How I Invest with David Weisburd

E202: The Startup Lobbying Playbook w/Bradley Tusk

Aug 20, 2025
Bradley Tusk, Founder and CEO of Tusk Holdings and former Deputy Governor of Illinois, shares his journey from political strategist to venture capitalist. He reveals his unique investing playbook used to help startups like Uber navigate tough regulations. Tusk discusses the political motivations behind policy, the crypto lobby's impact on the 2024 elections, and his bold $20 million bet on mobile voting to revolutionize democracy. With insights on political engagement, he empowers founders to understand and maneuver the political landscape.
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ANECDOTE

Uber Used Customers As Political Power

  • Bradley Tusk helped Uber grow by urging the company to 'not ask permission' and mobilize customers when cities tried to shut it down.
  • In D.C. 50,000 customers contacted council members and a hostile bill died while a pro-Uber bill passed nine to nothing.
INSIGHT

Policy Is Political Incentive Management

  • Every policy decision is driven by political incentives focused on winning the next election, not abstract principles.
  • Convince a politician your position helps or hurts their reelection and they'll act accordingly.
INSIGHT

Find Personal Hooks To Win Politicians

  • You can often tell who acts from conviction by their past independence or a personal connection to an issue.
  • Linking your cause to a politician's personal story can convert them into an advocate.
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