Sam Lessin is a Co-Founder and Partner @ Slow Ventures with a portfolio including the likes of Airtable, Robinhood, Slack, Solana, PillPack and many more unicorn companies. Prior to Slow, Sam was a VP Product at Facebook having sold his company to Meta. 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. As for Frank, prior to QED, Frank was one of the earliest analysts hired into Capital One and spent almost 13 years there helping build many of the company’s business units and operational areas.  Jason Lemkin is the Founder @ SaaStr one of the best-performing early-stage venture funds focused on SaaS. In the past, Jason has led investments in Algolia, Pipedrive, Salesloft, TalkDesk, and RevenueCat to name a few. Prior to SaaStr, Jason was an entrepreneur, selling EchoSign to Adobe for $100M where it is now a $250M ARR product. In Today's Discussion on Why Seed is Broken We Discuss: 1. The Seed Model Was Broken and What Comes Now: Why does Sam Lessin believe the model for seed of a "factory line" was broken? What does he believe will replace it? Why does Jason Lemkin argue that this might not be the case for SaaS and enterprise? 2. Round Construction: YC, Multi-Stage Funds and Party Rounds: Why does Sam Lessin believe we have seen the end of party rounds? Why does Jason Lemkin disagree and we will see more than ever? Why does Sam Lessin believe the factory model of YC churning out companies is over? Where does Jason Lemkin believe the value lies in the YC model? Will the multi-stage funds remain in seed? How has their entrance and deployment changed the seed market? 3. VC Value Add at Seed: Is it BS? Why does Jason believe all talent arms in venture firms have failed? Why does Sam believe that no VCs provide value? Do the best founders really need help? Why do Jason and Sam disagree? 4. What Happens Now: Why does Jason believe that every manager can write off their fund from 2021? Who will be the winners in seed in the next 10 years? Why does Sam believe if you want to bet on AI, just bet on Meta or Microsoft? What will happen to the many companies with no PMF but 10 years of runway?

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.

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.

Tomasz Tunguz, a tech-savvy investor, Frank Rotman, an expert in fintech, Alan Patricof, a veteran in venture capital, and Abby Miller Levy, a consumer and digital innovation specialist, dive into the world of venture funding. They share their best insights on crucial questions LPs should ask VCs, focusing on what makes an investment attractive to talented founders. The discussion also uncovers the importance of building robust LP relationships and the dynamics of competitive investing, all aimed at better understanding and navigating startup landscapes.