The Confusion of Labels in Startup Finance

On this special replay episode, John Vrionis joins Nick to discuss the DNA of Startup Success, including: 

• What’s unusual about what you do?
• “How it works” vs. “Why it matters” — what’s the disconnect you’ve observed with early-stage founders?
• Arrogance vs. Humility — have you invested in founders displaying these traits? What’s been your experience?
• 3 must-haves that you look for in a new investment?
• If there’s one common theme in failed investments — what is it?
• Is there anything unusual about your approach to sourcing? If so, what is it?
• What are some best practices for founders when picking a VC? Over the past year or so the percentage of total VC dollars invested in early-stage deals fell to the lowest levels the industry has seen in five years. Why do you think this is the case?
• Do you focus on product-market-fit prior to the A round — if so, how do you define it? What’s the problem with Sovereign Wealth in Silicon Valley?
• “The biggest mistake you can make is taking an investment from a mega-fund” Why?
• How has the early-stage venture landscape shifted from previous years? What do you expect to see in the future?

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