Investor Insights – An Interview with Lucas Birdsall

Vancouver-based Lucas Birdsall is a business executive and Venture Capitalist, currently with Parabellum Capital Strategies Ltd. A graduate of Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business, he has made comprehensive risk management, and finance operations and management his areas of expertise across diverse industry sectors.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Lucas Birdsall: I graduated from the Beedie School of Business at SFU in 2015 with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus on Finance and Operations Management.  In terms of past jobs, I started as an Underwriting Trainee at Northbridge Financial Corporation.  I was an Account Executive at Veritaaq IT Consulting.  And, eventually, I worked my way up to various C-suite positions at BMGB Capital Corporation and Castlebar Capital Corporation: CEO, Secretary, and Director.  Now I am a Venture Capitalist with Parabellum Capital Strategies Ltd.  

Over the years, I have been involved in various sectors: venture capital, tech companies, biotech, and natural resources among them.

Those are pretty diverse industries.  How do you find your feet when the companies can vary so much?

Lucas Birdsall: To be honest, when you are in the top positions, there are going to be all kinds of similarities in the sorts of decisions you need to make; the things that you have to be aware of.  Yes, you do need to keep track of market trends, but in the end, as an executive, you have to be able to make strategic decisions about the partnerships you want to form, financing, operations, and the way forward.  Then there are things like keeping stakeholders and shareholders in the loop, and, hopefully, happy. Obviously, it’s also vital to make sure that you are in compliance with industry regulations. 

What would you say are the strongest qualities needed in this industry?

Lucas Birdsall: Problem-solving. Being able to communicate effectively and to think in strategic ways. I am a strong believer in having good people skills, and I have worked hard to cultivate them. Making connections with people, whether it be clients, prospective clients, or your employees, is key. Listening to what folks have to say, letting them know that they have been heard, makes all the difference. The importance of building on those relationships can’t be underscored enough. I really do think it’s been a big part of how I’ve moved forward professionally. Of course, that has also involved being clearly focused on my career goals and putting in the necessary hard work.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in your line of business?

Lucas Birdsall: If you have big career goals, you’re going to have to put in the time.  There is no easy way around it. There is endless paperwork, and long hours, and meetings, and contract negotiations, and it’s a grind. It has to be. You have to understand that there’s a lot of drudgery and a mind-numbing amount of work that’s needed to get to the top level.  But you have to stay focused!

With your extensive experience in risk management and finance operations across various industries, what advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to succeed in the venture capital sector?

Lucas Birdsall: For young professionals entering the venture capital sector, I would emphasize the importance of building a strong foundation in financial analysis and risk assessment. Understanding how to evaluate the financial health and potential risks of early-stage companies is crucial. It’s not just about identifying promising startups; it’s about assessing their viability and scalability in the market.

Beyond technical skills, developing strong interpersonal and communication skills is also essential. Building relationships with founders, fellow investors, and industry experts can provide valuable insights and opportunities. Lastly, staying adaptable and open-minded in an ever-evolving market is key. The venture capital landscape can shift rapidly, so being able to pivot strategies and embrace new trends is critical for long-term success.