Today we host Ali Hamed, a Co-Founder and Partner at CoVenture and a prominent figure in venture capital and alternative investments. With a background in finance and technology, Ali brings strategic insights to early-stage investing. Hamed's track record of success and commitment to fostering entrepreneurship make him a key player in shaping the startup ecosystem. (concise bio courtesy of ChatGPT).   In today’s episode, we start with Ali’s origin story, starting with his time as a baseball player and agriculture major at Cornell, and what led to him eventually saying the internet was his major in college (which you will see on his LinkedIn profile). I have witnessed Ali’s differentiated view on investing in person and have enjoyed listening to his firm’s approach, which in some cases, they are 1 of 1 in their space. We discuss whether it is better to have capital or a good investment idea first, the democratization of private market investing, funding YouTube creators, and more.     Today's hosts are Steve Curley, CFA (Founder, 55 North Private Wealth) & co-host Chris Cannon (CIO/Principal, FirsTrust)   Please enjoy the episode. Follow us on Twitter & LinkedIn.    Social Media:   LinkedIn Post (and Facebook): New episode w/ Ali Hamed, Co-Founder & Partner at Coventure, hosted by Steve Curley, CFA & Chris Cannon, CFA.   *Ali’s non-traditional route to starting his non-traditional firm *What is more important, the investment idea or capital *Finding new or different investments and convincing the world after that it is a good idea (after) *Funding YouTube personalities *How much does he pay attention to public markets *Is the democratization of alternatives for most retail investors too far removed from the original value add?   Enjoy! Insert link here   Twitter Post: New episode w/ Ali Hamed, hosted by Steve Curley, CFA & Chris Cannon, CFA. We discuss Ali Hamed’s origin story and his firm’s differentiated approach to private investments.    Show Notes:  https://www.coventure.vc/ https://www.crossbeam.vc/team/ali-hamed https://www.crossbeam.vc