Michael Blakey is co-founder of Cocoon Capital, a venture capital firm based in Singapore. 

Cocoon invests in early-stage enterprise and deep tech companies in Southeast Asia. They’ve backed startups like Augmentus, Lendela, and Qashier. 

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👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

Imagine being a treasure hunter, but instead of searching for gold, I scout for visionary founders building groundbreaking startups. 

As a VC, I fuel these innovators with cash and guidance, turning bold ideas into global businesses. 

It's a thrilling ride, betting on tomorrow's giants and shaping the future!

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🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

I suffer severely from dyslexia, so let's say that my getting through school was a miracle.

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🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Launching Cocoon Capital was like embarking on an epic adventure. 

I didn't just co-found another VC firm; I wielded an entrepreneurial hatchet, chopping away at venture capital's old, rigid structures.

The real adrenaline rush came when investors saw the spark in my vision, a radical blueprint for the future of VC, and decided to back it. It felt like we were rewriting the rules of the game together. 

Most importantly, though, we are now returning money to our investors, so it works.

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🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

I tend to steer clear of the usual buzz around trends. For me, the real magic happens with the people behind the ideas—the founders.

As a pre-seed/seed investor, it's not about where the market is heading but about investing in the visionaries who are paving the way.

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💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry? 

In venture capital, bravery and resilience outshine all. 

My grandfather's wisdom? 'Failure is just a lesson, provided you don't repeat it. Those who've never failed have never truly risked.' 

So, to anyone stepping into VC, remember that daring to fail is your first step towards success. Embrace risks, learn from missteps, and let each one propel you forward. 

Your journey is about turning bold risks into groundbreaking victories.

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🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours? 

On a personal front, it's Liverpool—I'm a lifelong fan. 

If it's in regards to work then being a typical Brit I love talking about all the ways I've screwed up both as a founder and an investor.

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🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show? 

Boston Legal—I think that I must have watched every episode at least three times. 

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🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

Tutti Frutti. Anything Paddington Bear likes I like.

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FYI. We've edited this interview for clarity.