UVC: Erik Huberman from Hawke Ventures on how Hawke Media's ecosystem and network drive their VC fund's success, emphasizes self-reflection & learning from missed opportunities, and exciting commerce enablement trends

Understanding VC

23-05-2023 • 41 mins

In this episode you will learn:

  • Why does Erik emphasize the importance of financial literacy and understanding money management?
  • What motivated Erik to establish a VC fund alongside his marketing agency, Hawke Media?
  • How did Erik and his team develop a strategic approach for their VC fund, Hawke Ventures?
  • How did the extensive ecosystem and network of their marketing agency benefit their VC fund's operations?
  • What advantages does owning an ecosystem bring and how does it benefit portfolio companies and the overall business?
  • What challenges arise when raising a fund, and how does the emotional aspect impact the fundraising process, particularly with high net worth individuals?
  • What defines dual threat CEOs, and how do they potentially generate better returns compared to traditional VC fund managers?
  • Why is self-reflection and learning from missed investment opportunities crucial for growth?
  • Why does Erik's fund have a lower frequency of investments in consumer brands? What current trend in commerce enablement excites Erik the most?

About:

Erik Huberman, the CEO and Founder of Hawke Media, is a highly accomplished entrepreneur and marketing expert. In 2014, he launched Hawke Media, which has become the fastest growing marketing consultancy agency in the United States, now valued at over $150 million. Prior to this, Erik had already built and sold two successful e-commerce companies by the age of 26.

Erik's business portfolio has continued to expand strategically, including several company acquisitions. In 2018, he launched Hawke Ventures, which achieved a closed single fund of $5.6 million. In 2020, Erik started his own podcast called HawkeTalk, and in 2021, he introduced HawkeZ, an agency specifically designed to help brands connect with Generation Z. Most recently, he authored a book titled "The Hawke Method."

Erik's expertise and achievements have earned him recognition within the industry. He has been honored with accolades such as Forbes Magazine's 30Under30, CSQ's 40Under40, and Inc. Magazine's Top 25 Marketing Influencers, among others.