What separates investors who chase deals from those who consistently engineer successful exits?
On this episode of The Registered Investment Advisor Podcast, host Seth Greene interviews Scott Kelly, Founder and CEO of Black Dog Venture Partners, who shares his extensive experience in venture capital, having raised billions and facilitated over 30 successful exits. From his early days as a stockbroker to founding one of the largest investor syndicates in the tech space, Scott's journey offers invaluable insights into the rapidly evolving investment environment. Tune in as Scott discusses how AI is reshaping investment strategies, how startups can succeed in a competitive market, and the future of venture capital.
Key Takeaways:
→ Strong outcomes often stem from early positioning, strategic networking, and aligning founders with the right investors.
→ Well-curated pitch forums create efficient deal flow, surface high-quality founders, and accelerate trust between investors and operators.
→ Companies that generate real revenue attract better capital, partners, and exit opportunities.
→ Today’s investors must adapt to new technologies, faster cycles, and more competitive deal environments.
→ Referrals and long-standing relationships consistently yield stronger investments than transactional deal sourcing.
Scott Kelly is the Founder and CEO of Black Dog Venture Partners, a national accelerator helping disruptive startups secure funding, forge strategic partnerships, and scale with executive support. With more than 20 years of experience across venture capital, marketing, sales, and leadership, Scott has guided hundreds of companies by leveraging a powerful network of over 13,000 investors and 40,000 business partners.
He also produces VC Fast Pitch, a premier national event series that connects high-growth startups with top-tier investors. Beyond building companies, Scott is a college professor, mentor, and champion of leadership and personal development, sharing the journey with Melvin, the beloved black dog who inspired the brand.
Connect With Scott:
Website: https://blackdogventurepartners.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blackdogventurepartners/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/BlackDogCEO
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackdogceo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackdogventurepartners
