The Origins Podcast with Lawrence Krauss

Cyan Banister: A master class in curiosity--Risk, Resilience and Betting on the Future

32 snips
Jan 24, 2025
Cyan Banister, an acclaimed angel investor known for her early investments in SpaceX and Uber, shares her remarkable journey from being homeless at 13 to becoming a Silicon Valley legend. She explores how her challenging childhood shaped her resilience and innovative spirit. Cyan delves into her unique investing strategies, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and mentorship. The conversation touches on fearlessness in decision-making and embracing failure as a pathway to opportunity, revealing how her scientific approach influences both life and business.
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ANECDOTE

Early Childhood

  • Cyan Banister's parents were artists and students at the University of Arizona.
  • Her father left when she was one, and she didn't see him again until she was 18.
ANECDOTE

Reservation Upbringing

  • Cyan's mother emphasized intelligence over looks, even telling her daughters they were ugly.
  • Growing up on the Navajo Reservation without cable TV fostered self-reliance and exploration.
ANECDOTE

Grandparents' Influence

  • Cyan's grandparents, both teachers, were a stabilizing influence.
  • Her grandfather instilled a strong work ethic through daily chores, while her grandmother was a skilled homemaker.
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