Frank Rotman

Sam Lessin, co-founder at Slow Ventures, Frank Rotman, founding partner at QED Investors, and Jason Lemkin, founder of SaaStr, dive into the flaws of the current seed investing model. They discuss its shift from a factory approach to tailored strategies aimed at sustainable businesses rather than inflated valuations. The trio debates the future of party rounds, insights on navigating the complexities of early-stage investments, and the growing talent recruitment challenges. Plus, they forecast a booming IPO market in late 2024.

Frank Rotman, CIO at QED Investors, discusses the flaws in funding startups, the role of VC associates, and how VCs can stand out. He emphasizes sustainable growth, non-consensus alpha approach, and the need for purpose in the marketplace.

Marcelo Claure is an entrepreneur and investor who has founded and led some of the world’s most iconic businesses. He is currently the Chairman & CEO of Claure Capital, a newly founded multi-billion-dollar global investment firm. Before this, Marcelo was COO @ Softbank Group, the world’s largest technology investment company. Bill Gurley is a General Partner @ Benchmark, one of the most successful funds of the last decade with a portfolio including Uber, Twitter, Dropbox, Modern Treasury, Snapchat, StitchFix, and many more. Michael Eisenberg spent 15 years as a General Partner @ Benchmark working alongside Bill and the Benchmark partnership. Following Benchmark, Michael co-founded Aleph, one of the leading Israeli venture funds of the last decade. David Tisch is the Founder and Managing Partner @ Box Group, one of the leading seed focused firms of the last decade with a portfolio including Airtable, Glossier, PillPack, Plaid and many more. Cyan Banister is one of the most successful and renowned early-stage investors in the last decade. Her portfolio includes the likes of SpaceX, Uber, Affirm, Opendoor Postmates, Niantic and Thumbtack to name a few. Zach Weinberg is a Co-Founder of Operator Partners, operators funding operators, with no outside LPs, just their own capital. Luciana Lixandru is a Partner @ Sequoia, one of the world’s most renowned and successful venture firms with Sequoia-backed companies accounting for more than 20% of NASDAQ’s total value. Jeff Lieberman is the Managing Director @ Insight Partners, one of the leading investing franchises of the last 25 years with their most recent flagship fund announced earlier this year being a staggering $20BN. Nick Shalek is a General Partner @ Ribbit Capital, specializing in fintech they are one of the most successful venture firms of the last decade with a portfolio including Robinhood, Coinbase, Revolut, Nubank and more. Frank Rotman is a founding partner of QED Investors, one of the leading fintech-focused venture firms investing today with a portfolio including the likes of Klarna, Kavak, Quinto Andar, Credit Karma and more. Geoff Lewis is the Founder and Managing Partner @ Bedrock, now with over $1BN in AUM, Bedrock invests in breakout technology companies that are incongruent with popular narratives. Justin Fishner-Wolfson is founder and the managing partner of 137 Ventures. Their portfolio includes SpaceX, Wish, Anduril, Flexport, and WorkRise (formerly Rigup) to name a few. David Sze is a General Partner @ Greylock where he has led some of the firms most notable investments including Facebook, LinkedIn and Pandora. In Today's Episode We Discuss Price Sensitivity: 1.) How do you assess your relationship to price and price sensitivity? 2.) When is the time to pay up and have less price discipline? 3.) When should we remain disciplined and not pay up for a deal and walk away because of price? 4.) Of the deals you have paid up for, did their growth rate justify the high entry price? 5.) Knowing all you know now on price, how do you advise younger investors today?

Frank Rotman, Chief Investment Officer at QED Investors, discusses long-term predictions for the fintech industry. Topics include the impact of AI on the stock market, restructure of financial institutions' costs, modernization of intrabank settlement process, and the potential of stablecoins in money movement.

Frank Rotman, Chief Investment Officer at QED Investors, shares insights on credit underwriting, cashflow underwriting, alternative data, payment protection insurance, and the future of fintech. They discuss distinguishing willingness to pay from ability to pay, accurate pricing of risk, explaining declines, American mortgages, predatory lending, and innovating credit and insurance delivery.

Frank Rotman, founding partner of QED investors, discusses investing in fintech and neo banks, the macro environment, discipline in business, and the potential of crypto. They explore neo banks, digital disruption in the banking industry, expanding fintech and crypto investments, and the complexity of understanding crypto. They also discuss macro risk, building durable businesses, and opportunities in the fintech industry for startups.

Frank Rotman from QED and Jason Henrichs of Alloy Labs dive into the impact of the low-interest rate environment on fintech and venture capital. They discuss how evolving regulations are reshaping banks' risk strategies while navigating a complex landscape. The conversation touches on upcoming trends and the importance of aligning growth with sustainable practices. They also examine startup valuation misconceptions and the critical need for resilient business models amidst increased regulatory scrutiny. It's a must-listen for fintech enthusiasts looking to understand the balancing act of growth and risk.

Frank Rotman, co-founder of QED Investors, dives into the evolving landscape of venture capital and fintech. He discusses how price discipline seems to be fading and the implications of rapid deployment timelines. Frank shares insights on the importance of initial ownership positions and how to build them effectively over time. He examines the dynamics between investors and founders, the necessity of empathy, and the rising trends in pre-emptive funding rounds. With a focus on collaboration, he sheds light on the future potential of fintech innovation.

Experienced investors Rob Rueckert, Tomasz Tunguz, and Frank Rotman share key career lessons. Rueckert emphasizes personal conviction in investments. Tunguz discusses supporting companies like Snowflake through challenges. Rotman highlights maintaining food quality while maximizing profitability in startups.

Fintech veterans Frank Rotman and Nigel Morris discuss their journey into fintech, ups and downs, advice to founders, and future innovations. They share insights on the founding of Capital One, the importance of experience in venture capital, and the challenges and successes in building ventures like QED. The duo also reflects on personal inspirations, shared hobbies, and coping strategies in the industry.