From Kidnapped Teen to VC Powerhouse: Justis Mendez on Defying Odds, Building Funds, and the Future of Tech on 9×90™ (#48)
About this episode At just 14, Justis Mendez survived a harrowing kidnapping. By 27, he became one of the youngest Hispanic Founding GPs in U.S. venture capital. In this riveting episode of 9x90™, Adi Soozin sits down with Justis to unpack how trauma fueled his relentless drive—leading to the creation of OneSixOne Ventures and the successful raise of a $5M fund focused on overlooked founders and frontier tech. From building a thriving startup community in Miami to structuring a fund that gives him freedom, Justis shares how he and his team are leveraging deep tech, AI, and their youth to gain an edge. They discuss what VCs really look for in founders, why underestimated investors can punch above their weight, and how emerging GPs can build visibility and traction early. This is more than a startup story—it’s a masterclass in resilience, vision, and strategic execution. 👉 Learn how to pitch…
