{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"START","title":"Grace Gong | Lessons on Building Founder–Investor Community: Curate for Outcomes, Not Optics","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/d110cb80\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1657,"description":"Grace Gong is the Founder & CEO of Smart Venture Media, podcast host, angel investor, and author. She’s interviewed 500+ founders, investors, and operators on her podcasts, then parlayed that network into a high-signal community: curated founder–VC dinners, conferences (including the Smart AI Summit), and rooms where intros turn into customers and checks. The flywheel started during the pandemic with 5 pm Friday Zooms—and evolved into tightly curated IRL events supported by sponsors and operators.\nIn this episode, Grace outlines a practical approach to community-building: curate for outcomes, not optics (every seat should benefit from every other seat). Her angel filter doubles as her invite list. Online → IRL is the sequence: earn trust digitally, concentrate it offline.  For founders aiming to stand out without burning cash, this is a clear primer on turning audience into deal flow.\n‍\nKey Topics Covered:\nBuilding community has to happen organically.\nEngaging with entrepreneurs can lead to unexpected opportunities.\nSales and storytelling are crucial skills for success in VC.\nOffering value to others is key to building relationships.\nThe people you meet at events can significantly impact your journey.\nPlanning events requires meticulous attention to logistics.\nCreating a curated experience enhances networking opportunities.\nAI is transforming the media landscape and how we build companies.\nNetworking is essential for both founders and investors.\nContinuous learning and adaptation are vital in the fast-paced tech world.\n\nChapters\n\n(00:00) Building Community: The Organic Approach\n(02:50) Journey into Venture Capital: From Real Estate to VC\n(05:44) Insights from Interviews: Lessons Learned in VC\n(08:53) Angel Investing: Key Considerations\n(11:51) Creating Value: The Importance of Community\n(15:02) Event Planning: From Small Gatherings to Large Conferences\n(17:59) The Smart AI Summit: Curating Experiences\n(20:54) Future of Media: Building with AI\n(23:48) Final...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/q-E1hh7K6IS4AfZiNy2p4MYVGcUOO8lQP92h8QbOEOA/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS80NzVj/MDEzNjkxNjU1N2Uy/NDFhMDQ3M2ZhNWI3/NWY0MS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}