Equity
Bradley Tusk says VC is dead. But the 'fixer' in him is just getting started
Mar 26, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Bradley Tusk, co-founder of Tusk Venture Partners and the mind behind mobile voting initiatives, shares his candid views on the state of venture capital, claiming it's been 'effectively dead' for four years. He explores the pivot to equity-for-services to assist startups maneuvering through regulatory mazes and reflects on his impactful role in Uber's early growth. Tusk also unveils his mobile voting project aimed at boosting voter turnout, emphasizing the importance of accessible technology in democracy.
34:33
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Quick takeaways
- Bradley Tusk believes the traditional venture capital model is ineffective, prompting his shift to an equity-for-services approach focused on regulatory navigation.
- Tusk's mobile voting initiative aims to enhance voter turnout by leveraging technology to simplify the voting process for underrepresented groups.
Deep dives
Decision Against a Fourth Venture Fund
The speaker discusses the choice to not pursue a fourth venture capital fund after three successful previous funds. This decision stemmed from a realization that the traditional venture capital model was less lucrative for him compared to the equity-for-services model he utilized earlier in his career. He found that while managing a traditional fund involved numerous complexities and obligations to investors, switching to equity for services allowed him to retain 100% of the profits while focusing on what he genuinely enjoys: navigating regulatory challenges for disruptive technologies. Ultimately, this strategic shift reflects a desire to simplify his work and pursue financial gains in a more efficient manner.
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