In this episode of Ignite: Conversations on Startups, VC, and Society, Volition Capital Partner Jim Ferry shares a grounded perspective on what it really takes to scale founder-owned, capital-efficient businesses in today’s market.
Drawing on more than a decade at Volition and experience leading investments across software, internet, and consumer, Jim unpacks where growth equity fits between early venture and buyouts and why scaling with discipline, not momentum, drives the best outcomes. He explores how to recognize true product–market fit beyond vanity metrics, why overlooked markets often present the most attractive opportunities, and how founders should think about valuation in a shifting macro environment.
The conversation also dives into the founder’s evolution from builder to operator, the importance of value creation after the check, and what’s changing as AI reshapes competitive dynamics.
