This Week in Startups Kevin O'Connor on backing visionaries, the future of VC, internet history and more | E1861
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Today’s show:
ScOp’s Kevin O’Connor joins Jason (1:39), exploring the early days of the internet, its initial promise, rapid growth, and the recent pivotal changes brought on by AI (1:39). They also discuss tactics for building in a declining market, the emergence of “death-icorns” (19:30), what he looks for in founders (39:18), and much more!
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Jason welcomes Kevin O’Connor of ScOp Venture Capital.
(1:39) Exploring the early days of the internet, its initial promise, rapid growth, and the recent pivotal changes brought by AI.
(5:55) Discussing the impact and future prospects of AI as we approach 2024.
(8:41) Delving into the potential influence of AI on sectors like Hollywood and the music industry.
(10:03) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at http://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist
(11:11) Transitioning from founding companies to establishing a fund and supporting new startups.
(15:25) Examining the evolution of founding a company, market dynamics, and fluctuating trends since the 1990s.
(18:22) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist
(19:30) Tactics for building in a declining market, the emergence of “death-icorns,” and the pitfalls of debt-financed growth in unprofitable businesses.
(27:57) The pendulum swings back after “the great reshuffling of America” and the phenomenon of over-employment.
(29:53) DevSquad - Get an entire product team for the cost of one US developer plus 10% off at http://devsquad.com/twist
(33:13) Identifying unique opportunities in AI investments.
(36:50) Recounting a near acquisition of Kevin’s company Graphiq by Apple for Siri integration.
(39:18) What Kevin currently seeks in entrepreneurs before making an investment.
(47:35) Discussing current valuation trends and the competitive nature of losing deals in venture capital.
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Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp
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Check out ScOp Venture Capital: https://www.scopvc.com
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Follow Kevin:
X: https://twitter.com/kjpoconnor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinoconnorsb
Follow Jason:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
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Thanks to our partners:
(10:03) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at http://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist
(18:22) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist
(29:53) DevSquad - Get an entire product team for the cost of one US developer plus 10% off at http://www.devsquad.com/twist
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Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
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Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin
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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast