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‘The Technology Opportunity of Our Lifetimes’: Bessemer's Byron Deeter

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Oct 17, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Byron Deeter, a partner at Bessemer Venture Partners known for his savvy in cloud and AI investments, shares insights into the evolving venture landscape. He emphasizes the transformative power of AI, calling it the technology opportunity of our lifetimes. Byron also explores the importance of prioritizing founders over market potential and reflects on lessons learned from missed investments. Additionally, he highlights the intersection of sports and leadership, promoting fitness and mental health for CEOs through the STRIVE program.
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ANECDOTE

Founder Turned CEO Then Acquirer

  • Byron Deeter started Trigo Technologies after failing to find an investment and built it through the dot-com crash to profitability and a sale to IBM.
  • He then joined IBM for a year and a day before later joining Bessemer Venture Partners.
ANECDOTE

The Anti‑Portfolio As A Learning Tool

  • Bessemer publishes an "anti-portfolio" of big wins they missed to learn from omissions and stay humble.
  • Byron cites Tesla and Atlassian as high-profile missed opportunities that teach the firm lessons.
ADVICE

Empower Partners To Move Fast

  • Empower individual partners to lead deals rather than relying on firmwide blackballs to pick winners fast.
  • Promote accountability by giving partners checkbooks and encouraging them to run with conviction.
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