The En Factor Podcast features conversations with entrepreneurs who have started, stumbled and succeeded.
In this episode of the En Factor, we are thrilled to be joined by Jake Colognesi, who is the founder of Mamba Growth Equity. Jake has spent numerous years as an investor and analyst in the technology space, working for firms like Fidelity Ventures, Volition Capital and Sageview Capital before he started his own growth equity firm, Mamba, just one year ago back in 2024. Jake has retained his focus on the technology world since Mamba’s founding, investing in B2B software companies in their earlier stages and providing these entrepreneurs with focused and valuable strategic and financial advice and expertise. Jake’s leadership experience goes beyond being a founder, as he also has spent over a decade as a board member for numerous different companies around the United States and Canada.
You won’t want to miss out on this episode filled with meaningful and thoughtful insights and advice as Jake and Dr. Rebecca White dive into conversations such as Jake’s professional journey and the start of his entrepreneurial journey, funding advice for early stage entrepreneurs, and best practices for building and operating successfully as a board.
Key Words – Funding, Investor
Chapters
00:00 • Introduction: Welcome to the En Factor!
00:46 • Choosing Smart Money
02:35 • Bootstrap to Learn
03:30 • The Power of Scarcity
04:15 • Build Boards That Add Real Value
06:00 • Introducing Today’s Guest: Jake Colognesi
07:14 • Jake’s Journey to Finding Mamba
11:30 • Transitioning from Investing to Entrepreneurship and Investing
14:20 • Investing in Earlier Stage B2B Software Companies
16:00 • Jake’s Outlook on AI and The Importance of Unique Data
24:00 • Funding Advice for Early Stage Entrepreneurs
34:00 • Keys to Building an Effective Board
41:00 • The Significance of Transparent Investor Relationships
47:20 • Jake’s Vision for Mamba
52:00 • Jake’s Final Piece of Advice for Entrepreneurs
53:50 • How to Connect with Jake and Mamba
54:30 • Dr. White’s 3 Lessons to Take Away With You
Episode takeaways
- Jake transitioned from investment banking to venture capital to starting his own growth equity firm focusing on early-stage B2B technology investments.
- Jake emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs in building a successful business that brings value.
- AI is a significant factor in modern investments, but there are many unknowns surrounding it.
- Bootstrapping a business can lead to better decision-making and resource management.
- Investors should be chosen based on their ability to add value, not just financial backing.
- Building a strong company culture is essential for short and long term success.
- Clear communication and trust between entrepreneurs and investors are crucial.
- Founders and CEOs often need a supportive board to discuss various challenges.
- Mistakes are opportunities for growth and should be embraced in a company culture.
- Jake’s vision for Mamba is to continue focusing on helping earlier stage founder-owned businesses scale effectively and being one of the best at it.
The En Factor® Podcast
Conversations with Entrepreneurs
Hosted by Dr. Rebecca White
Our audience of aspiring and established entrepreneurs are inspired to persevere throughout their entrepreneurial journey. You will hear first-hand stories of success, resilience through failure, and how to become a master in your field.