<![CDATA[The Check Writers Room]]>The Check Writers Room is a groundbreaking podcast where the real power brokers of venture capital talk shop—unfiltered.

Hosted by three Black female General Partners—Sydney Thomas (Symphonic Capital), Shalanda Armstrong (100KM Ventures), and Yasmin Cruz Ferrine (Visible Hands VC)—the show pulls back the curtain on how venture capital actually works. From how investment decisions get made to why deals get a yes or a no, The Check Writers Room delivers candid, practical insights founders rarely hear out loud.

This isn’t aspirational advice. It’s lived experience from investors who have collectively raised and deployed over $50M, invested in hundreds of companies, and supported thousands of founders across tech, fintech, consumer, and enterprise. Each episode breaks down real market dynamics, exposes the unspoken rules of fundraising, and offers founders actionable guidance grounded in today’s realities—not outdated Silicon Valley playbooks.

Designed for founders, operators, and ecosystem builders—especially the next generation of Gen Z and Millennial entrepreneurs—the show fills critical knowledge gaps by democratizing access to venture capital insight, networks, and decision-making frameworks that have traditionally been gatekept.

With biweekly episodes, an interactive “Ask a VC” segment driven by real founder questions, and appearances from trusted peers and ecosystem leaders, The Check Writers Room is more than a podcast—it’s a masterclass and a community for builders serious about building enduring companies.

]]>www.checkwritersroom.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sun, 03 May 2026 22:14:17 GMTWed, 21 Jan 2026 00:19:37 GMT60Sydney, Yasmin and Shalanda<p><b>The Check Writers Room</b> is a groundbreaking podcast where the real power brokers of venture capital talk shop—unfiltered.</p><p></p><p>Hosted by three Black female General Partners—Sydney Thomas (Symphonic Capital), Shalanda Armstrong (100KM Ventures), and Yasmin Cruz Ferrine (Visible Hands VC)—the show pulls back the curtain on how venture capital <i>actually</i> works. From how investment decisions get made to why deals get a yes or a no, The Check Writers Room delivers candid, practical insights founders rarely hear out loud.</p><p></p><p>This isn’t aspirational advice. It’s lived experience from investors who have collectively raised and deployed over $50M, invested in hundreds of companies, and supported thousands of founders across tech, fintech, consumer, and enterprise. Each episode breaks down real market dynamics, exposes the unspoken rules of fundraising, and offers founders actionable guidance grounded in today’s realities—not outdated Silicon Valley playbooks.</p><p></p><p>Designed for founders, operators, and ecosystem builders—especially the next generation of Gen Z and Millennial entrepreneurs—the show fills critical knowledge gaps by democratizing access to venture capital insight, networks, and decision-making frameworks that have traditionally been gatekept.</p><p></p><p>With biweekly episodes, an interactive “Ask a VC” segment driven by real founder questions, and appearances from trusted peers and ecosystem leaders, <b>The Check Writers Room</b> is more than a podcast—it’s a masterclass and a community for builders serious about building enduring companies.</p>episodicSydney, Yasmin and Shalandasydney@symphonic.vcno<![CDATA[The Room with Introspection, Consumer Deals & Real Estate]]>The conversation delves into introspection and accountability in investing, highlighting the challenges and considerations in consumer deals, and discussing real estate as an alternative asset class. The speakers explore the impact of Mark Andreessen's perspective on introspection, mental models in evaluating consumer deals, and the dynamics of the rental market. They also touch on the significance of real estate as an alternative asset and the implications for investors.

Takeaways

  • Introspection and accountability in investing
  • Challenges and considerations in consumer deals
  • Real estate as an alternative asset class

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introspection and Accountability in Investing
  • 14:34 Real Estate as an Alternative Asset Class
]]>deefd2d5-f8d7-486e-9047-2d45b08f4e30Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation delves into introspection and accountability in investing, highlighting the challenges and considerations in consumer deals, and discussing real estate as an alternative asset class. The speakers explore the impact of Mark Andreessen's perspective on introspection, mental models in evaluating consumer deals, and the dynamics of the rental market. They also touch on the significance of real estate as an alternative asset and the implications for investors.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Introspection and accountability in investing</li><li>Challenges and considerations in consumer deals</li><li>Real estate as an alternative asset class</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introspection and Accountability in Investing</li><li>14:34 Real Estate as an Alternative Asset Class</li></ul>no00:34:5115The Room with Introspection, Consumer Deals & Real Estatefull<![CDATA[The Room with Fund Cycles & the Future of SaaS]]>The conversation delves into the challenges and shifts in the tech and venture capital landscape, focusing on fund cycles, founder access to capital, the impact on software sectors, and the uncertainty in vertical SaaS companies. The discussion also explores the importance of building a brand, the scrutiny on enterprise revenue, and the investment strategy in uncertain times.

Takeaways

  • Challenges in 12 to 18-month fund cycles
  • Impact on founders and investor circles

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Hot Take: 12 to 18 Month Fund Cycles
  • 05:57 The Importance of Building a Brand
  • 11:17 Scrutiny on Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A
  • 17:23 The Uncertainty in the Software Sector
  • 23:17 Transitioning to AI Tools and Friction
  • 33:14 Investment Strategy in Uncertain Times
  • 41:14 Finding Joy in Uncertain Times
]]>4c895ebd-32c0-455c-865b-80c61867bdb4Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the challenges and shifts in the tech and venture capital landscape, focusing on fund cycles, founder access to capital, the impact on software sectors, and the uncertainty in vertical SaaS companies. The discussion also explores the importance of building a brand, the scrutiny on enterprise revenue, and the investment strategy in uncertain times.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Challenges in 12 to 18-month fund cycles</li><li>Impact on founders and investor circles</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Hot Take: 12 to 18 Month Fund Cycles</li><li>05:57 The Importance of Building a Brand</li><li>11:17 Scrutiny on Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A</li><li>17:23 The Uncertainty in the Software Sector</li><li>23:17 Transitioning to AI Tools and Friction</li><li>33:14 Investment Strategy in Uncertain Times</li><li>41:14 Finding Joy in Uncertain Times</li></ul>no00:36:3314The Room with Fund Cycles & the Future of SaaSfull<![CDATA[The Room with Moonshot Moves in Sports, Space & Retail Investing]]>The conversation covers a range of topics, including investment in women's sports, challenges in broadcasting women's sports, Robin Hood Ventures and the democratization of venture, and investment in deep tech with a focus on Sumeria Space. The discussion delves into economic levers, opportunities for female athletes, profitability, revenue potential, lack of exposure, market capitalization, valuation, liquidity, tax implications, market sizing, business model, regulatory and policy considerations, and exit strategy.

Takeaways

  • Investment in women's sports requires consideration of economic levers and revenue potential.
  • Broadcasting women's sports faces challenges related to exposure, market capitalization, and revenue potential.
  • Robin Hood Ventures and the democratization of venture involve valuation, liquidity, and tax implications.
  • Investment in deep tech, such as Sumeria Space, requires market sizing, regulatory and policy considerations, and an exit strategy.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Investment in Women's Sports
  • 07:37 Challenges in Broadcasting Women's Sports
  • 16:05 Robin Hood Ventures and Democratization of Venture
  • 35:23 Investment in Deep Tech: Sumeria Space
]]>2b482d6a-e8c1-4bf0-b9c6-6ddbc3b2a60aThu, 16 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation covers a range of topics, including investment in women's sports, challenges in broadcasting women's sports, Robin Hood Ventures and the democratization of venture, and investment in deep tech with a focus on Sumeria Space. The discussion delves into economic levers, opportunities for female athletes, profitability, revenue potential, lack of exposure, market capitalization, valuation, liquidity, tax implications, market sizing, business model, regulatory and policy considerations, and exit strategy.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Investment in women's sports requires consideration of economic levers and revenue potential.</li><li>Broadcasting women's sports faces challenges related to exposure, market capitalization, and revenue potential.</li><li>Robin Hood Ventures and the democratization of venture involve valuation, liquidity, and tax implications.</li><li>Investment in deep tech, such as Sumeria Space, requires market sizing, regulatory and policy considerations, and an exit strategy.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Investment in Women's Sports</li><li>07:37 Challenges in Broadcasting Women's Sports</li><li>16:05 Robin Hood Ventures and Democratization of Venture</li><li>35:23 Investment in Deep Tech: Sumeria Space</li></ul>no00:38:5713The Room with Moonshot Moves in Sports, Space & Retail Investingfull<![CDATA[The Room With Paternity Leave & Maternal Health Investments]]>The conversation covers a range of topics including the importance of paternity leave, AI in healthcare, investment in maternal health, and personal reflections on joy. The discussion delves into the impact of paternity leave on workplace productivity, long-term career potential, and earnings. It also explores the challenges and opportunities in AI healthcare, the significance of value-based care contracts, and the impact of legislation on healthcare. Additionally, the conversation touches on the readiness of a maternal health company for Series A investment and the investment climate and opportunities in the industry. Personal reflections on joy and the impact of personal experiences on investment decisions are also discussed.

Takeaways

  • Paternity Leave
  • Maternal Health
  • AI in Healthcare

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Jewel Burke Solomon
  • 09:13 Importance of Paternity Leave
  • 14:28 AI in Healthcare
  • 19:31 Interoperability of Medical Records
  • 26:18 Investment in Maternal Health Company
  • 32:56 Impact of Medicaid on Investment
  • 39:18 Investment Climate and Opportunities
]]>a4401b8a-8511-4b40-a6ec-3f33cdf067d1Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation covers a range of topics including the importance of paternity leave, AI in healthcare, investment in maternal health, and personal reflections on joy. The discussion delves into the impact of paternity leave on workplace productivity, long-term career potential, and earnings. It also explores the challenges and opportunities in AI healthcare, the significance of value-based care contracts, and the impact of legislation on healthcare. Additionally, the conversation touches on the readiness of a maternal health company for Series A investment and the investment climate and opportunities in the industry. Personal reflections on joy and the impact of personal experiences on investment decisions are also discussed.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Paternity Leave</li><li>Maternal Health</li><li>AI in Healthcare</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Jewel Burke Solomon</li><li>09:13 Importance of Paternity Leave</li><li>14:28 AI in Healthcare</li><li>19:31 Interoperability of Medical Records</li><li>26:18 Investment in Maternal Health Company</li><li>32:56 Impact of Medicaid on Investment</li><li>39:18 Investment Climate and Opportunities</li></ul>no00:35:5711The Room With Paternity Leave & Maternal Health Investmentsfull<![CDATA[The Room With Bridge Rounds & Layoffs]]>The podcast episode features a discussion on bridge rounds and their impact, a review of a specific deal (Wiggle Room), and an exploration of the impact of layoffs in the tech industry. The hosts introduce their mission and purpose at the beginning of the episode, setting the stage for the subsequent discussions.

Takeaways

  • Bridge rounds as a trend
  • Impact of layoffs in tech

]]>74aac0a1-5c81-4e53-8a02-c123b647bce9Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:15:00 GMT<p>The podcast episode features a discussion on bridge rounds and their impact, a review of a specific deal (Wiggle Room), and an exploration of the impact of layoffs in the tech industry. The hosts introduce their mission and purpose at the beginning of the episode, setting the stage for the subsequent discussions.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Bridge rounds as a trend</li><li>Impact of layoffs in tech</li></ul><p></p>no00:38:0211The Room With Bridge Rounds & Layoffsfull<![CDATA[Welcome to the Check Writers Room!]]>The Check Writer's Room introduces a new voice in the VC industry, offering unique perspectives on the rapidly changing landscape.

Takeaways

  • New voice in VC
  • Rapid industry transformation

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to CheckWriter's Room
]]>32bafd53-dec0-453d-b150-31c58a1374b8Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:53:46 GMT<p>The Check Writer's Room introduces a new voice in the VC industry, offering unique perspectives on the rapidly changing landscape.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>New voice in VC</li><li>Rapid industry transformation</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to CheckWriter's Room</li></ul>no00:00:27Welcome to the Check Writers Room!full