Benchmark Part I

551 snips

Sep 28, 2022

Discover the fascinating evolution of Benchmark Capital, a venture firm that has uniquely transitioned through generations of leadership. The discussion delves into the intriguing rise of eBay and the strategic investments that shaped its success. Learn about the complexities of venture capital partnerships, the challenges of profit distribution, and the psychological dynamics at play. With insights into the firm's innovative philosophy and its pioneering approach to online commerce, this narrative is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the venture capital landscape.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Kleiner's Dominance

Kleiner Perkins, led by John Doerr, was the dominant VC firm in the 90s.
Doerr's aggressive style and "Keiretsu" model, prioritizing biz dev deals, shaped the era.

INSIGHT

90s VC Landscape

The 90s tech ecosystem was smaller, with fewer VCs and lower valuations.
This created arbitrage opportunities for VCs who recognized the potential of emerging innovations.

ANECDOTE

Shared Office Space

Two lesser-known firms, TVI and Merrill Pickard, shared an office building.
This building was notably Microsoft's first Silicon Valley campus.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

The Earthsea Cycle

Ursula K. Le Guin

The Earthsea Cycle, written by Ursula K. Le Guin, is a series of high fantasy novels that take place in the fictional archipelago of Earthsea. The series begins with 'A Wizard of Earthsea', 'The Tombs of Atuan', and 'The Farthest Shore', often referred to as the 'original trilogy'. These books introduce readers to a world where magic is an integral part of life, with a focus on the balance and equilibrium of the natural order. The series follows characters such as Ged, a young wizard, and Tenar, a priestess, as they navigate their roles and confront the darkness and evil within their world. Later books in the series include 'Tehanu', 'Tales from Earthsea', and 'The Other Wind', which continue to explore the themes of identity, power, and the interconnectedness of the Earthsea world. The series is known for its diverse characters, pre-industrial setting, and critique of traditional fantasy tropes[2][4][5].

eBoys

Randall Stross

In 'eBoys', Randall Stross offers a vivid portrayal of the venture capital world, focusing on Benchmark Capital's pivotal investments in companies like eBay and Webvan. The book captures the high-stakes decision-making and rapid wealth creation characteristic of the dot-com era. Stross had extensive access to Benchmark's executives and the companies they funded, providing a unique perspective on the successes and failures of that time.

Startup

Jerry Kaplan

Built to Last

Successful Habits of Visionary Companies

Jerry I. Porras

James C. Collins

Jim Collins

Jim Collins and Jerry Porras's "Built to Last" examines the characteristics of visionary companies, those that have sustained exceptional performance over long periods. The authors identify key principles that contribute to long-term success, including a strong core ideology, a focus on innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement. They analyze a range of companies across various industries, identifying common patterns and best practices. The book provides valuable insights for leaders seeking to build enduring and successful organizations. "Built to Last" has become a classic in the field of business strategy.