Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

Elizabeth Zalman & Jerry Neumann - Founder vs Investor - [Invest Like the Best, EP.351]

105 snips
Nov 7, 2023
Elizabeth Zalman, a two-time founder of StrongDM, and Jerry Neumann, an early-stage venture capitalist, dive deep into the complex dynamics between founders and investors. They discuss their contentious book, revealing the inevitable tensions that arise in startup journeys. Key topics include balancing ambition with ethics, the importance of effective communication, and the role of storytelling in fundraising. Personal anecdotes highlight the significance of building genuine relationships and strategic advantages, offering valuable insights for new entrepreneurs.
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ANECDOTE

Negative VC Reaction

  • A VC reacted negatively to the book "Founder vs. Investor", calling it "super problematic" and "over the top".
  • This strong reaction surprised the authors, who aimed for an honest portrayal of the founder-investor relationship.
INSIGHT

VCs Prioritize Company Success

  • VCs often react negatively to honest portrayals of founder experiences, feeling it's harmful to the ecosystem.
  • They prioritize the company's success over the founder's, viewing founders as replaceable.
ANECDOTE

Dismissive of Founder Experience

  • Liz Zalman wasn't surprised by the negative VC reactions, viewing them as typical dismissal of founder experiences.
  • She was initially worried Jerry Neumann might withdraw from the book due to the backlash.
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