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This Week in Startups

Founders Fund's Brian Singerman on building a legendary VC firm, “Adapt or Die” and "Ikigai" | E1896

Feb 12, 2024
Brian Singerman, a partner at Founders Fund, shares insights from the forefront of venture capital. He discusses the mantra "Adapt or Die!" and how it's crucial for success. Singerman offers practical tips for emerging VCs, recounts a humorous yet cautionary tale about a missed opportunity by an overconfident LP, and reflects on the balance between supporting visionary founders while allowing them the autonomy to innovate. He also touches on the significance of self-awareness in navigating complex investment landscapes.
49:57

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Founders Fund's strategy involves investing in companies with little competition but massive potential, exemplified by their investment in SpaceX.
  • Founders Fund prioritizes putting a large percentage of their fund into one portfolio company, demonstrating their confidence in the company's success.

Deep dives

Investing in SpaceX: A Unique Opportunity

When considering investing in SpaceX, Founders Fund saw a clear differentiation and an opportunity for an end-of-one company. Despite the initial challenges and rockets blowing up, the fund recognized the potential for unlimited upside. This strategy of investing in companies that have little competition but massive potential is what drives true venture capitalists.

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