Something Ventured -- Silicon Valley Podcast

Brad Feld: “Friedrich Nietzsche is the Patron Philosopher of Today’s Entrepreneurs”

Sep 15, 2021

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.

56:30

Creator website

Episode guests

Brad Feld

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

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.

Intro

5min

Navigating Social Dynamics and Entrepreneurship Post-Pandemic

17min

Collaborations and Career Ventures

5min

Nietzschean Paths: Nature, Philosophy, and Entrepreneurship

16min

Rethinking Business Books and Publishing Strategies

5min

Writing with a Beginner's Mind

7min

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”.

https://somethingventured.us/

https://feld.com/

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Something Ventured -- Silicon Valley Podcast

Brad Feld: “Friedrich Nietzsche is the Patron Philosopher of Today’s Entrepreneurs”

Episode guests