Mike Maples Jr. is a co-founding partner at Floodgate and a recognized venture capitalist, celebrated for his sharp insights into successful startups. In this discussion, he reveals why 80% of startups falter and the importance of breaking patterns to secure success. He emphasizes that great startups prioritize choices over comparisons and highlights the role of early believers in innovation. Mike advocates for bold experiments and the need for an entrepreneurial mindset to drive creativity and risk-taking in business.
Successful startups differentiate themselves by offering radical innovations that create unique market presence and attract dedicated early adopters.
The integration of AI in venture capital enhances efficiency and empowers smaller startups to compete effectively against larger firms.
Deep dives
Ambitious Innovations
The discussion emphasizes the need for ambitious infrastructure projects, such as high-speed train tunnels and flying taxis, highlighting a decline in such grand endeavors since the 1970s. The speaker expresses a belief that society has lost its willingness to undertake significant undertakings, citing historical examples of major construction feats that have since dwindled. There is an urge to reinvigorate this mentality, arguing that innovative spirit is necessary for progress and advancement. The speaker advocates for embracing big ideas, suggesting that we should aim to build and innovate, echoing a sentiment for a return to a more ambitious societal vision.
The Role of AI in Venture Capital
The conversation highlights the transformative role of artificial intelligence in venture capital, allowing investors to sift through an overwhelming number of business plans more efficiently. AI can provide valuable insights and evaluations, helping founders refine their ideas by assessing potential inflections and market strengths. The speaker believes that AI enables smaller teams to compete against larger firms effectively, enhancing their productivity and strategic capabilities. This integration of technology empowers experienced investors to analyze vast amounts of data, surfacing unique business models and patterns previously unattainable.
Identifying Breakthrough Startups
The dialogue underscores the necessity for startups to offer radical innovations that do not easily compare to existing products, as this creates a unique market presence. By avoiding conventional comparisons, such startups can establish a dedicated user base that believes in their vision, as illustrated by the Tesla Cybertruck example, which defies traditional automotive classification. Founders often face skepticism initially, yet a small group of early adopters can spark significant momentum, contributing to the eventual success of these unconventional ideas. The focus is on fostering belief and participation over mere utility, enabling a shared vision that drives change in the industry.
Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova.
I have the wonderful pleasure of welcoming Mike Maples Jr. to the show this week. He is a co-founding partner at Floodgate. He has been on the Forbes Midas List eight times in the last decade and was also named a “Rising Star” by FORTUNE and profiled by Harvard Business School for his lifetime contributions to entrepreneurship. Before becoming a full-time investor, Mike was involved as a founder and operating executive at back-to-back startup IPOs, including Tivoli Systems, which was acquired by IBM, where his dad used to work, and Motive acquired by Alcatel-Lucent. Some of Mike's investments include Twitter, Clover Health, Okta, Outreach, Chegg, Demandforce, and Applied Intuition. And he has a new book out called Pattern Breakers with his co-author, Peter Zimmerman.
THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…anyone curious to learn about the ingredients to start-up success.
TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE…why is it that 80% of start-ups fail? What factors sets the 20% apart? As a seasoned venture capitalist, Mike says it comes down to breaking patterns. In this episode, he shares how to break away from linear strategies and dare to think boldly and take a risk.
KEY TAKEAWAYS...
Great startups force choices, not comparisons.
Early believers are essential for co-creating groundbreaking futures.
Intrapreneurs succeed by innovating discreetly before scaling their ideas.
Striking out on bold experiments is crucial - safe bets won’t lead to grand slams.
WHAT I LOVE MOST…Mike says that the best ideas often begin as unsettling or even disliked by many. It’s a testament to the power of sticking to bold, authentic visions despite early skepticism.