VC Sunday School: first-tier investor behavior + Climate: Dangerous Ventures' Mike Lin | E1385

Feb 13, 2022

Joining the conversation is Mike Lin, General Partner at Dangerous Ventures, who has a rich background in climate solutions and has previously worked at Makani Power and Fenix. He shares fascinating insights from his journey in climate tech, including the lessons learned from failed projects like Potenco and One Laptop Per Child. Mike also discusses the potential of muscle-powered energy and why Dangerous Ventures is supporting urgent climate solutions akin to 'Dunkirk.' Plus, he reveals a cheeky story about getting fired from Apple for insubordination!

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INSIGHT

Top-Tier vs. Second-Tier VC Behavior

Top-tier VCs possess confidence and experience, leading to a more relaxed approach.
Less experienced VCs often exhibit anxiety and nervousness, potentially leading to counterproductive behaviors.

ADVICE

Focus on High-Level Strategy

Focus on higher-level aspects like mission, plan, and strategy in board meetings.
Address tactical issues only when necessary or requested by the founder.

ADVICE

Be a Supportive Board Member

Be calm, optimistic, and helpful as a board member, especially during challenging times.
Offer support and motivation rather than negativity or panic.

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Jason and Molly begin this double-header Sunday show with a VC Sunday School segment on top-tier VC behavior (01:38). You will learn:

1. How first-tier VCs compare to second-tier VCs

2. When VCs should intervene in a portfolio company

3. The difference between micromanaging and good governance

4. Jason's framework for ensuring alignment: Mission, Plan, Strategy, Tactics

5. Why good Board Members remain calm and positive

Then, Molly is joined by Mike Lin from Dangerous Ventures for a This Week in Climate Startups segment (22:00). You will learn:

1. What Mike learned from working at Makani Power (acquired by Google X)

2. The potential of "muscle-powered" energy and its limits

3. Lessons from the failed Potenco generator & One Laptop Per Child project

4. How Mike got himself fired from Apple for insubordination

5. Why Dangerous Ventures is backing "Dunkirk" climate solutions

Show Notes:

(00:00) Jason and Molly tee up the show, Top VC vs. Second-tier VCs, Mike Lin from Dangerous Ventures

(01:38) The behavior difference between a top tier VC and a second tier VC

(09:23) Where VCs should actually intervene in a portfolio company, micromanaging vs. good governance

(11:47) First Republic Bank - Discover what a long-term financial relationship can do for you. Visit https://firstrepublic.com/startup today to learn more.

(12:50) What needs to be in alignment Mission, Plan, Strategy, Tactics

(14:58) Why good Board Members are calm and positive

(19:30) Jason and Molly intro the This Week in Climate Startups segment

(20:40) Superside - Go to https://superside.com/twist to get $3000 or more in credits when you sign up for an annual subscription

(22:00) Mike Lin from Dangerous Ventures discusses his previous startup experience at Makani Power

(26:09) Can muscle-powered energy come back?

(27:57) Pulling Power from the Sky: The Story of Makani

(30:56) Notion - Go to https://Notion.so and use promo code TWIST to get $250 off its annual team plan

(32:28) Lessons from Mike's time as the founder of Fenix, which was bringing power to low income economies, and the lessons from the failed Potenco generator & One Laptop Per Child project

(36:35) How Fenix rose out of the ashes of his previous startup, Fenix's smart battery

(39:55) Why Mike Lin was fired as an Apple contractor for insubordination

(43:39) Who is going to actually solve the climate crisis?

(46:15) Mike's ambition at Dangerous Ventures and why they are backing "Dunkirk" climate solutions

(53:43) Managing a micro-fund and using SPVs to build initial momentum

Check out Dangerous Ventures: https://www.dangerous.co/

FOLLOW Mike: https://twitter.com/tweetmikelin
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood