Mark Battsiyan

Origin Story: In a couple sentences, how would you describe your path to becoming an investor?

I have spent the better part of my career in asset management and financial services. I invested in public markets before moving over to the startup world. My first role in the startup ecosystem was leading strategy and business development at LearnVest. After our acquisition by Northwestern Mutual, I helped launch and served as a Partner for Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures (where our investments included Chime, Ladder, Gabi, and OJO). I am a founding Partner and COO at Inspired Capital, where we focus on standout early-stage investments across categories.
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Investment Approach: What are the key factors you consider when evaluating a founding team?

When evaluating a founding team, I am most curious to understand why they are the right team for the given business. I want to see that they have a strong understanding of the market they are going after and hear why they think their approach is the right one. Beyond that, I want to assess their ability to think strategically and attract top talent as they grow.
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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?

I like to be the first call for founders when they have a problem or are thinking through a major strategic decision. I typically have an active text chain going with each founder I work with, and we regularly discuss the business on a weekly, if not daily, basis.
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If I'm coming to pitch to you or your firm, what's the one piece of advice you'd give me?

Have an answer to two key questions: (1) Why is now the right time to launch this business and (2) Why are you the right team to do it?
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How would you describe your own personal mission and values, and how do they impact the way you invest?

I deeply believe that technology should help solve real world problems and create social value on top of economic value. I most enjoy working with businesses that help improve the state of the world.
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What do you like best about investing in NYC, and what’s your outlook on the future of NYC tech?

I think the future of NYC tech is exceptionally bright, and I believe there is a strong chance that NYC will be the core hub of technology in the US within the next decade. I strongly appreciate that founders in NY have a common goal of continuing to elevate NYC to new heights in the tech world.