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Unlocking Venture Capital for the Retail Investor with Gerry Hays

Nick Reich, executive director of Pack Away Hunger, shares how strategic logistics and local partnerships help combat food insecurity across Indiana. Learn about the real cost of hunger and how you can be part of the solution.

Podcast Summary

My guest today is Gerry Hays, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and venture capital professor at the Kelly School of Business. 

We discuss Hays' innovative new platform, Doriot, which aims to democratize venture capital by allowing retail investors to participate in early-stage startups through venture staking. 

That officially launces on 4/15. 

Gerry shares his journey in entrepreneurship, including his past ventures, and details how Doriot plans to eliminate barriers for non-accredited investors.

You are going to learn:

  • An inside look at the venture capital landscape

  • A deep dive into the risks and rewards of investing

  • Innovative wealth creation through venture staking 

Thank you to our partners:

Roots Realty
Sports Tech HQ

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:05 Gerry's Entrepreneurial Journey
02:37 Challenges in Venture Capital
04:23 Democratizing Venture Capital
13:36 Introducing Doriot: A New Venture Model
13:43 How Venture Staking Works
23:54 The Future of Startups and Community Support
26:25 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Message
26:47 Introduction to Roots Realty Co.
27:20 Getting Started with Venture Staking
27:39 Understanding the Venture Staking Model
28:48 Retail Venture and Market Potential
29:20 Challenges and Opportunities in Venture Staking
31:14 Funding and Founder Selection
31:38 The Teal Fellowship and Venture Success
37:03 Community-Backed Entrepreneurship
42:34 Practical Financial Advice
46:23 Bloomington's Hidden Gems
48:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Guest(s)

Gerry Hays

Date Published

April 25, 2025

This podcast is sponsored by

Sweetwater

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

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A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.
A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.