Acquired Benchmark Part II: The Dinner
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Oct 17, 2022 
Join Peter Fenton, Sarah Tavel, Chatham Williams, and Eric Vishria from Benchmark for a captivating discussion. They share insights on their unique investment strategies, the significance of informal dinners in fostering partnership culture, and the emotional complexities of venture decision-making. The team delves into what it takes to become a Benchmark GP and why there's no growth fund, along with their supportive ethos towards entrepreneurs. Listen to their humorous takes on family dynamics and the evolving landscape of venture capital!
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Benchmark Dinner Origin
- Benchmark's dinner tradition started with Bill Gurley's inspiration from a Ben Franklin biography.
- The dinners aim to foster curiosity and connection among partners in a non-hierarchical setting.
Memos vs. Open Discussion
- Memos can introduce bias and pre-selling into the investment process.
- Benchmark's Monday meetings prioritize open-ended discussions and direct founder interaction for unbiased information gathering.
Chetan's Support Story
- Chetan Puttagunta shared a story about supporting a portfolio company facing a difficult decision.
- His last-minute trip to Europe and return for the Acquired podcast demonstrated commitment, changing the conversation's dynamics.