In this episode, Kaylee Williams sits down with Charlie Cuddy, the Managing Partner at Move VC and Executive Director of the Nebraska Startup Academy, to explore his journey from teaching high school math and computer science to becoming a venture capitalist. Charlie opens up about the inspiration behind Move Venture Capital, an early-stage venture fund focused on supporting startups across the Midwest. He explains the fund’s mission of empowering local entrepreneurs by providing the capital they need to grow their businesses. One key topic Charlie discusses is Nebraska’s Prototype Grant, which offers non-dilutive funding to startups. He highlights how Move VC works alongside this grant to help early-stage companies access much-needed resources.
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During the conversation, Charlie sheds light on the creation of the Nebraska Startup Academy, a new initiative that offers education, resources, and networking opportunities to both founders and investors in the region. He shares his insights on the unique challenges and opportunities of working in venture capital in the Midwest, noting that while the area’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is expanding, there remains a gap in available risk capital.
Charlie also offers practical advice for entrepreneurs seeking investment, stressing the importance of having a solid team, knowing the market well, and being fully prepared to pitch their ideas effectively. He wraps up the conversation by sharing some of his favorite books and podcasts, recommending them as great resources for both investors and startup founders looking to deepen their knowledge and grow their businesses.