NEXT with TIGER 21

Howard Morgan: Insights from an Uber Successful Tech and VC Legend

May 15, 2024

Howard Morgan, a tech and VC legend, shares wisdom on timing, choosing partners, and investments. From co-founding First Round Capital to insights on success and mentorship. Delve into his pioneering ventures and reflection on retirement and philanthropy in a Tiger Group.

44:11

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Howard Morgan

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Quick takeaways

Howard Morgan emphasizes the importance of evaluating the total addressable market for venture success.

Howard Morgan's early exposure to computers and mentorship guided his trajectory into technology and finance.

Deep dives

Howard Morgan's Diverse Ventures and Investments

Howard Morgan, a legendary venture capitalist and technology visionary, shares insights into his remarkable career journey. From pioneering quantitative investing at Renaissance Technologies to co-founding First Round Capital, a trailblazing seed stage fund and early supporter of Uber, Howard's influence transcends traditional boardroom roles. Additionally, his involvement with B Capital showcases his ongoing dedication to shaping the future of innovation even into his 70s.

Introduction

4min

The Pioneering Ventures of a Tech Visionary

26min

Factors to Consider in Venture Investments: Addressable Market and People Qualities

2min

Philosophies of Engagement with Portfolio Companies in the Venture World

2min

Reflections on Retirement, Legacy, and Philanthropy

7min

Continuous Learning and Investment Insights in a Tiger Group

3min

Howard Morgan’s inimitable career began with his early and prescient interest in computers. In fact, Howard has been on email for 51 years! He is currently the Chair and General Partner of B Capital. He is considered one of the pioneers of early-stage investing, having co-founded First Round Capital alongside Josh Kopelman, which was the first professional seed stage fund and the first institutional investor in Uber.

Prior to First Round, Howard helped found Idealab with Bill Gross, and served as President of Renaissance Technologies, which he co-founded with Jim Simons. Renaissance Technologies is the best performing investment firm of all time, and its mysterious and famous Medallion Fund is considered to be the most successful fund ever.

Howard shares insights into the importance of timing, choosing great partners, and his approach to investments, mentorship, health, and philanthropy. Listen in on host Michael Sonnenfeldt’s conversation with the globally recognized venture capitalist, visionary, and TIGER 21 Member Howard Morgan.

Watch clips:

Behind Howard Morgan's Success

How to accomplish almost anything

Birth of RenTec

Topics:

(0:41) Host Michael Sonnenfeldt introduces Howard Morgan

(4:29) Howard Morgan's Journey: From Academia to RenTec

(7:15) Renaissance Technologies: Pioneering Quantitative Investing

(12:53) VC Successes: First Round Capital to Uber

(14:10) “You can accomplish anything if you don’t care who gets the credit.”

(16:01) Philosophy of Success: Mentors, Investments

(22:30) Aging, Dr. Comite