The Three Body Problem of Venture Capital w/ Frank Rotman (CIO, QED Investors)
May 30, 2024
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Frank Rotman, CIO at QED Investors, discusses the flaws in funding startups, the role of VC associates, and how VCs can stand out. He emphasizes sustainable growth, non-consensus alpha approach, and the need for purpose in the marketplace.
Successful VCs must evolve from operators to investors with unique skills for sustainable success.
Associates in VC firms should focus on deep engagement, problem-solving skills, and being advisors of choice.
Deep dives
Founding QED Investors with a Focus on FinTech
Frank Rotman discusses how QED Investors, founded with his partners, originated from their deep operational experience in building businesses like Capital One, emphasizing their unique skill set as operators turned investors. The team's transition to becoming operators masquerading as investors highlighted the value they brought to the VC ecosystem, leading to their decision to take on other people's money and manage billions in investments. Their focus on FinTech and understanding emerging areas like Vintech drove them to success, investing in over 225 companies.
Addressing Mistakes in Venture Capital
Reflecting on the peak madness in venture capital, Frank Rotman delves into the prevalent mistakes made during that time, where valuations soared unrealistically and market dynamics clouded judgment. He stresses the importance of being right and giving sound advice for repeatable success rather than relying on luck. Rotman highlights the need to focus on solving real problems and building sustainable businesses in the ever-evolving VC landscape.
The Evolving Role of Associates in VC Firms
Frank Rotman critiques the traditional role of associates in VC firms, suggesting a need for associates to have a unique skill set and value proposition to truly impact founders and investments positively. He emphasizes the importance of being an advisor of choice for talented founders, questioning the effectiveness of volume-based metrics in the associate role. Rotman advocates for deep engagement and problem-solving skills to differentiate associates.
Future Areas of Focus and Investment Criteria
Looking ahead, Frank Rotman shares QED Investors' focus on global fintech investments across various geographies like the US, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The firm primarily invests in early-stage startups but also considers growth-stage opportunities, especially within their existing portfolio. Rotman highlights the importance of clarity, exceptional analysis, and a deep understanding of fintech spaces for potential founders seeking investment from QED.
Nick and Beezer sit down with Frank Rotman, a founding partner and CIO at QED Investors to talk about his early days as the chief credit officer of Capital One, the fundamental flaw in the way founders and investors have been funding startups, the purpose associates serve and how those associates can better their skills, and how VCs can avoid being left in the exhaust of larger firms.