AI & I The Venture Capitalist Who Finds the Best AI Products—Before They Win - Ep. 45 with Nabeel Hyatt
Jan 22, 2025
Nabeel Hyatt is a general partner at Spark Capital, known for his smart investments in disruptive tech like Discord and Cruise. He discusses his unique investment strategy, focusing on a few select startups each year to foster deep relationships with founders. Nabeel likens successful products to Japanese toilets—delightful innovations that users didn’t know they wanted. He also shares insights on the evolution of AI tools like Granola and the importance of visionary thinking in tech, emphasizing creativity and user experience.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Invest Concentratedly And Intentionally
- Work deeply with only a few startups so you can add real value rather than spread yourself thin across many.
- Structure your life and fund activity so you can support 8–10 companies closely and intentionally.
Granola Investment Story
- Nabeel stayed connected with Chris Hyatt after an initial seed that missed the mark.
- He invested quickly when Granola found the subtle UX that felt like "the thing."
Seek Delightfully Unexpected Products
- Look for products that create surprising new experiences rather than incremental speed improvements.
- These "Japanese toilet" products delight users with features they didn't know they wanted.