Follow the Gradient How founders build (or break) trust in high-stakes moments - HV Capital's Lina Chong on hard decisions in startup leadership
Jan 8, 2026
In this conversation, Lina Chong, a Partner at HV Capital and former founder, shares her unique insights into the tumultuous journey of startups. She discusses the crucial nature of fast, sometimes irreversible decision-making and the emotional challenges founders face post-exit. Lina emphasizes the importance of prioritizing company growth over personal loyalties and highlights the boldness required for product experimentation. She also offers practical go-to-market strategies and shares advice on navigating the changing landscape of venture capital.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Run The Company As An Experiment
- High-performing founders treat their company as an experimental system rather than a fixed blueprint.
- They embrace iteration, systems thinking, and flexibility as core operating principles.
Post-Exit Identity Crash Shaped Her VC Style
- Lina described her post-exit identity crash and how vulnerability helped rebuild purpose.
- She uses that empathy to create honest, productive founder-investor relationships.
Speed And Clarity Beat Perfect Certainty
- Fast, structured decision-making distinguishes founders who scale.
- Great founders simplify complex inputs into a clear path and lead with clarity, not stubbornness.