This Week in Startups

Sequoia & the Hewlett Foundation on VCs NOT raising funds, Cisco's $1B AI fund, and more! | E1973

Jun 27, 2024

01:07:06

Snipd AI

This podcast discusses VCs not raising new funds, challenges faced by new fund managers, the impact of Cisco's $1 billion AI fund, market trends for emerging managers, and the significance of AI technology in startups and investments.

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Quick takeaways

VCs are avoiding raising new funds, impacting market dynamics.

Startups face challenges with capital deployment and exit strategies.

AI evolution in business applications is reshaping industry landscapes.

Deep dives

Changes in VC Landscape Due to Fundraising Challenges

The podcast discusses the evolving landscape of venture capital with a doubling number of VCs deciding not to raise another fund this year compared to last year. This shift is reflected in the lower number of active firms in the market. Even though Sequoia is less affected, pricing and valuations have been impacted in the weaker venture market and different sectors exhibit varying trends.

Investing in AI: A Billion-Dollar Bet on the Future

00:25

Investing in Uncertain Futures: The Digital Gold Rush

00:55

Intro

2min

Reflections on Venture Fundraising Trends and Challenges

7min

Challenges of Raising High Valuations for Startups and the Impact on Founders

3min

Analyzing Startup Capital Utilization and Emerging Fund Managers

17min

Long-term partnerships, Evolution of Firms, and Cisco's AI Fund

5min

Exploring the Evolution and Practical Applications of AI Technology

5min

Exploring the Efficiency Revolution and Founders' Utilization of AI in Companies

3min

Investing in Internet Infrastructure and AI Technologies

25min

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Todays show:

David Weisburd hosts Konstantine Buhler, Ana Marshall, and Jason Calacanis to discuss VCs not raising new funds (3:04), Cisco's $1 billion AI fund (31:36), and more!

Timestamps:

(0:00) David Weisburd intros Konstantine Buhler, Ana Marshall, and Jason Calacanis

(3:04) VCs not raising new funds, market impact, and the current state of venture capital

(5:32) Challenges for new fund managers, power laws, and investment strategies

(10:38) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist⁠

(12:01) Capital deployment, returns, and portfolio assessment

(17:28) Emerging managers and market trends

(29:57) Eight Sleep - Head to https://www.eightsleep.com/twist and use code TWIST to get $350 off the Pod 4 Ultra.

(31:36) Cisco's $1 billion AI fund

(40:06) DevSquad - Get an entire product team for the cost of one US developer plus 10% off at http://devsquad.com/twist

(41:21) AI applications and business models

(50:27) Investment strategies for M&A vs. IPO