The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch 20VC: Mike Lazerow on Why How You Operate As a VC Is More Important Than Who You Are and What You Have Done, Why Boards Are More Important for the Entrepreneur than Investor & How The Best Entrepreneurs Prep Their Boards & Extract Value From Them
Aug 2, 2021
Mike Lazerow, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Velvet Sea Ventures, shares insights from his venture capital journey. He emphasizes that how you operate as an investor is paramount, discussing the core elements he seeks in deals. Lazerow reveals his biggest insecurities transitioning to VC and highlights the importance of effective boards for entrepreneurs. He also shares valuable lessons about nurturing relationships in the competitive investment landscape, as well as the significance of trusting gut instincts in decision-making.
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Career Shift
- Mike Lazerow's career began in journalism but shifted to startups due to the rise of the internet.
- He co-founded several successful companies, including Golf.com and Buddy Media, before transitioning into venture capital.
Health Challenge
- Mike Lazerow faced a life-threatening heart condition at 19, requiring two open-heart surgeries.
- This experience shaped his perspective, making him fearless and focused on living fully.
Dot-com Lessons
- The dot-com crash taught Mike Lazerow valuable lessons about fundraising, fundamentals, and opportunity in crises.
- He emphasizes raising more capital than anticipated and focusing on core business metrics.
