Mark Goldberg

Mark Goldberg, Managing Partner at Chemistry and former partner at Index Ventures, dives into the intricate world of multi-stage venture capital. He reveals how portfolio services often prioritize VC interests over founders, discussing the pitfalls of large partnerships and decision-making breakdowns. Goldberg forecasts a shift from commoditized to boutique VC firms, reflects on the highs and lows of unicorn investments, and emphasizes the importance of genuine investor-founder relationships in shaping the future of venture.

In this episode, Mark Goldberg, founder of the early-stage venture firm Chemistry, shares insights from his career at Index Ventures where he backed fintech giants like Plaid. He discusses the shift in fintech towards more tech-driven models and the challenges of consumer vulnerability. Goldberg delves into AI's dual role in enhancing operations and tackling fraud, while also highlighting the slow pace of fintech IPOs. With a fresh perspective on investment strategies compared to chess and surfing, he emphasizes the need for agility in this evolving landscape.

Mark Goldberg, Managing Partner and Co-Founder at Chemistry, shares insights from his venture capital journey. He discusses why he considers venture the 'liberal arts of jobs' and his transition from Index Ventures to founding Chemistry. Mark reveals his unique fundraising strategy and hiring philosophy, emphasizing network access over traditional methods. He addresses the importance of conviction-based investing, avoiding omissions, and reflects on the challenges of co-founder dynamics, highlighting the value of empathy in leadership.

In this engaging discussion, Kristina Shen, Ethan Kurzweil, and Mark Goldberg, co-founders of Chemistry Ventures, share insights on launching a new venture firm with a focus on strong team dynamics. They emphasize the importance of building meaningful relationships with founders and navigating the complexities of venture capital. The trio dives into their rigorous co-founder dating process, ensuring cultural alignment, and addressing uncomfortable truths early on. They also discuss the unique advantages of new ventures in supporting early-stage startups and fostering collaborative partnerships.

Mark Goldberg, fintech lead at Index Ventures, shares his insights from years of investing in financial services. He reflects on the party that was 2021 and the ensuing hangover of 2022. Mark discusses the survival of the fittest theme for 2023 and the emergence of niche neobanks amid skepticism. He also unpacks the evolving sentiment of younger generations towards traditional banks, the transformative potential of generative AI in wealth management, and how resilience is key for fintech founders in today’s landscape.