Africans in Tech | Live from Techsgiving | Investing in the AI Internet 2.0 w/ Abraham Kromah

Описание: In this episode of the Africans in Tech Podcast, we sit down with Abraham Kromah, Partner at Wayve Capital, live from the Techgiving Summit at Nationals Park.

Abraham shares his incredible journey from growing up in the Liberian community of Staten Island to playing linebacker at Duke University and professionally in the CFL. He breaks down how the "pivot" mindset learned on the football field became his greatest asset in the world of asset management and growth equity.

We dive deep into:

The transition from professional sports to commercial real estate and venture capital.

Why math is the most important transferable skill for any student or entrepreneur.

Wayve Capital's thesis on AI as "Internet 2.0" and their research trip to Taiwan.

What Abraham looks for in a tech founder before cutting a check.

The importance of proximity and relationships in the investment world.

Follow Abraham Kromah:

Instagram: @Abe.Kromah

LinkedIn: Abraham Kromah

Timestamps
0:00 – Thinking outside the box: The founder's gap.

1:30 – Welcome to Africans in Tech live at the Techgiving Summit.

2:50 – Abraham’s roots: Liberia to Staten Island.

4:00 – From Duke Football to the Investment Space.

6:25 – Early sports days and moving to Georgia.

8:55 – The "Little Liberia" community in Staten Island.

10:15 – Playing Linebacker at Duke & majoring in Sociology.

12:30 – Growing up with an entrepreneurial grandmother.

14:00 – The mindset of an only child in an African household.

16:45 – Cutting class for MTV’s TRL in Manhattan.

19:40 – Family life and the decision to have two kids.

22:15 – Transitioning from Duke to the CFL and NFL mini-camp.

27:40 – Life after football: Construction, Mortgages, and Real Estate.

31:10 – The role of a supportive partner during career pivots.

34:30 – Meeting his partners and forming Wave Capital.

36:30 – The power of proximity: Hanging out with "Wall Streeters."

40:30 – Why Math is the ultimate transferable skill.

42:20 – Why athletes make the best engineers and founders.

44:30 – The meaning behind the name "Wayve Capital."

46:10 – Growth Equity vs. Venture Capital: What’s the difference?

47:35 – 4 Key things tech products need to stand out to investors.

51:20 – Investing in AI Infrastructure and the Taiwan research trip.

53:15 – How to spot a "GPT Wrapper" vs. a real business.

55:45 – Identity: Being more than just your job title.

1:00:25 – The intake process for high-net-worth investors.

1:02:00 – How to connect with Abraham Kroma.