In this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Maggie Vo, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Fuel Venture Capital, to explore a groundbreaking approach to venture investing called “hedge venture.”

Maggie shares her unique journey from a global hedge fund manager to a venture capitalist who integrates sophisticated risk management and financial engineering into early-stage investing. They discuss Fuel VC’s global investment thesis focusing on FinTech, enterprise SaaS, consumer platforms, and disruptive AI startups across diverse markets from the U.S. to emerging economies. Maggie offers deep insights into evaluating founders’ qualities, the importance of building authentic networks, and how Fuel structures investments to actively manage downside risk while capturing upside potential.

The conversation also dives into the evolving role of AI as both a productivity co-pilot and an embedded tool in portfolio companies, underscoring the balance between human judgment and technology. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on venture capital’s maturation, key performance metrics like unit economics and retention, and the necessity of operational involvement in portfolio companies.

Maggie concludes with reflections on cultural diversity’s competitive advantage in investing and shares her vision for democratizing access to venture capital for retail investors. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in innovative investment strategies, early-stage technology markets, and the future of venture capital.

Learn more about Maggie's work at https://fuelventurecapital.com/

Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-vo-cfa-78724754/

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com