

Investor Stories 381: Why I Passed (Inkinen, Roizen, Upham)
Jan 2, 2025
Investors share intriguing stories about the deals they passed on, revealing critical lessons learned in the fast-paced world of startups. They discuss missed opportunities with giants like LinkedIn and Tesla, highlighting emotional connections over cold analysis. The podcast emphasizes the power of disagreement to enhance decision-making processes, arguing that productive conflict can lead to stronger investment outcomes. Additionally, the challenges of balancing quality and profitability in startup food services are explored, showcasing the complex landscape of venture capital.
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Passion Over Analysis
- Fall in love with your business idea before starting a company.
- Don't rely solely on analysis; passion is essential for long-term commitment.
Missed Opportunities: LinkedIn and Tesla
- Heidi Roizen's firm passed on LinkedIn because they thought online Rolodexes were already done.
- They also missed Tesla due to timing and the perceived high cost of building a car company.
Value of Disagreement
- Heidi Roizen emphasizes the importance of diverse opinions and vigorous debate in investment decisions.
- Controversial deals, where there's disagreement, often perform the best.