The High Flyers Podcast with Vidit Agarwal #122 Sheel Mohnot: Living on $1 a day to learn his customers, Becoming one of the best seed FinTech investors, Metaverse weddings & more!
Mar 7, 2023
48:34
In this episode #122 w Sheel Mohnot, learn about:
- 02:15 - Where were you born and live now?
- 02:30 - What was your first job and now?
- 03:20 - High Flyer in Sheel’s life
- 04:12 - Indian family influences
- 05:19 - High school impressions
- 06:09 - Connecting with Indian / American identity
- 06:51 - Grandfather’s inspiration
- 07:44 - Multi dimensional career interests
- 09:00 - A year living in India on a $1 a day
- 10:18 - Internalising personal values and happiness
- 11:10 - Most painful learning
- 12:26 - Meeting his wife thanks to a dating show
- 12:48 - Taco Bell metaverse wedding
- 13:44 - Hanging out with AirBnB’s Brian Cheesky
- 16:18 - Business opportunity in podcasts
- 17:13 - Finance, Consulting, Healthcare
- 18:02 - Mental models for learning
- 18:57 - Crowdfunding as part of a VC round
- 19:50 - State of FinTech today
- 21:07 - Founding team vs product at seed stage
- 21:50 - Transition from angel investor to running a fund
- 22:45 - Questions to ask in first meeting with founder
- 23:51 - Downside of saying no to founders
- 24:42 - Hallmarks of a great enduring Venture firm
- 26:44 - Managing both sides: the LP’s and Founders
- 28:44 - 5 best hall of fame investors
- 29:54 - Best underrated investors
- 30:35 - most unexpected successful founders
- 31:35 - Unpacking Flexport’s business model
- 33:09 - Indian CEO’s
- 34:58 - Building rapport cross cultures
- 37:20 - FinTech in Africa
- 38:01 - Opportunity in Australia
- 39:12 - 3 tips to become a VC today
- 40:12 - Progression within a VC
- 41:51 - Traits of a great investment memo
- 42:50 - Areas founders should be more aware of
- 44:39 - Growth vs burn rates
- 45:15 - Final sprint
It’s now time to explore your curiosity. Please enjoy!
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