always, feel free to contact us at partnerpathpodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear ideas for content, guests, and overall feedback.
This episode is brought to you by Grata, the world's leading deal sourcing platform. Our AI-powered search, investment-grade data, and intuitive workflows give you the edge needed to find and win deals in your industry. Visit grata.com to schedule a demo today.
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