This Week in Startups Ask an Angel with Zach Coelius: changing VC landscape, pitch deck punch-ups, Tesla’s future & more | E1186
Mar 19, 2021
Zach Coelius, an angel investor renowned for his keen eye on emerging startups, dives into the changing landscape of venture capital, emphasizing new strategies like syndicates and crowdfunding. He explores challenges faced by mid-tier funds while shedding light on Tesla's aspirations beyond electric vehicles. The conversation touches on the significance of customer validation for startup success and comparisons between European and Silicon Valley ecosystems. Plus, there's a whimsical exchange about creating an exclusive private card club for unique investment experiences.
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Equity Crowdfunding Disruption
- Equity crowdfunding platforms disrupt traditional VC by removing the need for venture capitalists.
- A potential downside is the lack of a sponsor to guide deals, raising concerns about deal quality and potential scams.
VC Landscape Shift
- Mid-tier VC firms are losing out due to increased competition.
- Top-tier firms and syndicates thrive with more deal flow and easier fundraising.
Tesla's Real Competition
- Tesla's main competitors are not other EV companies, but those focused on broader energy solutions.
- Tesla's focus has expanded beyond EVs to encompass solar panels, home batteries, and grid-scale energy storage.