Nikhil Basu-Trivedi

Nikhil Basu-Trivedi, Co-founder and General Partner at Footwork, shares his insights from a successful venture capital career. He argues that small funds outperform large ones, revealing why he views Assets Under Management as a misleading metric. Nikhil emphasizes the importance of 'traction first' investing, focusing on genuine product-market fit over revenue. He also delves into the critical dynamics between founders and investors, advocating for open communication. Finally, his take on the AI startup landscape warns that many will likely fail.

Beezer Clarkson, a Partner at Sapphire Ventures, joins Mike Smith and Nikhil Basu Trivedi, co-founders of Footwork Ventures. They reveal their innovative approach to early-stage investing, emphasizing personal relationships and operational expertise. The trio discusses the importance of humility and ambition in successful founders, as well as their unique equal partnership model. They also touch on fundraising strategies, the challenges of the competitive landscape, and share personal insights into their habits, from fitness to hobbies, adding depth to their investment philosophy.