This Week in Startups

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

Feb 12, 2024

49:57

Snipd AI

Brian Singerman, venture capitalist at Founders Fund, discusses tips for emerging venture capitalists, a missed opportunity by an overconfident LP, self-awareness, strategy, and the state of venture capital. Founders Fund's unique approach to supporting founders and investing in 'end of one' companies is explored. The importance of price discipline, building relationships with founders, measuring returns, and fund strategies in venture capital are also discussed. Challenges in startups, working with challenging founders, and the resistance faced by disruptive companies are highlighted.

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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.

Collaboration and alignment with founders is a key value at Founders Fund, seeking partners with unique strategies and abilities to support founders effectively.

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.

The Importance of Self-Reflection in Venture Capital

00:33

Professional Business Communication with Open Phone

01:48

Virtue Signaling and Authenticity in the Game

00:26

Introduction

2min

Founders Fund: A Unique Approach to Supporting Founders

7min

Investment Advantage, Team Diversity, and Lessons Learned in Venture Capital

4min

Investment Strategy and Conviction in 'End of One' Companies

8min

Importance of Price Discipline and Building Relationships with Founders

4min

Measuring Returns and Fund Strategies in Venture Capital

7min

Challenges in Startups, Lemon.io, and Working with Challenging Founders

3min

Challenges and Resistance Faced by Disruptive Companies

16min

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Todays show:

Jason speaks to Brian Singerman of Founders Fund about tips for emerging venture capitalists (6:40), a missed opportunity by an overconfident LP (15:49), self-awareness, strategy, the state of venture capital (40:47), and more!

Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason speaks to Brian Singerman of Founders Fund.

(2:31) “Adapt or die!” and the unique approach and strategy at Founders Fund.

(6:40) Brian's tips for emerging venture capitalists on making investments.

(10:09) Imagine AI LIVE - Get 20% off tickets at http://www.imagineai.live/twist

(11:24) Brian reflects on his career's trials and triumphs

(15:49) Brian shares an anecdote about a gloating LP who passed on one of the greatest venture funds in history.

(21:36) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at http://www.openphone.com/twist

(23:04) Brian’s approach for securing a deal with founders.

(28:03) The sharp mind of Sean Parker.

(31:32) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://www.Lemon.io/twist

(32:37) The character of founders who change the world and how to work with them.