This Week in Startups

Sequoia’s Roelof Botha on “Crucible Moments” and the state of VC | E1804

Sep 7, 2023

01:24:51

Snipd AI

Topics discussed include the state of the Silicon Valley ecosystem, Sequoia's 'Crucible Moments', pre-IPO vs. post-IPO market values, founder ambition, commonalities between the AI boom and the crypto boom, U.S. frameworks regarding crypto, and the qualities of a successful CEO.

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Quick takeaways

Sequoia looks for exceptional founders with positive market dynamics and potential to be leaders in growing markets.

Crucible moments involve important decisions like launching independent businesses and refining partnerships.

The venture capital industry is evolving, with Sequoia adopting innovative fund structures for long-term wealth creation.

Deep dives

Sequoia's Focus on Outlier Founders and Positive Market Dynamics

Sequoia looks for outlier founders who have exceptional qualities and are driven to build legendary companies. They seek positive market dynamics, being on the right side of history and in growing markets. Their seed investments focus on novel insights and ideas, while venture investments require evidence of a sustainable advantage and the potential to become the leader in a category.

The Impact of IPOs on Market Cap and Company Performance

01:47

The Journey of Natera: From a Small Idea to a Phenomenal Business

01:23

Snip

NaN:NaN

EBay's acquisition offer provided much-needed support and confidence for PayPal's founders

01:05

Introduction

3min

State of the Venture Capital Market and the Impact of the Current Crisis

5min

Understanding Crucible Moments in Business and Personal Life

6min

Crucible Decisions and the Qualities of a Successful CEO

14min

Increase Productivity with CODA and a Comparison of Crypto and AI Booms

4min

Exploring the Potential of Crypto and AI

5min

Exploring Token Offerings and a Framework for a Permissionless Space

3min

Founder Mindset and Milestone-based Rewards

16min

Crucible Moments and Decision Making

19min

10.

Natera - From IVF to Genetic Testing

7min

11.

Reflections on Industry Support and the Importance of Goodwill

2min

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Today’s show: Roelof Botha joins Jason to discuss the state of VC (3:35), Sequoia’s new series “Crucible Moments” (9:31), and much more!

Time stamps:

(0:00) Sequoia Capital’s Roelof Botha joins Jason

(3:35) The state of the Silicon Valley ecosystem

(8:00) Supergut - Get 30% off with code TWIST at https://supergut.com

(9:31) “Crucible Moments” and their significance

(14:31) Pre-IPO vs. Post-IPO market values

(18:10) Founder ambition and mistakes made during “Crucible Moments”

(22:25) The importance of founders starting narrow and what makes a great VC in tech

(27:20) Coda - Get a $1,000 startup credit at https://coda.io/twist

(28:49) Commonalities between the AI boom and the crypto boom