Deedy Das: founding team at Glean ($2.2B), investor at Menlo Ventures, and former from Google Search engineer
May 29, 2024
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Deedy Das, Principal at Menlo Ventures and founding team member of Glean ($2.2B), discusses his journey from Google to venture capital, the impact of Twitter on his career, joining a startup, and navigating growth and transition in startups. The dialogue highlights the importance of resilience, building connections, and making career decisions in the tech industry.
Success hinges on backing resilient individuals over external factors in various endeavors.
Transitioning from engineering to product leadership requires a balance of technical expertise and strategic vision.
Deep dives
The Importance of Backing People Who Can 'Run Through Walls'
Backing individuals who showcase the ability to overcome obstacles with remarkable resilience is crucial in various endeavors. Rather than solely focusing on the industry, product, or timing, the primary factor lies in assessing if a person possesses the tenacity and determination to achieve extraordinary feats. This mindset prioritizes the value of individuals who demonstrate unwavering determination and drive in the face of challenges, highlighting the significance of character over external factors.
Transition to Engaging with Twitter: A Catalyst for Deeper Thinking
The decision to become more active on Twitter stemmed from a critical moment during a conversation with a friend. The realization that verbalizing thoughts can differ from putting them into written form prompted a shift towards more profound analysis and reflection on various topics. Through consistent engagement on Twitter, the practice evolved into a mental exercise akin to a daily gym routine, fostering deep contemplation and research-backed insights shared with a wider audience.
Navigating Career Choices and Joining a Startup: The Influence of Founding Engineer Role
Joining a startup as a founding engineer poses a blend of risk and opportunity, necessitating a strategic evaluation process. The decision to join a tech venture like Glean involved assessing factors such as the founder's track record, the team's composition, and the market's potential for growth. Emphasizing a 'first principles' approach allowed for a clear assessment of the startup's viability and alignment with personal interests, steering the individual towards a dynamic and impactful role within the organization.
Shifting Career Trajectories: Transition from Engineering to Product Leadership
Transitioning from an engineering role to a product leadership position signifies a strategic pivot towards creative and strategic responsibilities. The shift towards leading a new product initiative entailed recognizing a stronger aptitude for guiding product development and innovation, aligning with a desire for impactful decision-making and creative problem-solving. Balancing technical expertise with a keen product vision propelled the individual towards a transformational journey driving substantial growth and success within a dynamic startup environment.
Deedy Das is a principal at Menlo Ventures, previously was on the founding team of Glean ($2.2B valuation today), and had various technical roles at Facebook and Google. He’s also a prolific tweeter, on tech, immigration, India, fitness and search.
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