The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch cover image

The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch

20VC: Shervin Pishevar on The Epic Uber War and What Really Happened in the Firing of Travis Kalanick | Raising $15BN to Win China | Why The Traditional Venture Capital Model is Dead | The Future of Quantum and How We Will Cure All Diseases in 10 Years

Jan 13, 2025
Shervin Pishevar, a serial entrepreneur and early investor in Uber and Warby Parker, shares captivating insights about the tumultuous journey of Uber. He discusses his pivotal role in securing billion-dollar deals and the fierce rivalry with Lyft. Pishevar delves into the $15 billion raise that fueled Uber's expansion in China and the internal chaos leading to leadership changes. He also speculates on the future of quantum computing and its potential to revolutionize healthcare and eradicate diseases, painting an optimistic vision for humanity.
01:12:44

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Shervin Pishevar emphasizes the extraordinary capabilities of entrepreneurs like Travis Kalanick, highlighting the crucial role of exceptional leadership in a startup's success.
  • The dynamics between investors and founders significantly influenced Uber’s trajectory, showcasing the impact of trust and collaboration on long-term growth.

Deep dives

The Vision Behind Uber's Potential

Travis Kalanick's original vision for Uber aimed to fundamentally change transportation by eliminating the need for car ownership. This ambitious goal suggested a total addressable market (TAM) worth trillions, indicating that Uber's influence could extend far beyond ride-hailing services. Insights into this vision became apparent when Shervin Peshavar realized Uber's true potential during a meeting with Travis in Dublin, where they discussed the company's transformative nature. This understanding marked a pivotal moment, encouraging Peshavar to invest significantly in Uber, driven by the belief in its unprecedented opportunity for growth.

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