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

20VC: The Future of TikTok; Is it a Danger to US National Security| Why the "Woke Mind Virus" is a "Post-Modern Religion" and Is it Too Late to Reverse | Why the Education System is Broken | Investing Lessons from Wish, Palantir and Lady Gaga | Joe Lonsda

Mar 11, 2024

Joe Lonsdale, the Founder and Managing Partner at 8VC and co-founder of Palantir Technologies, shares insights on entrepreneurial success and the challenges of America as a frontier nation. He critiques the 'woke mind virus' as a harmful ideology, linking it to issues in the education system. Lonsdale discusses TikTok's geopolitical implications and stresses the need for accountability in non-profits. He also touches on innovative strategies for venture capital in an AI-driven world, emphasizing the importance of unique expertise.

58:19

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Joe Lonsdale

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Quick takeaways

Encouraging courage and leadership in educational institutions is vital for promoting free thinking and truth-seeking.

Incorporating accountability measures in institutions can enhance governance and efficiency by tying performance to outcomes.

Addressing geopolitical concerns like China's influence and Russia's actions is crucial for international stability and trade balance.

Deep dives

Courage and Leadership in Education

Encouraging courage and leadership within educational institutions is crucial. Instead of conforming and staying silent, individuals need to stand up against falsehoods and pursue truth. The current environment at universities discourages free thinking and exploration of ideas, veering away from the essence of a liberal education.

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Failure with lady gaga

01:29

Intro

4min

Childhood Reflections and Frontier Spirit

8min

Navigating Profit Incentives and Societal Values

3min

The Illusion of Wokeness

15min

Struggles and Strategies: The Israeli Conflict and Entrepreneurship

16min

Venture Capital's Future in an AI-Driven World

8min

Key Insights on Decision-Making and Future Aspirations

4min

Joe Lonsdale is the Founder and Managing Partner at 8VC, an early-stage venture capital firm managing over $6 billion in capital. In 2003, he founded Palantir Technologies. Since then, he has founded over a dozen companies, including Addepar, a wealth management platform helping investors manage over $5 trillion, and OpenGov, recently sold for $1.8BN.

In Today’s Episode with Joe Lonsdale We Discuss:

The Making of a Multi-Unicorn Founder:

What was Joe like as a child? How would his parents and teachers have described him?
What does Joe know now that he wishes he had known when he started his career?
How does Joe view the importance of luck and skill in success?

America’s New Dawn: Navigating Frontiers and Accountability

What did Joe mean by describing America as a “frontier nation”?
How does Joe contrast America’s frontiers with Europe’s social safety nets?
How does Joe propose restoring America using the “scalpel over the sledgehammer” approach?
How can America introduce accountability to non-profit institutions? What role do for-profit prisons play?

Woke Mind Virus

Why does Joe consider the Woke Mind Virus a “Bad Postmodern Religion”?
Why does Joe see Elon Musk as a key figure in challenging “woke minds”?
Why does Joe believe the education system is a core problem? What needs to change?
Is it too late to reverse the current state of “woke mind virus”?

TikTok, China, Israel:

What does Joe believe is the right solution for TikTok’s ownership?
To what extent is TikTok a danger to American national security?
What does Joe predict will happen to China from here? What needs to change?
How does Joe predict the next 24 months for the conflict in Israel and Gaza?

Investing Lessons: Wish, Palantir and more

What are Joe’s biggest takeaways from the failing of Wish?
What did Joe learn from the failed project with Lady Gaga?
How does Joe reflect on when is the right time to sell?
How does Joe reflect on his own relationship to money?

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