Behind The Human with Marc Champagne How to Stay Relevant in a World Changing Faster Than Ever – Tony Conrad (True Ventures)
Nov 16, 2025
Tony Conrad, a partner at True Ventures, shares insights from his extensive career in early-stage investing. He delves into the rapid changes brought on by AI and the need for adaptability in today’s world. The conversation takes a poignant turn as he recounts a life-altering experience in an Indian deportation jail, highlighting life's fragility. Conrad emphasizes the importance of culture over ego within teams and discusses how travel has broadened his perspective. Ultimately, he reflects on transitioning from a leader to a mentor in the venture capital landscape.
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AI As A Career-Defining Paradigm Shift
- AI is the biggest paradigm shift Tony Conrad has seen in his career and will reshape society and venture capital.
- The genie is out of the bottle so everyone must learn to interact with AI rather than ignore it.
Don't Let AI Replace Your Authentic Voice
- Do not fully outsource personal, human tasks to AI tools because authenticity and inflection matter.
- Use AI to draft and iterate, then add your genuine voice before presenting it publicly.
Reassess Investment Playbooks Regularly
- Reevaluate firm strategy and check size as market dynamics change; seed playbooks from decades ago may not fit today.
- Adjust ownership, check sizes, and inclusion of angels to remain competitive and collaborative.