Brad Feld: “Friedrich Nietzsche is the Patron Philosopher of Today’s Entrepreneurs”
Sep 15, 2021
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Brad Feld, a renowned venture capitalist and co-founder of Techstars, discusses his latest book, linking Nietzsche's philosophy to entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of free spirits and creativity in business. Feld explores the shifts in social dynamics post-pandemic, highlighting the evolving entrepreneurial landscape. He reflects on personal growth through solitude and nature, suggesting that these experiences can inspire deeper engagement in the entrepreneurial journey. Plus, he advocates for shorter, impactful business books.
The podcast highlights a shift in emotional dynamics as optimism grows post-pandemic, yet many still confront mental health challenges.
The discussion emphasizes how entrepreneurship has evolved beyond traditional tech hubs, showing robust startup ecosystems emerging globally.
Brad Feld's book connects Nietzsche's philosophy to entrepreneurship, promoting introspection and independent thinking as essential for navigating modern business challenges.
Deep dives
Emotional Shifts Post-Pandemic
The conversation highlights a notable emotional shift experienced by many as societies transition out of pandemic restrictions. A sense of optimism is emerging, particularly noticeable in typical environments like Boulder, Colorado, where people feel relief from the stress and isolation caused by COVID-19. However, it is acknowledged that many individuals continue to face significant emotional challenges stemming from the pandemic, particularly regarding mental health. This complex emotional landscape reflects the varied personal experiences of people while navigating new social norms and engagements.
Adapting to New Social Norms
The topic of wearing masks despite lifted restrictions is explored, showcasing how social dynamics influence individual behavior. Some people continue to wear masks as a form of personal privacy or to signal a desire for less social interaction, even when no longer necessary from a health standpoint. These patterns demonstrate that comfort levels with re-engagement vary widely among individuals, reflecting different psychological responses to the pandemic. Accepting these diverse reactions is essential for fostering understanding and compassion as society navigates post-pandemic life.
The Remote Entrepreneurship Landscape
The dialogue underscores a significant shift in entrepreneurship, indicating that startups can thrive outside traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley. Brad Feld emphasizes that the pandemic has led to the successful engagement of investors with entrepreneurs they have never met face-to-face. This change validates the idea that entrepreneurship exists beyond geographical constraints, allowing diverse global communities to form robust startup ecosystems. The newfound acceptance of virtual interactions has broadened the opportunities for entrepreneurs in various locations.
Mobility and Economic Dynamics
The discussion touches on the trend of high-profile entrepreneurs relocating from California to other states, driven by factors such as tax advantages, lifestyle preferences, and the flexibility of remote work. The ability for individuals to choose their residence based on personal and economic preferences illustrates the evolving nature of the entrepreneurial landscape. This competition between states encourages local governments to enhance quality of life, cultural offerings, and standard practices to attract talent. Such interstate mobility marks a transformative shift in how entrepreneurs choose their environments for business and personal growth.
Philosophical Foundations for Entrepreneurs
The podcast introduces the book 'Entrepreneurs Weekly Nietzsche,' tying classical philosophy to modern entrepreneurship. Authors Brad Feld and Dave Jilk aim to make Nietzsche’s complex ideas accessible and relevant to entrepreneurs, providing thought-provoking insights that encourage creative and independent thinking. This approach contrasts with conventional business literature that often prescribes clear steps to success. By encouraging introspection and philosophical exploration, the book empowers entrepreneurs to navigate challenges and redefine their paths in a dynamic business landscape.
Brad Feld’s latest book (with David Jilk) is “Entrepreneur’s Weekly Nietzsche (A Book for Disruptors)”. Those familiar with Brad’s “Feld Thoughts” blog, will find the unexpected title – unsurprising.
While reading Nietzsche (um, yes) Brad noted that his favorite personality was a “free spirit: An obsessed individual with a vision of the future and the will to make it so, a rebel who creates the future with childlike enthusiasm.” That, thought Brad, sounded a lot like…an entrepreneur. The book is “a modern Art of War, connecting the dots to our high-tech business environment”. Each short chapter takes a quote from Nietzsche and applies it to an area of entrepreneurship.
Brad Feld has been a famous venture capitalist for a long time. He has been an early stage investor and entrepreneur since 1987. He currently runs Foundry group, which he co-founded. Before that Brad co-founded Mobius Venture Capital and, prior to that, founded Intensity Ventures. Brad is also a co-founder of Techstars. Brad is a writer and speaker on the topics of venture capital investing and entrepreneurship. He’s written a number of books as part of the Startup Revolution series and writes the blogs “Feld Thoughts” and “Venture Deals”.
