Decoder with Nilay Patel Recode Decode: Index Ventures' Mike Volpi and Danny Rimer
Aug 19, 2019
Mike Volpi and Danny Rimer, co-founders of Index Ventures, dive into their venture capital journeys and the evolution of the tech landscape. They discuss how to balance the influx of capital with the need for diversity in tech. The conversation shifts to the urban mobility revolution, featuring scooters and autonomous driving. They also explore the disruptive potential in the beauty and fashion industries while addressing the challenges of over-empowered founders. With a global perspective, they emphasize that Silicon Valley is far from over.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Mike Volpi's Cisco Journey
- Mike Volpi's career unexpectedly shifted from a potential future at Netscape to Cisco.
- Initially intending to stay for two years, he remained for seven as Cisco rapidly grew, becoming a key part of their acquisition team.
Index Ventures' Global Approach
- Index Ventures' approach focuses on supporting entrepreneurs globally, initially targeting European investments due to less competition.
- This global perspective led to their expansion into the U.S. market.
Venture Capital Philosophies
- In venture capital, two schools of thought exist: one treats it as a financial instrument, prioritizing capital, while the other prioritizes advising entrepreneurs.
- Index Ventures aligns with the latter, believing capital isn't the primary competitive advantage.