

20VC: Why Great Companies are Defined by How Many Things They Say No To, Why Being First Does Not Matter & Why Market Over Traction or Team is the Most Important Thing with Guillermo Rauch, Founder & CEO @ Vercel
65 snips Oct 6, 2023
Guillermo Rauch, Founder and CEO of Vercel, shares insights from his journey as a developer and entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of saying 'no' to focus on market selection over mere traction. Guillermo discusses the impact of AI on software and UI design, debating the future of open versus closed systems. He reflects on his experiences as an angel investor, revealing lessons learned and how they shape his current approach. His unique perspective on the intersection of narrative and market opportunity offers valuable takeaways for aspiring founders.
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Early Entrepreneurial Drive
- Guillermo Rauch's online work allowed him to contribute to his family's finances at a young age due to Argentina's economic instability.
- This experience solidified his belief in the potential of software engineering and the internet.
Immigrant Founder Advantage
- Immigrant founders possess a deep appreciation for their new environment's unique qualities.
- This appreciation fuels their motivation and drive, contributing to their disproportionate success.
Talent Evaluation
- Look for tangible creations and projects when evaluating talent.
- Assess their ability to articulate the impact of their work and connect it to user experience.