Modern Investing with Sidepocket: DC Palter, Startup Advisor Angel Investor, Insights from 150+ Investments

DC Palter, an angel investor with over 15 years of experience and more than 150 early-stage startup investments, joins the podcast to share insights from his journey. He started as an energy engineer but transitioned into business and startups during the '90s, drawn by the dynamism and impact of working in smaller companies. DC found purpose in startups where every decision mattered, unlike in larger corporations where individual contributions often felt insignificant.

He entered angel investing during a downturn after the financial bubble burst, joining Tech Coast Angels in 2009. This provided him with a platform to contribute to the startup community and share his expertise with early-stage founders. DC emphasizes the importance of group investing for reducing risk and leveraging collective expertise, especially in evaluating complex startups like life sciences or deep tech.

In his investing approach, DC prioritizes startups in climate tech and energy sustainability, reflecting his passion for addressing environmental challenges. He discusses the balance between investing in pre-revenue startups, where he relies on insider insights, and post-revenue startups evaluated through angel groups. DC also emphasizes diversification and caution in angel investing, noting that it's more about enjoying the process and supporting the community than chasing high returns.

Apart from angel investing, DC shares his experience in writing a novel, "To Kill a Unicorn," inspired by real-world startup scandals like Theranos. The novel explores themes of fraud and ethics in entrepreneurship, drawing from DC's observations of misleading practices among founders. He sheds light on the complexities of founder motivations and the challenges investors face in discerning deception.

Throughout the interview, DC's insights underscore the importance of diligence, community, and ethical conduct in both entrepreneurship and investing. His multifaceted journey from engineer to founder to investor to novelist offers a rich tapestry of lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors alike.

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