This Week in Startups E32: “Angel” podcast: Season 4 Premiere! Sarah Cannon, Partner at Index Ventures, shares insights on investing in the future of work, underrated emerging startup markets, going from the Obama Administration to Venture Capital, increasing upward mobility in America, fixing the gig economy & more!
Feb 5, 2020
Sarah Cannon, a Partner at Index Ventures and former economic advisor in the Obama administration, discusses her venture into venture capital and the importance of investing in the future of work. She shares insights on the gig economy, proposing new ways to categorize gig workers and enhance their benefits. Sarah highlights underrated international startup markets, including India and France, and discusses strategies for increasing upward mobility in America. Her passion for fostering innovation in emerging markets shines throughout the conversation.
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From Obama Campaign to VC
- Sarah Cannon's path to venture capital began unconventionally.
- She volunteered for the Obama campaign, transitioned to an economic advisory role due to her math skills, and later interned, leading to a notable disagreement with Larry Summers.
Debating Poverty with Larry Summers
- As an intern, Sarah challenged Larry Summers' approach to poverty, arguing for place-based policies.
- Summers favored macroeconomic solutions and believed in letting the market guide economic activity.
Economic Growth and Inequality
- Larry Summers argued that economic growth benefits everyone, a view supported by low unemployment and rising wages under Trump.
- However, Sarah Cannon points out a decoupling between market performance and the average person's financial well-being.