E32: Scott Belsky’s Angel Investing Lessons and Requests For Startups
"Turpentine VC" | Venture Capital and Investing
Evolution of an Angel Investor
Reflecting on missed opportunities and lessons learned, the chapter explores the journey of an angel investor, emphasizing the value of engaging conversations, understanding the team behind a product, and staying invested with small checks for greater opportunities.
This episode features an interview with Scott Belsky, angel investor, Chief Strategy Officer at Adobe, and founder of Behance. In this conversation, which was recorded in 2021, we dive into Scott’s early investments in companies like Pinterest and Uber, the evolution of his investment philosophy, and the principles he acquired over time.
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.
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RELATED SHOWS: @10xcapitalpodcast
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/
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X / TWITTER:
@scottbelsky (Scott)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@turpentinemedia
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(01:01) Beginning of Scott’s angel investor journey
(02:05) Investments in Pinterest and Uber
(04:00) The biggest principle Scott acquired
(07:15) What’s the capacity to become an investor
(12:09) Sponsor: Brave | Turpentine
(17:10) Evaluating the market
(19:55) Scott's current investment interests
(26:02) Views on consumer social
(30:34) Past examples of failed products due to timing.
(38:00) The future of work and productivity tools
(40:22) How founders extract value from solo investors
(42:33) The future of creativity
(45:57 Wrap
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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.
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