The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch 20VC Exclusive: Mercury Founder Launches First $26M Fund | Why Founders Should Take the Highest Price | Why Serial Entrepreneurs are Better | Why AI Is So Overhyped | The Future of Venture Capital with Immad Akhund
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May 12, 2025 
Immad Akhund, CEO of Mercury, a banking platform for startups, discusses his new $26M fund and shares lessons from over 350 angel investments. He emphasizes that founders should always aim for the highest price and explains how serial entrepreneurs often outperform. Immad critiques the hype surrounding AI investments while advocating for sustainable business models. He also reflects on the dynamic future of venture capital, the importance of company culture, and the unique challenges of fundraising in a post-valuation world.
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Listen to Founders' Vision
- Remove ego and listen deeply to founders' visions.
- Join their journey rather than trying to impose your own ideas.
Sequoia's Deep Conviction Approach
- Sequoia performs the deepest diligence before investing.
- This thoroughness builds genuine conviction beyond just following FOMO.
Raise High and Raise Enough
- Always push for the highest valuation as a founder.
- Raise enough capital to either avoid future raises or grow aggressively.