Startup Mistakes to Avoid: Overvaluation, Fundraising, AI & SaaS Pricing | Vanessa Larco Partner at NEA | Startup Project #96

Join host Nataraj on Startup Project as he sits down with Vanessa Larco, Partner at NEA, to discuss the transformative impact of AI on startups and venture capital.

About the Episode: This episode delves into the evolving landscape of tech investing, exploring how AI is reshaping business models, pricing strategies, and the future of work. Vanessa, a former Director of Product at Box and co-founder of Funloop, shares her insights on:

* The shift towards AI in venture capital

* The commoditization debate surrounding LLMs

* The evolving pricing models in the age of AI

* Common mistakes startups make when fundraising

* How to identify and secure promising deals

* Vanessa's personal journey and mentorship experiences

About the Guest and Host:

Vanessa Larco: Partner at NEA, investing in Series A and Series B technology companies. Former Director of Product at Box and co-founder of Funloop.

Connect with Vanessa:

→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessalarco

Nataraj: Host of the Startup Project podcast, Senior PM at Azure & Investor.

→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/

→ Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam

→ Email updates: https://startupproject.substack.com/

→ Website: https://thestartupproject.io

Timestamps:

00:01 - Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:01 - AI's Impact on Venture Capital

04:12 - The Commoditization of LLMs

08:57 - The SaaS Subscription Model and AI

16:04 - AI-Enabled Investment Ideas

18:50 - Life as a Partner at NEA

23:42 - Working with Series A & B Companies

25:40 - Traction Metrics for Series A

27:59 - Case Studies: Majoree & Rewind

33:04 - Common Startup Mistakes

36:37 - Sourcing Deals in Venture Capital

38:57 - What Vanessa is Consuming Now

40:20 - Mentors in Vanessa's Career

41:38 - Lessons Learned in Venture Investing

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→ Email updates: https://startupproject.substack.com/

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