Superclusters - The Emerging LP Podcast The Most Disappointing Podcast You'll Ever Listen To (ft. Allie Garfinkle)
Dec 22, 2025
Allie Garfinkle, a senior finance reporter at Fortune and host of the Term Sheet podcast, joins for an insightful conversation. They dive into the evolution of venture capital, discussing its shift from boutique origins to larger firms. Allie and David bond over quirky tiki mug collections while exploring the role of personality in investing. David also unveils his unique risk assessment framework and warns of pitfalls from bad behavior in potential deals. The duo examines the abundance of capital in the market and the delicate balance of art and science in VC.
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First Heartbreak Fueled Competitive Drive
- David recounts a childhood crush whose offhand criticism drove him to take art lessons and compete in school art contests.
- That early competitive, revenge-driven motivation shaped his broader drive to improve and win later in life.
Slow Swimmer Turned Competitor
- David describes joining swim team as a slow ten-year-old who then pushed to improve after being lapped.
- The experience taught him the difference between team wins and the hunger for individual victory.
Garbage Truck Driver Childhood Dream
- David wanted to be a garbage truck driver as a kid because the mechanical pickup seemed magical.
- The simple childhood fascination illustrates how early curiosities shape later interests.