11/11/21 – Episode 6
Coming out of a career as a Law Professor at the University of Chicago, Sal wanted to do something more proactive to change the law instead of just sitting around and talking about it. In today’s conversation, Emily and Sal discuss why Trust Venture is investing in incumbent-heavy industries, how they are actively changing the legal landscape for their portfolio companies, and Sal shares some very exciting portcos with us.
About Salen Churi:
Salen Churi received his B.A. in Philosophy from Miami University in Ohio and his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School. He then went to work for two large law firms, Sidley Austin LLP and Kirkland & Hollis LLP. From there, he became Associate Director of the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship and a Law Professor/Director of the Innovation Clinic at the University of Chicago Law School. He is currently the Founder and General Partner of Trust Ventures and a Board Member of Mercatus Center at George Mason University.
In this episode with Salen, you’ll learn:
- Sal’s passion about the law and how it interacts with technology
- How Sal got into venture capital
- Trust Venture’s unique investment thesis and value add
- Why they invest in heavily regulated industries
- The importance of a great founding team in the early stages of a company
- Why they chose to set up in Austin, Texas
- What they look for in a founder
- Sal’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors
Mentioned in this episode…
Companies:
Trust Ventures
Uber
Visibly
Icon
Founders Fund
Diptera
People:
Salen Churi
Timothy Winegard
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