The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch 20VC: CRV's George Zachary on His Relationship To Money and How it has Changed Over Time, Why The Best Founders Have Often Experienced Parental or Home Instability and The Stories Behind Investing in Unicorns; PillPack, Yammer and Udacity
Oct 12, 2020
George Zachary, a General Partner at CRV, shares his extensive experience in venture capital, emphasizing how his investment mindset has evolved through economic crises. He believes the best founders often come from unstable backgrounds, which fosters resilience and a winning mentality. Zachary discusses the significance of trust between founders and investors and reveals his investment philosophy focused on meaningful returns and positive impacts on founders' lives. He also highlights noteworthy investments like PillPack and Yammer, showcasing the evolving dynamics of the tech landscape.
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Unexpected Beginning
- George Zachary's venture career started unexpectedly when he was invited to join the industry in 1995.
- Initially misunderstanding the role, he declined, thinking it involved country clubs and tennis, but later accepted after realizing its true nature.
Impact of Market Crashes
- Witnessing market crashes has made George Zachary cautious of overvaluation and capital-intensive projects.
- He prefers investing in great companies at good prices, prioritizing conviction and reasonable valuations.
Human-Led Conviction
- George Zachary attributes his high batting average in venture to focusing on founders' excitement and intelligence, not market reports.
- He prioritizes personal conviction and a deep understanding of founders' motivations.
