Khaled is the Managing Partner at Valia Ventures. He leads the firm’s investments and serves on the boards of portfolio companies such as Humane, Aarmy, and LiquiGlide. He started his career at Barclays Investment Bank, consulting for some of the world's leading technology, media, retail, and aviation companies. Prior to raising Valia's first fund, Khaled was a repeat entrepreneur and angel investor, building and investing in companies across technology, property, and the arts.
Humane, Relativity Space, and Legacy.
In a couple sentences, how would you describe your path to becoming an investor?
I had experience as a startup founder, angel investor, and investment banker before raising my first institutional venture capital fund.
Investment Approach: What are the key factors you consider when evaluating a founding team?
Prior experience that led to a unique insight and their purpose for starting the company.
What's your style and approach when it comes to working with founders post-investment? What are the characteristics of founders you've worked well with?
Approachable, available, open-minded, connected, resourceful, and trustworthy. I work best with founders who are malleable and interested in receiving support.
If I'm coming to pitch to you or your firm, what's the one piece of advice you'd give me?
Be very clear about why you're starting your company and why you'd like to work with us.
How would you describe your own personal mission and values, and how do they impact the way you invest?
I get excited to work with and learn from intelligent + inspirational founders building tomorrow's most iconic companies. That means my investment style is driven by finding the right people, not companies.
What do you like best about investing in NYC, and what’s your outlook on the future of NYC tech?
It's diversity (of people, industry and thought).
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