We recently had the incredible opportunity to host Landon Campbell from Drive Capital on our Latitude Podcast. As our “Fly in a VC” guest, Landon spent the day hanging out with our Year 9 cohort, sharing Drive Capital’s story, their approach to early-stage funding, and some helpful tips for founders preparing to meet investors.
The Visit
Landon’s day in Buffalo was packed with activities. He kicked things off at the University of Buffalo, where the vibrant student body blew him away. He chatted with the tech transfer office about how we can keep entrepreneurial talent in Buffalo, which is a common challenge for many areas between the coasts. He also met a professor leading a new microelectronics initiative, which aligns perfectly with Drive Capital’s focus on AI infrastructure and sustainable computing.
The day wrapped up with a fireside chat with our newest cohort. Landon shared Drive Capital’s story and their mission to find and support awesome companies outside the typical tech hubs.
Journey into Venture Capital
Landon’s journey into venture capital is both inspiring and unique. Originally from Oakland, California, he moved to Chicago for college and quickly dove into the city’s dynamic business scene. Through various internships, including a significant stint at Cameo, Landon discovered his love for startups and innovation. These diverse experiences led him to Drive Capital, a firm dedicated to investing in promising startups across the Midwest.
Drive Capital’s Philosophy
Drive Capital believes that great companies can be built anywhere, not just in Silicon Valley or other coastal hubs. Landon emphasized that their mission is to uncover and support the hidden gems in regions often overlooked by traditional venture capital firms. This belief comes from the founders’ experiences at Sequoia Capital, where they saw many opportunities ignored simply because of geography.
Supporting Founders Beyond Capital
One major takeaway from Landon’s visit was Drive Capital’s commitment to supporting founders beyond just money. They focus on building a strong support system that includes sourcing talent, giving strategic advice, and connecting startups with essential resources. Drive Capital even created an internal talent agency to help their portfolio companies find executive talent, showing how dedicated they are to long-term success.
Why the Midwest and Buffalo Matter
Landon talked about the importance of investing in places, like Buffalo, with rich histories in industries like manufacturing and healthcare. These areas are perfect for disruption and innovation, offering tons of opportunities for startups. Drive Capital’s approach is to use the existing strengths of these regions to help create a thriving startup ecosystem.
Advice for Founders
For founders, Landon stressed the need for a solid go-to-market strategy and the ability to explain why their product or service is urgent and relevant. He also highlighted the importance of being ambitious yet realistic, setting clear milestones and goals to guide their growth. Landon also encouraged founders to be their own biggest advocates, actively engaging with their local communities to build stronger, more connected ecosystems.
Conclusion
Landon shared some fantastic insights and inspiration during his visit with 43North and his appearance on the Latitude Podcast. His journey and Drive Capital’s mission align perfectly with our goals at 43North – to support and accelerate startups, driving growth and innovation in Buffalo and beyond.
We’re so grateful to Landon for sharing his knowledge and can’t wait to see the continued impact of his work with Drive Capital. Stay tuned for more exciting guest appearances and insightful discussions on the Latitude Podcast!
Listen to the full episode here.
