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Cybersecurity Insights from Black Hat 2025 | AV’s Topgolf Networking Recap Missed Black Hat this year? No worries! Join Mike Collins, CEO of Alumni Ventures, and Lucas Pash as they recap the most exciting moments from the world’s premier cybersecurity event. From groundbreaking research and emerging tech trends to high-energy networking at the Top Golf happy hour hosted by Alumni Ventures, Dune Security, Blu Venture Investors, and Squadra Ventures. Get a front-row seat to the insights, connections, and highlights shaping the cyber ecosystem. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or cybersecurity enthusiast, this recap delivers the inside scoop you won’t want to miss.

Great founders don’t just spot problems —  they’re driven to solve them. In this video, we look at what sets standout entrepreneurs apart: a deep passion for fixing what’s broken and turning that solution into a real business opportunity. Learn what investors look for in founders who create meaningful, market-ready change.

How do you explain venture capital to someone who’s 104? In this video, we hear a thoughtful take that redefines VC as a timeless concept: supporting inventors. From friends and family to banks and finally venture investors, it’s the story of bold problem-solvers seeking someone who believes in their vision. At its core, venture capital is simply about backing the next great inventor.

Missed America Assembled? Don’t worry! Mike Collins and Ryan Masto break down the most compelling takeaways from this powerful gathering focused on reshaping U.S. supply chains, revitalizing domestic manufacturing, and advancing robotics and automation. Held during #NYTechWeek at the Lucid Studio in New York City’s Meatpacking District, America Assembled brought together founders, investors, and operators driving the hard tech renaissance. The event explored how emerging industrial software and robotics platforms are powering a more resilient, responsive, and strategically independent American economy.

Held during Georgetown University’s reunion weekend, VC Meets DC brought together founders, investors, and policy influencers for a dynamic evening of insights at Faraday in Washington, D.C. Hosted by Alumni Ventures’ Potomac Ventures Fund, the event featured a candid fireside conversation between Christon Hill and Matt Caspari — AV’s Managing Partner of Potomac Ventures — covering the intersection of venture capital, government policy, and innovation.

Venture capital isn’t just about finding the next big win — it’s also about smart, diversified investing. In this video, Rupika Brito shares how AV’s model focuses on making multiple strategic bets to manage risk and smooth out returns. Learn why diversification is a key part of building a strong, long-term venture portfolio.

Venture capital thrives on a few big wins. In this short explainer, learn why successful VC strategies focus on large, diversified portfolios—typically 50 to 200 companies—to manage risk and increase the odds of capturing breakthrough returns.

What makes venture capital so exciting? In this video, Ron Levin shares how running a VC fund is about more than just returns — it’s about backing visionary founders tackling the world’s biggest challenges. From global health to technology, discover how venture investing can drive large-scale impact while creating powerful opportunities for growth.

In venture capital, financing rounds rarely involve just one firm. In this video, learn how AV plays a key role as a co-investor alongside other established venture firms like Sequoia, Andreessen Horowitz, and Benchmark. Michael Collins explains how AV adds value beyond capital — through board support, strategic introductions, and a powerful network that helps secure access to the most competitive deals.

Missed the Defying Darwin event? Don’t worry! Mike Collins and Drew Wandzilak break down the most compelling insights from this groundbreaking gathering focused on biotech, human potential, and national resilience. The event, themed around “Defying Darwin,” explored how biotechnology is evolving beyond traditional applications like medicine. Today, biology is being reprogrammed for national security, from the weaponization of biology to enhancing human performance. The conversation highlighted emerging innovations and the urgent need for the United States to strengthen its biotech infrastructure to stay competitive globally, particularly against nations like China.

What makes early-stage venture investing so powerful — and risky? In this short video, Michael Collins breaks down why investing in startups at their earliest stages, often before they have a product or customers, can lead to transformative impact and returns. Learn how high risk can bring high reward — for both investors and society.

At Alumni Ventures, our network is our strength. In this video, we share how we leverage our incredible community of investors to support the growth of our portfolio companies. From strategic introductions to sharing industry expertise, our network helps founders thrive. Hear why being part of the Alumni Ventures community means more than just capital — it’s about connections, ideas, and real support.