Navigating Ethical Challenges with VCs

This chapter explores the ethical dilemmas faced by entrepreneurs dealing with certain VCs, advocating for maintaining a record of questionable behavior. It recounts experiences of unethical conduct by VCs and stresses the need for entrepreneurs to stand up against such behavior. The discussion delves into managing relationships with VCs, aligning goals, and the power dynamics inherent in investor-entrepreneur relationships.

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Today's episode of Turpentine VC is a throwback to a conversation Erik Torenberg recorded with Parker Conrad and Parker Thompson that debates how much "value-add" investors can offer founders, issues around the misalignment between investors and founders, and the underdiscussed factors that influence VC deals. Parker Conrad is the co-founder and CEO of Rippling (and co-founder/CEO of Zenefits) and Parker Thompson is a current partner at SAX Capital (formerly Partner at Angellist). The conversation was recorded in 2018. Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

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💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

RECOMMENDED PODCASTS: The 10x Capital Podcast

If you like Turpentine VC, check out our show The 10x Capital Podcast with David Weisburd, where David talks to the investors behind the investors: https://10xcapitalpodcast.com/.

ECON 102 W/ NOAH SMITH

Keeping econ entertaining - Noahpinion author Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg break down business news and politics every week.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1696419056

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6q7Gn5lP8TTtBPuV1NJSGs

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

00:46 The Mystery of Startup Bill Jackson: Unraveling the Twitter Persona

(02:11) Investor Insights: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

(05:51) The Role of Investors: From Therapists to Strategists

(08:18) Brand Power and The Investor's Influence

(09:15) The Board Pleasing their LPs

(18:57)Navigating Founder-Investor Dynamics: A Real Talk