In this article
Oksana Malysheva on breaking into VC, pitching investors, imposter syndrome, and building a founder network that opens doors to funding.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Oksana Malysheva is a venture partner who has navigated a male-dominated field and backed founders with bold ideas. This conversation is for anyone curious about how venture capital works and how women can claim space in it.
Resources
Oksana's path into venture
Hear how she found investing, what she looks for in founders, and how she built credibility without waiting to feel fully ready.
Career and life planning
Align personal values with professional ambition. Oksana shares how she balances intensity with sustainability.
What venture capitalists do
VCs provide capital and strategic support to high-growth companies in exchange for equity. Oksana breaks down roles, expectations, and how rounds fit together.
Barriers women face
Reflections on bias, access, and staying in the game when rooms feel closed. Allies and sponsors matter.
Circle of allies
Peers and mentors accelerate learning. Build relationships before you need a check.
Imposter syndrome
Confidence grows from reps, feedback, and evidence, not from waiting until fear disappears.
Connecting with investors
Authentic outreach, clear story, and respect for an investor's thesis beat cold spam. Prepare a concise pitch and know why your company fits their portfolio.
FAQ
Do I need a huge network to raise?
Warm intros help, but clarity on problem, traction, and market size matters more than name dropping.
Is VC the only path?
No. Bootstrapping, grants, and revenue financing fit many businesses. This episode focuses on VC because that is Oksana's lane.
If you are building something new, listen for how she evaluates founders and how you can show up prepared.
You made it to the end. That's Saver-level patience.
