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VC Brett Queener Unpacks AI-Native Startups and the End of Grunt Work

Apr 10, 2025

Brett Queener, Managing Director at Bonfire Ventures, shares insights on the evolving venture landscape and the impact of AI on software startups. He dives into the challenges of evaluating AI startups amidst the hype and stresses the importance of rapid adaptation. Queener highlights how AI is revolutionizing recruitment, making processes more efficient with tools like MetaView. He also discusses the changing nature of talent needs and the necessity for companies to embrace a mentality of continuous change in today's competitive market.

46:29

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Brett Queener

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

AI is reshaping startup landscapes, requiring founders to focus on tangible metrics and adaptability rather than hype-driven valuation.

Successful leadership in this era demands emotional intelligence and the ability to cultivate agility in teams amid ongoing change.

Deep dives

Bonfire Ventures and Their New Fund

Bonfire Ventures recently raised a new fund of $245 million, indicating their ongoing commitment to supporting seed-stage startups. The changing venture capital landscape has led to skepticism about the viability of smaller firms, but Bonfire aims to dispel those doubts by continuing their approach of investing in great founders and offering substantial support to their portfolio companies. They emphasize hands-on involvement, ensuring that they remain integral to the growth journey of the startups they back. Their strategy focuses on classic seed investments in application software companies, adapting to the changes in what constitutes viable software in today’s market.

Intro

3min

Navigating AI Startups: Hype and Reality

8min

Navigating Startup Investments in an AI-Driven Era

5min

Revolutionizing Recruitment with AI and Streamlined Processes

2min

Navigating Change: AI and Startup Dynamics

26min

The Power of Emotional Engagement in Product Understanding

2min

HR Heretics welcomes back guest Brett Queener, Managing Director at Bonfire Ventures, for a check in on the current venture landscape.

Fresh from raising a $245 million fund, Queener explores how AI is fundamentally changing software companies, emphasizing the need for rapid iteration and questioning traditional playbooks. He shares thoughtful perspectives on evaluating AI startups beyond the hype, the changing nature of talent requirements, and why successful companies must embrace a "change economy" mentality to thrive.

*Email us your questions or topics for Kelli & Nolan: hrheretics@turpentine.co

For coaching and advising inquire at https://kellidragovich.com/

HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.

Support HR Heretics Sponsors:

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Metaview is the AI assistant for interviewing. Metaview completely removes the need for recruiters and hiring managers to take notes during interviews—because their AI is designed to take world-class interview notes for you. Team builders at companies like Brex, Hellofresh, and Quora say Metaview has changed the game—see the magic for yourself: https://www.metaview.ai/heretics

KEEP UP WITH BRETT, NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDIN

Brett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettqueener/

Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/

Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/

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LINKS:

Bonfire Ventures: https://www.bonfirevc.com/

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