Episode 60 | Innovation Investing With BMW i Ventures | Brian Wei Artwork

Machine Minds

Machine Minds - the minds behind the machines! This is the show where we dive deep into the intricate worlds of robotics, AI, and Hard Tech. In each episode, we bring you intimate conversations with the founders, investors, and trailblazers who are at the heart of these tech revolutions. We dig into their journeys, the challenges they've overcome, and the breakthroughs that are shaping our future. Join us as we explore how these machine minds are transforming the way we live, work, and understand our world.

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Machine Minds

Episode 60 | Innovation Investing With BMW i Ventures | Brian Wei

October 21, 2024 • Greg Toroosian

In this episode of Machine Minds, host Greg sits down with Brian Wei, an associate at BMW I Ventures, a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in purpose-driven entrepreneurs building high-performance companies. Brian shares his fascinating journey, from growing up in an immigrant household in Brooklyn to studying statistics at Harvard.

He also delves into his early experiences in Japan working with a venture fund, which ignited his passion for the startup ecosystem. Throughout the conversation, Brian highlights his preference for working with early-stage companies and discusses his current role at BMW I Ventures, where he manages the investment process, including due diligence and negotiations. He offers valuable insights into the firm’s investment philosophy, which revolves around experimentation, conviction, and strong partnerships with entrepreneurs.

Tune in for an engaging discussion on venture capital, startup growth, and the evolving world of high-performance businesses.

01:19 Brian’s journey.

04:10 What drew Brian into industrial automation?

05:12 Key experiences.

09:15 Insights on the current trends in the AI and robotics space.

12:30 Startup valuation.

15:45 Common pitfalls that entrepreneurs encounter when pitching to investors.

20:00 Recent investment that you are excited about and why?

25:10 Role of AI in the next few years?

30:00 Advice to someone looking to break into the venture capital space?

35:20 Biggest misconception regarding working in venture capital.

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