In this episode of Something Ventured, Kent Lindstrom sits down with Mark Suster, Managing Partner at Upfront Ventures and one of Los Angeles’ most prominent venture capitalists. Mark shares his unconventional journey from early computer programming in the 1980s, building and selling software companies, to becoming a VC — including the surprising challenges of the transition and why he created Launch Pad LA to stay connected to founders.
The conversation explores the fundamental differences between being a founder and a venture capitalist, particularly the emotional “amplitude” of highs and lows, crisis frequency, and the long-term nature of measuring success in VC. Mark also dives deep into why Los Angeles has become a major hub for hard tech, aerospace, space, national defense, maritime innovation, and next-generation energy solutions (including nuclear applications on ships and in space). He makes a compelling case for LA’s strengths in manufacturing, trade, and deep tech versus Silicon Valley’s dominance in software and AI.
Additional highlights include Mark’s thoughts on nonconformity in investing, returning capital to LPs, the importance of government relations for startups, and his optimistic view of LA’s future despite recent challenges. A thoughtful, wide-ranging discussion full of historical context, contrarian insights, and forward-looking vision on American innovation and resilience.
Books Mark mentions in this podcast:
Miller, Chris. Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology. Scribner, 2022.
Herman, Arthur. Freedom’s Forge: How American Business Produced Victory in World War II. Random House, 2012.
Mark Suster: Upfront Ventures. | LInkedIn | X
Transcript of Mark Suster of Upfront Ventures on Something Ventured podcast
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