Jason Lemkin

Join Jason Lemkin, founder of SaaStr and a savvy early-stage investor, as he unpacks the AI revolution. He discusses how AI can serve as a personal double, enhancing both creativity and emotional support for entrepreneurs. Lemkin also explores the transformative impact of AI on established industries, the future of SaaS, and how startups can leverage AI for growth. Plus, he shares insights on being an effective recruiter and navigating the pressures of tech startups. Tune in for valuable lessons and a glimpse into the future of work!

Join Jason Lemkin, a SaaS investor known for his impressive portfolio including Algolia and Talkdesk, and Rory O'Driscoll, a General Partner at Scale, as they dissect the evolving landscape of venture capital. They discuss why seed investing may be misguided and the increasing risks of venture capital today. The duo explores insights on a16z's hefty $20BN fund, the strategy genius of Josh Kushner, and the ethical challenges in B2B practices, all while navigating the delicate balance between opportunity and caution in a shifting market.

Jason Lemkin, founder of SaaStr, and Rory O'Driscoll, a partner at Scale Venture Partners, dive into the dynamics of venture capital. They analyze the implications of the $3 billion Windsurf acquisition and discuss the competitive edge of stage-specific firms like a16z compared to others. The conversation covers the risk of AI-induced unemployment and its impact on the workforce, while also shedding light on what Harvard's for-profit status loss means for venture capital. They explore why mega funds might dominate the future landscape of investments.

In this insightful discussion, venture capitalists Jason Lemkin, Rory O'Driscoll, and Fabrice Grinder share their expertise. They highlight that fund returners are no longer sufficient in today’s market, and discuss the impressive yet precarious strategy Sequoia employed during tough times. They also explore the essentials of succeeding at Series A and B rounds amidst rising risks. The conversation delves into the AI landscape, debating whether US funds should invest in Chinese AI amidst geopolitical tensions, and how the investment culture differs between the US and Europe.

Rory O'Driscoll, a partner at Scale Venture Partners with over 25 years in venture capital, and Jason Lemkin, co-founder of SaaStr and expert on SaaS, dive into the recent $3 billion acquisition of Windsurf by OpenAI. They discuss why multi-stage funds are undermining seed investments, the challenges faced by endowment funds, and why revenue multiples may be misleading. The rise of AI rollups and their implications for competitive markets also get a thorough analysis, alongside insights on how to navigate evolving investment landscapes.

Jason Lemkin, founder of SaaStr, and Rory O'Driscoll, partner at Coatue, dive into the fast-paced world of venture capital. They explore how Tiger Global might leverage OpenAI for a comeback, debate the merits of investing in AI companies like Perplexity, and discuss why cryptocurrency whiz Sam Bankman-Fried is deemed an exceptional investor. The conversation also highlights the impact of AI on sales and marketing, pressing companies to innovate rapidly amidst competitive market pressures.

Rory O’Driscoll, a venture capitalist at Scale Venture Partners, and Jason Lemkin, SaaS expert and founder of SaaStr, dive into the high-stakes world of late-stage venture capital. They dissect the $500M collapse of Builder.ai and explore the implications of Hinge's IPO. Discussion surrounds Y Combinator’s unique duality as both a luxury and an accessible brand, plus the brutal realities of Series A funding. The duo also debates OpenAI's blockbuster deal with Jony Ive, weighing its potential to revolutionize hardware design against challenges in an evolving market.

Discover how AI is revolutionizing sales practices and the essential role of human intuition in the mix. Delve into the challenges of scaling SaaS companies, from recruitment to multi-product strategies. Gain insights on fostering strong leadership and team relationships, along with the critical nature of hiring top talent. Explore financial strategies crucial for navigating the SaaS landscape while maintaining a profitable Ideal Customer Profile. Real-world examples from industry leaders illuminate the path to innovation and success.

Jason Lemkin, CEO of SaaStr and a renowned expert in SaaS growth, joins the discussion to explore the evolving landscape of marketing for startups. He emphasizes the impact of AI in reshaping marketing roles and the need for adaptability among CMOs and CROs. Lemkin also highlights the importance of brand marketing, budget considerations, and quick decision-making to establish credibility. The conversation is ripe with insights on automation, product-market fit, and innovative strategies crucial for thriving in a competitive startup environment.

Join Jason Lemkin, founder of SaaStr and a SaaS investment expert, as he shares invaluable insights on surviving and thriving in a downturn. He offers essential advice for new VCs, focusing on how to assess quality revenue and avoid common pitfalls. The conversation dives into the future of SaaS investments and the importance of playing offense, even in tough times. Jason also touches on the dynamics of valuations and the significance of profitability, shedding light on opportunities and challenges in the evolving SaaS landscape.