Navigating VC and Talent in AI Investments

This chapter examines the differences between venture investments and traditional growth equity, with a focus on the implications of significant investments by key players like Sequoia Capital. It highlights the competitive challenges in the AI talent market and Elon Musk's influential presence, which shapes investor confidence and strategic decisions. Additionally, the discussion emphasizes the need for General Partners and Limited Partners to adopt a nuanced approach when investing, recognizing the potential of emerging managers to drive high returns in a rapidly evolving landscape.

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This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

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Todays show:

David Weisburd hosts Joshua Berkowitz, Donald Stalter and Jason Calacanis to discuss xAI closed on $6B (5:02), PitchBook's report on Emerging Managers (17:32), SVB’s venture portfolio situation (44:18), and much more!

Liquidity Timestamps:

(0:00) David Weisburd intros Joshua Berkowitz, Donald Stalter and Jason Calacanis

(5:02) xAI raises $6B in funding

(9:49) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist⁠

(13:16) Sequoia leading a $6B round for AI

(17:32) PitchBook's report on Emerging Managers

(20:38) NetSuite - By popular demand, NetSuite has extended its one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks! Head to https://www.netsuite.com/liquidity

(28:18) The impact of the surge of venture capital in 2021 and its implications for the ecosystem

(30:41) Attio - Head to https://attio.com/twist⁠ to get 15% off for your first year.

(34:42) The impact of a positive investor attitude on founders

(44:18) The Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) venture portfolio situation

(49:33) Lightning round of last 3 investments

Thank you to our partners:

(9:49) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist⁠

(20:38) NetSuite - By popular demand, NetSuite has extended its one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks! Head to https://www.netsuite.com/liquidity

(30:41) Attio - Head to https://attio.com/twist⁠ to get 15% off for your first year.

Mentioned on show:

https://www.axios.com/2024/05/03/svb-venture-capital-arm

Follow Donald:

X: https://twitter.com/donnystalter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldstalter

Check out:

https://www.fieldguide.io

https://www.permitflow.com

https://slopepay.com

Follow Joshua:

X: https://twitter.com/berkowitz_josh