This Week in Startups E34: “Angel” Podcast: George Zachary, General Partner at CRV shares insights on cancer scare shifting his focus to investing in health-tech, passing on Google at MDV, CRISPR & “designer babies”, coronavirus threat, origins of Sand Hill Road & more!
Feb 19, 2020
George Zachary, General Partner at CRV, reflects on his venture capital career and pivotal moments, including passing on Google and backing Zip2 with Elon Musk. He shares insights on the evolution of leadership styles in tech and the challenging journey of VCs. Zachary discusses recent health scares that shifted his focus to health-tech innovation, the ethical implications of CRISPR and 'designer babies,' and the need for transparency in the healthcare system. They also explore the rise of lab-grown seafood and the potential impacts of the coronavirus.
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Passing on Google
- George Zachary recounts passing on Google at MDV due to a partner’s dismissal of Larry and Sergey as arrogant.
- The partner also questioned the need for another search engine, deeming Google unnecessary.
Leadership vs. Management
- Historically, VCs mistook management for leadership, often replacing founder CEOs prematurely.
- Great leaders, like Steve Jobs or Larry and Sergey, may not be great managers, but they possess essential vision and drive.
1990s VC Focus
- In the 1990s, VC was sales and marketing-driven due to the prevalence of packaged software and hardware.
- The focus was on distribution and selling physical products, not user experience.