Capital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment Industry Bill Trenchard - First Round Capital (Manager Meetings, EP.23)
Dec 9, 2021
In this engaging discussion, Chris Douvos, founder of Ahoy Capital, interviews Bill Trenchard, a partner at First Round Capital known for investing in tech giants like Uber and Flexport. They explore the unique community-driven model of First Round, emphasizing mentorship and diversity in venture capital. Bill shares his journey from tech entrepreneur to investor, along with the tough love philosophy in guiding startups. They also tackle the shift to remote work and productivity hacks, offering insights on balancing work and passion.
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First Round's Early Days
- Chris Douvos discovered First Round Capital through entrepreneurs he interviewed while at Princeton's endowment.
- These entrepreneurs praised First Round's unique approach, which focused on building a community of entrepreneurs.
Venture Capital Durability
- Venture capital firm durability depends on successful generational transitions, which are rare.
- First Round Capital's strong culture, driven by founder Josh Koppelman, aids in successful transitions.
Early Tech Influence
- Bill Trenchard's early tech exposure stemmed from his father's work at Sony and his own passion for tech magazines.
- This early exposure fostered a deep understanding of technology and product taste.