All Segments
Segments Timeline
The Hustle Behind Lady Gaga's Breakout
Troy Carter shares the story of how he and Lady Gaga hustled to break into the music industry during tough financial times. He emphasizes the importance of determination and hard work, highlighting their shared struggles and the pivotal moments that led to Gaga's rise to fame.
"we are talking today about a lot of things changing in the Venture industry we are in Los Angeles one of the things that I think has changed the most in the Venture industry in the last few years is t..."
The Hustle Behind Lady Gaga's Breakout
Troy Carter shares the story of how he and Lady Gaga hustled to break into the music industry during tough financial times. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and determination, highlighting their shared struggles and the pivotal moments that led to Gaga's rise.
"we are talking today about a lot of things changing in the Venture industry we are in Los Angeles one of the things that I think has changed the most in the Venture industry in the last few years is t..."
Identifying Talent: What Drew Me to Gaga
Carter discusses the first time he met Lady Gaga and what made her stand out to him. He describes her confidence and unique style, and how he recognized her potential as an artist. This segment explores the qualities that define talent and the importance of having the right team to support it.
"okay more recently I think you became really well known for discovering and touring with Lady Gaga and in doing so if my facts are correct when you started neither of you guys had any money you guys w..."
Identifying Talent: What Drew Me to Gaga
Carter discusses the first time he met Lady Gaga and what he saw in her that made him believe in her potential. He describes her confidence and unique style, and how he recognized the need for strategic support to help her succeed in the music industry.
"okay more recently I think you became really well known for discovering and touring with Lady Gaga and in doing so if my facts are correct when you started neither of you guys had any money you guys w..."
Building a Fanbase: The First 50
In this segment, Troy Carter explains the strategy behind building Lady Gaga's initial fanbase. He shares insights on targeting specific communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ audience, and the importance of grassroots marketing in the early stages of an artist's career.
"you know let let's get to work and um and we just hustled you know we started it off and and can I ask one question I'm startor to interrupt what did you see in her like this cuz I want to peel back t..."
Building a Fanbase: The First 50 Fans
In this segment, Troy Carter explains the strategy behind building Lady Gaga's initial fanbase. He shares insights on targeting specific communities and leveraging relationships to create a grassroots movement that would eventually lead to her mainstream success.
"she was 20 and um so that was probably 2002 2007 and um and at that time you know it was like height of the you know financial crisis um you know I had just gone through a terrible period in my life f..."
Leveraging Technology for Music Promotion
Carter reflects on the challenges of getting Lady Gaga's music played on the radio and how they turned to emerging platforms like YouTube and social media for promotion. He discusses the shift in music marketing and how technology can create new opportunities for artists.
"there a defining moment where it just kind of broke out like you know what no it was it was a series of inflection points so it wasn't one you know just that explosive one thing happened it was us pla..."
The Power of Early Technology in Music Promotion
Carter reflects on the challenges of getting Gaga's music played on the radio and how they turned to emerging technologies like YouTube and social media to promote her. He discusses the impact of these platforms on reaching global audiences and building a fanbase.
"office and um and you know she came in with you know the fish fishnet stockings no pants on big glasses and probably played us what would be four number one records you know so the the the the product..."
The Importance of Narrative in Success
Troy Carter emphasizes the significance of storytelling in both music and tech. He explains how creating a compelling narrative around an artist or product can help gain traction and attract attention, drawing parallels between the music industry and tech startups.
"what was great you know and kind of with dubsta into you know how I even got involved in Tech we couldn't get her music played on the radio to save our lives you know so where all of the radio station..."
The Power of Narrative in Music and Tech
Troy Carter draws parallels between breaking artists and tech startups, emphasizing the importance of narrative in both fields. He explains how a compelling story can help gain traction and attract attention, whether in music or technology.
"you take that experience and how do you how do you advise or work with tech startups in similar ways you know we talk a lot about narrative you know and that was the whole thing you know so as we're b..."
From Music to Tech: Discovering New Talent
Carter discusses his transition from the music industry to tech investing, highlighting his ability to identify and connect with talented entrepreneurs. He shares insights on building relationships and leveraging his network to discover promising startups.
"back and how did you Source this how did you know this from all the crappy deal you know my my my I think you know I'm I'm probably one of the most untalented people you'll find when it comes to anyth..."
From Music to Tech: Discovering New Opportunities
Carter discusses his transition from the music industry to tech investing, highlighting how his experiences with artists like Lady Gaga helped him identify and connect with talented entrepreneurs. He shares insights on building relationships and leveraging networks in both fields.
"startups in similar ways you know we talk a lot about narrative you know and that was the whole thing you know so as we're breaking artists you know and our company is is is on the music side is known..."
Networking and the Power of Influence
In this segment, Troy Carter talks about the importance of networking in his career. He shares stories of how he met influential figures in both music and tech, and how these connections have helped him source and invest in successful startups.
"whether it's a Pianist or whether it's an entrepreneur if if it's something creative it automatically attracts me to that person to ask more questions and um and in Tech I just happen to be meet some ..."
Networking and the Power of Influence
In this segment, Troy Carter explains how his network has played a crucial role in his success as an investor. He shares anecdotes about meeting influential figures and how these connections have led to significant investment opportunities.
"so for instance you know one I met shervin pishevar through Summit Series just through a random conversation we're sitting next to each other I overheard something he said that was you know he he said..."
Lessons from Hip-Hop Icons
Carter reflects on his early experiences working with hip-hop legends like Will Smith and P Diddy. He shares valuable lessons learned from these encounters and how they shaped his approach to business and entrepreneurship.
"stuff as well so you grew up in West Philly West Philly you dropped out of high school got is right got kicked out of a few and then dropped out of the the last one and if I understand from some of th..."
Lessons from Hip-Hop Icons
Carter reflects on his early experiences working with hip-hop legends like Will Smith and P Diddy. He discusses the lessons learned from these encounters and how they shaped his approach to business and entrepreneurship.
"stuff as well so you grew up in West Philly West Philly you dropped out of high school got is right got kicked out of a few and then dropped out of the the last one and if I understand from some of th..."
Overcoming Bias in Silicon Valley
Troy Carter addresses the issue of unconscious bias in the venture capital industry. He discusses the importance of diversity and representation in tech, and how biases can affect investment decisions and opportunities for entrepreneurs.
"prince of belir um right down the street at Sunset Go studio it was eye openening you know for a kid who had never been outside of Philadelphia before all of a sudden I had this exposure to the media ..."
Overcoming Bias in Silicon Valley
Troy Carter addresses the issue of unconscious bias in the venture capital space. He discusses the importance of diversity and representation in tech, and how the industry can benefit from embracing a wider range of perspectives and experiences.
"concert and um but his his label head and Biggie still came down that night after the show was over and seeing P Diddy who was who owned the label and action was really my first time seeing a young bl..."
The Shift in Consumer Behavior
Carter talks about the changing demographics and consumer behavior in America. He highlights the importance of authenticity and transparency in today's market, and how these factors influence investment strategies.
"so he gave me my confidence that okay P did's father got killed when he was a kid in Harlem I grew up without my father father in in my life my dad was in in prison for Mo for for most of my life and ..."
The Shift in Consumer Behavior
Carter analyzes the changing demographics and consumer behaviors in America. He discusses how these shifts impact investment strategies and the importance of understanding cultural trends to identify new opportunities.
"a path right now I think one of the narratives in Silicon Valley right now is that um we sort of end up with a bias uh an unplanned bias where you end up f in people who look like you or had a similar..."
Innovating Through Cultural Understanding
In this segment, Troy Carter highlights the role of cultural understanding in innovation. He shares examples of how entrepreneurs have successfully built businesses by recognizing and capitalizing on cultural trends that others overlooked.
"five or six years ago I had never heard the term Venture Capital before right so for me you know I've been I've had a knack for being able to build businesses um invest in people and um and I kind of ..."
Innovating Through Cultural Understanding
In this segment, Troy Carter discusses how understanding cultural shifts has led to successful investments in companies like Spotify. He emphasizes the need for investors to recognize and adapt to changing consumer behaviors.
"right you know as as we look at investing you know um prior to probably five or six years ago I had never heard the term Venture Capital before right so for me you know I've been I've had a knack for ..."
Empowering Artists and Entrepreneurs
Carter discusses his dual role in representing talent and investing in startups. He explains how his experiences in both fields allow him to create synergies that benefit both artists and entrepreneurs, fostering a collaborative environment for growth.
"value with these companies so what we recognize in technology as investors you have a huge demographic shift that's happening in America globally right now right um one shift is you know just this who..."
Balancing Talent Representation and Venture Capital
Carter explains how he balances his roles in talent representation and venture capital. He discusses the synergies between artists and entrepreneurs, and how his platform supports both sectors to foster innovation and growth.
"value with these companies so what we recognize in technology as investors you have a huge demographic shift that's happening in America globally right now right um one shift is you know just this who..."