Building Venture Funds in Silicon Valley

Shane Goudey takes us on a journey through Silicon Valley's venture fund landscape, from the rise and fall of the dot-com boom to navigating the economic downturns that have since followed. Growing up in Wyoming and influenced by his attorney mother, Shane's path into venture law was anything but typical. In this episode, he shares the lessons learned from his time on Capitol Hill, his shift into venture capital, and the rollercoaster ride of Silicon Valley’s economic cycles.

We explore:

• How Shane broke into venture funds during the dot-com bubble at Cooley LLP.
• Key insights from helping to build funds through booms and busts.
• The importance of investor relationships, evolving fund terms, and succession planning.
• Practical advice for young attorneys and opportunities in business development.
• Shane’s reflections on moving to Sidley Austin and what’s next for venture funds.

Whether you're an aspiring venture lawyer or curious about Silicon Valley’s financial ecosystem, Shane’s story is full of actionable advice and fascinating insights.

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