Wischoff Ventures' Nichole Wischoff, Architect of $50 Million Fund, Joins Forbes' Alex Konrad on 'First Money In' Podcast

Alex Konrad, a Senior Editor at Forbes and a prominent voice in venture capital journalism, recently engaged in a "fun convo" with Nichole Wischoff, the Founder and Managing Partner of Wischoff Ventures, for the "First Money In" podcast. Konrad highlighted the discussion with a tweet, noting the "pretty unbeatable view" accompanying their chat. This high-profile interaction brings together a leading industry reporter and a successful emerging fund manager, particularly after Wischoff's significant achievement of raising a $50 million fund in 2024.

Nichole Wischoff has rapidly made her mark in the venture capital sector as the driving force behind Wischoff Ventures, an early-stage firm. Her recent accomplishment of closing a $50 million fund in 2024 stands out, especially given the challenging fundraising environment. Wischoff is widely recognized for her innovative approach to leveraging social media, particularly platforms like Twitter, for effective brand building and deal sourcing, a strategy she has openly shared in various forums, including the "How I Invest" podcast. This digital-first strategy has allowed her to connect with founders and limited partners, proving crucial for her firm's growth.

Alex Konrad holds a significant position as a Senior Editor at Forbes, where his reporting extensively covers venture capital, startups, and the burgeoning fields of cloud and AI technologies. Beyond his insightful articles, Konrad is responsible for curating and editing influential industry benchmarks such as the Midas List and the 30 Under 30 for Venture Capital, shaping perceptions of top investors and rising stars. His upcoming departure from Forbes in January 2025 to "build something new" signals a new chapter for the seasoned journalist, making his current engagements, like this podcast appearance, particularly noteworthy.

The "First Money In" podcast, which commenced in February 2025, is dedicated to exploring the often complex and high-stakes journey of startups securing their foundational capital. The platform serves as a vital resource for insights into startup innovation, venture capital dynamics, and the broader technological landscape. The participation of figures like Konrad and Wischoff underscores the podcast's commitment to delivering authentic and experienced perspectives on fundraising strategies and market trends, directly aligning with its mission to demystify the initial capital-raising process.

Conversations between influential journalists and active investors, such as the one between Konrad and Wischoff, offer crucial transparency and insight into the venture capital world. These dialogues facilitate the exchange of knowledge on fundraising tactics, market shifts, and the increasing importance of personal branding for fund managers. Wischoff Ventures' recent co-leading of a $5 million seed round for Focal in October 2025 further exemplifies Nichole Wischoff's active and impactful role in identifying and supporting promising early-stage companies, providing tangible examples of her firm's investment thesis in action.