ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Does coachability beat raw talent?⚡️
In this episode, we sit down with Cristobal Alonso — serial entrepreneur, early-stage investor in over 450 startups, growth enabler, global executive, bestselling author, and sought-after speaker. With a uniquely diverse background as a chef, former professional basketball player, and passionate pianist, Cristobal shares the kind of deep insight that only a truly global entrepreneur should offer.
Key Topics Covered in This Episode:
- Why coachability is the most critical trait in founders
- What early-stage startups get wrong about acceleration
- Lessons from living in 10+ countries and how cultural context impacts business
- The power of soul in entrepreneurship and mentorship
- How Startup Wise Guys became one of Europe’s most trusted accelerators
🎧 Tune in for a masterclass on building not just scalable companies, but resilient, coachable founders.
VNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at https://app.vntr.vc/
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome El Patron - Cristobal Alonso
01:40 The Early Days of the Baltic Startup Ecosystem
04:50 Why Everyone Calls Him El Patrón
06:22 How Startup Wise Guys Outgrew Its Roots
09:28 Cracking the Accelerator Business Model
13:23 The Evolution of Wise Guys’ Investment Focus
15:48 Why Early-Stage VC Is a Numbers Game
16:54 Are We in an Industrial or Internet Revolution?
21:11 The Traits That Make (or Break) a Startup Team
24:52 Why Strong Co-Founding Teams Matter Most
26:04 Scaling Across Borders Means Local Scouting, Global Mindset
30:07 Why Africa Requires Full Focus and Multicountry Strategy
32:22 Fundraising in 2025: Why Sales and Syndicates Beat Hype
36:40 Fundraising for GPs: The Long Game No One Talks About
38:31 The Silent Struggle of GPs
40:08 Two New Funds with Big Impact Ambitions
45:01 Quality Over Quantity
48:08 The VC Morning That Starts Without a Screen
51:35 You Can’t Build a Balanced Startup Without a Balanced Self
52:56 The Third Book: A Journey Through Crisis, Cooking, and Compassion
55:37 Join us at VNTR Global Investor Summit — November 11, 2025
🔹 VNTR Website: https://app.vntr.vc/
🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/
🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vntrcap
Host:
Yuri G. Rabinovich
https://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric/
Guest:
