The Check Writers Room is a groundbreaking podcast where the real power brokers of venture capital talk shop—unfiltered.
Hosted by three Black female General Partners—Sydney Thomas (Symphonic Capital), Shalanda Armstrong (100KM Ventures), and Yasmin Cruz Ferrine (Visible Hands VC)—the show pulls back the curtain on how venture capital actually works. From how investment decisions get made to why deals get a yes or a no, The Check Writers Room delivers candid, practical insights founders rarely hear out loud.
This isn’t aspirational advice. It’s lived experience from investors who have collectively raised and deployed over $50M, invested in hundreds of companies, and supported thousands of founders across tech, fintech, consumer, and enterprise. Each episode breaks down real market dynamics, exposes the unspoken rules of fundraising, and offers founders actionable guidance grounded in today’s realities—not outdated Silicon Valley playbooks.
Designed for founders, operators, and ecosystem builders—especially the next generation of Gen Z and Millennial entrepreneurs—the show fills critical knowledge gaps by democratizing access to venture capital insight, networks, and decision-making frameworks that have traditionally been gatekept.
With biweekly episodes, an interactive “Ask a VC” segment driven by real founder questions, and appearances from trusted peers and ecosystem leaders, The Check Writers Room is more than a podcast—it’s a masterclass and a community for builders serious about building enduring companies.
Welcome everybody to our season finale and thank you all very much for joining us on this ride so far. This conversation with The Melissa Bradley of 1863 Ventures delves into the changing landscape of Martha's Vineyard, the impact of the Black Economic Alliance (BEA), the dynamics of venture capital and philanthropy investing, the psychology of money and exit strategies, the role of AI, technology, and upskilling, and the significance of Black joy and community building. Come sit with us for a while in this place we all love as we round out what has been a great first season with one of the pioneers of Black women venture capitalists.
27 Aug 2026
The Room with the State of the Market
Marlon Nichols from Mac Venture Capital joins the podcast to discuss the state of the market in VC and the investment landscape for physical AI and the real economy. The conversation delves into the shift from hardware to software and back to hardware, the challenges and opportunities of hardware coupled with services, the potential of AI in scaling services, the growth of venture dollars into hardware, the impact of government spending and defense on hard tech, the limitations of AI in enterprise, and the changing landscape of venture funding and round sizes.
Takeaways
Venture capital is experiencing a liquidity issue, but the market is healthy and will eventually recover.
The real economy, particularly the 80% that is not digital, presents opportunities for investment in physical AI and manufacturing companies. Hardware and software cycles: The conversation explores the cyclical nature of the tech industry, shifting from hardware to software and back to hardware.
AI and scaling services: The potential of AI in scaling services is discussed, highlighting the opportunities it presents for hardware coupled with services.
Venture funding and round sizes: The changing landscape of venture funding and round sizes is examined, with a focus on the impact of multi-billion dollar firms and the need for larger round sizes at the seed stage.
13 Aug 2026
The Room with Standalones, Features, and Strategic Planning
Part two of our conversation with Jessica Loché-Eggert delves into the challenges faced by healthcare technology startups, emphasizing the importance of understanding the distinction between building a standalone product and a feature within a larger conglomerate. It also explores the significance of deep integration in the workflow and the possession of proprietary data for achieving a billion-dollar valuation. Additionally, it provides insights into the sales component of healthcare and the strategic considerations for acquisition and exit. The conversation delves into the complexities of preparing for and navigating the acquisition process, emphasizing the need for strategic planning, negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the acquisition landscape. It also highlights the importance of managing relationships, maintaining momentum, and aligning expectations with potential buyers.
Takeaways
Healthcare technology startups must understand the distinction between building a standalone product and a feature within a larger conglomerate.
Deep integration in the workflow and proprietary data are crucial for achieving a billion-dollar valuation in the healthcare technology space.
The sales component of healthcare, strategic considerations for acquisition and exit, and the importance of disassociating from potential acquirers are key factors for startup success in the healthcare technology sector. Strategic planning and negotiation are crucial for successful acquisitions.
Maintaining momentum, managing relationships, and aligning expectations are key factors in the acquisition process.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
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