Why Most Founders Fail with Marlon Nichols
What makes a great founder? How do VCs really decide who to back?
In this episode of Demo Day, host Sean Goldfaden sits down with Marlon Nichols, Managing Partner at MaC Venture Capital, to explore what separates good founders from great ones, the mindset of successful venture capitalists, and the hidden power of community-driven events like CultureHouse and LA Tech Week.
Marlon breaks down the qualities he looks for when investing—including “repeat exceptionalism,” founder resilience, domain expertise, salesmanship, and more. Plus, he opens up about navigating blind spots, evolving Mac’s investment strategy, and what it takes to succeed in today’s fast-moving startup landscape.
Whether you're a startup founder, aspiring VC, or someone looking to break into tech, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.
Topics covered include:
1. How VCs really evaluate early-stage startups
2. Why repeat exceptionalism matters more than a resume
3. Common blind spots that derail even top-tier founders
4. The evolution of LA’s tech and venture ecosystem
5. How to build relationships with LPs as a first-time fund manager
6. Why CultureHouse has become a cornerstone of LA Tech Week
7. Marlon’s advice for the next generation of builders and investors