What do great founders have in common, and what makes a good investor actually write a check? In this episode of Culture & Capital, Shark Tank guest investor and RSE Ventures CEO Matt Higgins joins us to break down what he looks for in early-stage companies and why self-awareness, storytelling, and obsession matter more than polished pitch decks. Matt shares lessons from his own unorthodox path — from dropping out of high school to running press for Mayor Rudy Giuliani, to launching businesses, writing a best-selling book, and investing across everything from sports to defense tech. Whether you're building something or backing someone, this episode provides insights into how to think clearly in moments of chaos, how to course-correct before it's too late, and why the ability to rep your own work is no longer optional. Hosted by Katie Perry, Culture & Capital, a SoFi podcast produced by Cashmere, provides insights into the world of early-stage investing to everyday investors, covering private markets, venture capital, and the future of access.  In this episode, you’ll learn: How Matt thinks about founder traits like self-awareness, conviction, and the ability to course-correct under pressure. The four key components every early-stage team may want to consider: visionary, catalyst, operator, and communicator. Why investor updates can be a secret signal of potential success, and what they say about execution. How the job market is shifting in the age of AI and what young people may want to focus on now. Why building an audience is becoming just as important as building a product. Disclosures SoFi is featuring educational and inspirational interviews with founders, investors, and VCs. Availability on the SoFi Invest platform does not constitute an investment recommendation, endorsement or solicitation by SoFi Securities LLC. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal and are not guaranteed. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC (www.sipc.org). For a full listing of the fees associated with SoFi Invest, please view our fee schedule. The information in SoFi educational content isn’t financial or legal advice, a recommendation, or an endorsement. The opinions expressed in this content are those of the show’s guests and hosts, and do not necessarily reflect opinions held by SoFi and/or its affiliates. SoFi doesn’t endorse or guarantee any third-party product and does not recommend any brands or companies discussed, including Cashmere, whose funds are available via SoFi Securities, LLC . SoFi receives compensation from the sale of these funds.