This Week in Startups E41: “Angel” Podcast: Shawn Carolan, Managing Partner at Menlo Ventures shares insights on his early investments in Uber, Roku, Siri & JUMP Bikes, adjusting his approach in response to hundreds of new venture funds with billions in dry powder & more!
Apr 10, 2020
Shawn Carolan, Managing Partner at Menlo Ventures, is known for his early investments in unicorns like Uber and Roku. In this conversation, he discusses the changing venture capital landscape, especially with the influx of new funds. Shawn shares valuable insights on recognizing high-value startups even at steep valuations. He recounts his experiences with dynamic founders like Travis Kalanick and reflects on his strategic shifts amid the pandemic, as well as the lessons learned from investments in Siri and JUMP Bikes.
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Unpredictable Market
- Each black swan event has unique origins and impacts.
- Predicting market recovery is challenging due to the uncertainty and bad data surrounding COVID-19.
Survival First
- Focus on your runway and cash flow during uncertain times.
- Prioritize survival, even if it means downsizing, as rebuilding is possible.
Adapting to Change
- Re-baseline your business metrics due to the changing market.
- Slow down hiring, re-evaluate customer acquisition spending, and consider furloughs or salary reductions.