StrictlyVC Download VC Aileen Lee Still Sees the Most Promise in Mundane Tech (Re-Release)
Jul 22, 2025
Aileen Lee, founder of Cowboy Ventures and the coiner of 'unicorn,' dives into the future of venture capital. She discusses the evolving startup landscape, highlighting the rise of 'unsexy tech' and how AI can empower workers through skill development. Aileen shares insights on navigating economic shifts and the importance of diverse teams in innovation. She also addresses the pressures faced by college freshmen regarding their career paths and emphasizes enjoying the college experience amidst uncertainties.
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Diversity Drives Better Outcomes
- Diverse perspectives around a table yield better decisions and financial outcomes.
- Diversity also fosters more resilient company cultures, benefiting the economy overall.
Venture Faces Liquidity Crisis
- Venture capital faces a liquidity crisis with money flowing in but few exits.
- This threatens returns and could lead to industry contraction, emphasizing careful company building.
Secondary Markets Still Nascent
- Secondary markets for venture investments remain nascent with wide bid-ask spreads.
- Liquidity for private companies is delayed as they stay private longer, increasing pressure on investors and employees.