Alan Patricof – Tech & VC Legend. 90-Years-Old: Fit, Focused and Closing Deals
Nov 26, 2024
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Alan Patricof, a legendary co-founder of multiple major VC firms, shares his incredible journey in venture capital. He reminisces about the vibrant NYC of the 1970s and the evolution of the tech landscape. At 90, he discusses his focus on investing in the needs of the elderly and reveals his secrets to staying fit and energized. With contagious optimism, he emphasizes the importance of reputation and personal relationships in business. Alan’s insights are as timeless as they are inspiring!
Alan Patricof highlighted the transformation of venture capital from small initial funds in the 1970s to today's billion-dollar valuations.
He emphasized the innovative focus on investment opportunities catering to the elderly market, reflecting demographic shifts and challenging ageist attitudes.
Deep dives
The Early Days of Venture Capital
When venture capital was in its infancy, obtaining funding was a significant challenge. Early investors often found themselves in situations where they had to convince potential entrepreneurs of the value of their investment, almost akin to begging for opportunities. Unlike the current landscape, where venture capital deals can be plentiful, initial experiences involved dealing with a much smaller volume of projects and a lack of understanding about the venture business model. A noteworthy example discussed was the very first investment made in a company focused on scrap metal recycling, which eventually grew to become the largest secondary smelter refiner in the world.
The Evolution of Venture Funding
The landscape of venture capital has dramatically transformed over the years, with significant increases in the amount of capital raised annually. The initial funds were modest, with the first fund having just $2.5 million, a stark contrast to the billions now available in the market. By the late 1970s, the establishment of organizations like the National Venture Capital Association provided structure and recognition to the industry. The speaker highlighted the shift from a struggling industry to one where firms routinely raise substantial amounts, with the current scenario calling for much higher valuations compared to decades past.
Adapting to Market Changes
Facing various market cycles, including periods of economic turmoil, has shaped the investment strategies of venture capitalists. Personal experiences of significant downturns, where companies struggled to meet payroll, have provided valuable lessons on resilience and prudent investing. The narrative illustrates the importance of adapting to market changes; while some areas like AI present exciting opportunities, others may pose significant risks. The ability to navigate evolving market landscapes by being realistic about investment valuations is deemed crucial for long-term success in venture investing.
Investing in the Aging Population
The focus on the elderly market signifies a shift in venture capital trends as demographic changes create new investment opportunities. A recent fund was established specifically to target startups that cater to the needs of the older generation, marking an innovative approach in both venture capital and entrepreneurship. The motivations behind the entrepreneurs entering this sector are often deeply personal, stemming from experiences with healthcare or family-related challenges. This evolving focus not only addresses an underrepresented market but aims to challenge prevailing ageist attitudes in business, highlighting that older consumers are increasingly tech-savvy and influential.
Miguel Armaza interviews Alan Patricof, Co-Founder of Primetime Partners, Greycroft, and Apax Partners. It’s hard to explain just how important Alan has been for tech and VC. He’s one of the true pioneers in venture capital worldwide, having started his first VC firm in the 1970s, Alan Patricof and Associates, which later became Apax Partners and currently has over ~$80Bn AUM.
We sat down live on stage at Barclays Rise in NYC for the Gilgamesh Ventures Summit, an annual meeting where we gather over 150 Limited Partners, Founders, Co-Investors, and friends for a series of events and discussions about the future of financial services.
Alan is an inspiring figure, not only because of his success in the business world but also because of his vitality and contagious optimism.
We recorded the episode a day after his 90th birthday and candidly, he had more energy than most people I know.
We discussed:
The early days of Venture Capital and Tech in the 1970s and beyond
Alan grew up in NYC and built his career in NY – how was the city back then?
Building primetime partners to invest in the fastest growing market, people over-60
Staying healthy. How Alan keeps fit, focused and is closing deals at 90 Years Old
Why your reputation is all that matters in this business… and a lot more!
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Miguel Armaza is Co-Founder and General Partner of Gilgamesh Ventures, a seed-stage investment fund focused on fintech in the Americas. He also hosts and writes the Fintech Leaders podcast and newsletter.