In this episode of Allstar Allocator, host Austin Jia sits down with Brett Calhoun, managing general partner at Redbud VC, to delve into the challenges and strategies behind successful fundraising. Discover Brett's journey, including his appearance on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, his approach to investing in resilient entrepreneurs, and how he evaluates potential investments. Whether you're a startup founder or a fund manager, this conversation offers invaluable insights into the art of raising capital, evaluating founders, and navigating the complex landscape of venture capital.00:00 Introduction to Fundraising Challenges00:15 Meet Brett Calhoun: Venture Capitalist Extraordinaire00:58 Redbud VC's Investment Philosophy01:38 The Importance of Resilience in Founders03:03 Evaluating Early-Stage Startups03:50 Unique Approaches to Due Diligence06:27 Balancing Operator and Investor Perspectives11:20 Portfolio Construction Strategies13:56 Fundraising for Venture Capital Firms16:32 Fundraising Timeline and Strategy17:48 Fundraising Journey and Challenges18:24 Cold vs. Warm Investor Relationships19:01 Networking and Securing Key Investors21:27 Fundraising Strategies and Follow-ups23:23 Industry Insights and AI Trends26:55 Evaluating Investment Opportunities30:03 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights