Follow me @samirkaji for my thoughts on the venture market, with a focus on the continued evolution of the VC landscape.This week we’re joined by Scott Kupor, Managing Partner at Andreessen Horowitz. Scott was the first employee of the firm alongside Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz. He has been instrumental in the firm’s growth to now having north of $35B in AUM. Scott also authored a Wall Street Journal bestselling book called Secrets of Sand Hill Road: Venture Capital and How to Get It, and previously also served as chairman of the board of the NVCA. Scott goes through the history of a16z and the learnings along the way in building the multi-product investment company it is today.Frank, Rimerman + Co.’s history is closely intertwined with that of Silicon Valley. With humble beginnings similar to so many start-ups, Frank, Rimerman was formed with a desire to serve the entrepreneurial and venture communities of the Valley and the determination to think outside-the-box.When it comes to venture funds, we work with almost 500 VC groups from over 20 states across the USA. We have worked with over 400 fund groups during their first year of operations, making us one of the leading providers in the country to emerging managers.No one wants to be bored at work. That’s why we chose to work with some of the most innovative and creative people – people who are changing the world around us every day. Their excitement fuels our passion and determination to grow and serve this special community.Frank, Rimerman + Co, Passion Works Here.www.frankrimerman.comAbout Scott Kupor:Scott Kupor is Managing Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, focused on growth-stage companies building in the bio and healthcare industries, manages the firm's investor relations team, and is responsible for the firm's growth initiatives. Scott was the first employee at Andreessen Horowitz and managed the firm's growth from $300 million in AUM to more than $30 billion. Prior to joining the firm, Scott worked Hewlett Packard, Opsware, and represented startups through M&A processes. Scott is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestselling book, Secrets of Sand Hill Road: Venture Capital and How to Get It, and serves on the boards of Cedar, Headway, Foursquare, Labster, Ultima, and SnapLogic. He also served as chairman of the board for the National Venture Capital Association.Scott earned a bachelor’s degree and a JD from Stanford University.In this episode, we discuss:(02:24) Scott’s journey to a16z(04:52) Lessons from the dotcom bubble (08:29) Why the original thesis for a16z was so different(12:33) How Mike Ovitz and CAA inspired them(16:44) Early days building the firm and recruiting the team(20:26) Running the firm like a startup(25:58) Challenges of building and maintaining a culture(30:01) Building cohesion with a global workforce and work from home(33:18) What “founder-friendly” means at a16z(36:34) Advice for new managers(40:49) Where we are in the current market cycle(44:59) The advice Scott would give e himself as a new graduate.I’d love to know what you took away from this conversation with Scott. Follow me @SamirKaji and give me your insights and questions with the hashtag #ventureunlocked. If you’d like to be considered as a guest or have someone you’d like to hear from (GP or LP), drop me a direct message on Twitter.Podcast Production support provided by Agent Bee This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ventureunlocked.substack.com

Scott Kupor, managing partner at Andreessen Horowitz and author of "Secrets of Sand Hill Road," shares invaluable insights into the venture capital world. He uncovers common pitfalls entrepreneurs face when trying to secure funding and emphasizes the importance of storytelling in pitches. Kupor highlights the vital traits he looks for in founders, the dynamics between entrepreneurs and investors, and calls for more diversity in funding. He also discusses how AI can shape future business opportunities, making this an enlightening listen for aspiring entrepreneurs.

"Private Market Valuations" is a fascinating podcast featuring Scott Kupor and Andrea Auerbach. They delve into the controversial topic of private market valuations, discussing the relevance of interim valuations, challenges in valuing early-stage venture sites, and potential manipulation in the valuation process. The podcast also highlights the client-first mentality of Franklin Templeton Alternatives and explores the impact of the economic environment on VC funds and portfolio companies. The importance of consistency and transparency in private market valuations is emphasized, along with the need for better communication and standardization in the industry.

In this podcast, Scott Kupor, Managing Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, discusses the evolution of the firm, managing LP/GP expectations, and the impact of AI on venture capital. He reflects on his role since being the first hire at a16z and shares insights on valuation corrections in the current venture landscape.

Scott Kupor, managing partner at Andreessen Horowitz, shares insights from his journey in venture capital. He discusses the unique founder-centric investment model of a16z, emphasizing the importance of nurturing portfolio companies. Kupor also covers the challenges of transitioning from finance to operations and how the venture landscape is evolving. He highlights new frontiers in venture capital, especially at the intersection of tech and life sciences, and critiques common pitfalls in investing while advocating for deeper, authentic connections in the industry.

Scott Kupor, managing partner of Andreessen Horowitz and author of "Secrets of Sand Hill Road," dives into the intricate world of venture capital. He shares insights on what sets his firm apart and the trends shaping the future of investing. Discussion includes the importance of founder control, the dynamics of fundraising, and the push for diversity in VC. Kupor also explores the impact of tech regulation and foreign influence on the industry. This conversation reveals the hidden strategies and tales behind successful startups.

Scott Kupor, Managing Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, shares invaluable insights about engaging with venture investors. He emphasizes the importance of alignment with long-term goals and effective communication in board dynamics. Kupor discusses the emotional toll of navigating downturns and the complexities of corporate transitions like IPOs. He also highlights managing incentives during mergers and the necessity of fostering trust between entrepreneurs and board members as companies evolve into public entities.

In this insightful discussion, Scott Kupor, Managing Partner at Andreessen Horowitz and author of "Secrets of Sand Hill Road," shares his wealth of experience in fundraising. He emphasizes the importance of understanding venture capital fundamentals, aligning funding requests with future milestones, and navigating complex investment structures. Kupor also highlights the significance of independent board members in startups and shares essential tips on managing intellectual property risks for entrepreneurs. His actionable advice is a must for anyone looking to raise venture capital.

Former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair discusses technology's enormous societal impact and the necessity for technologists and politicians to engage in dialogue. He emphasizes that misunderstanding tech can lead to fear and poor regulation, referencing cases like GDPR and Dodd-Frank. Scott Kupor shares insights on the intertwined nature of technology and business, advocating for policies that support innovation while protecting public interests. Together, they argue for smarter regulations that empower startups and maintain a dynamic economic landscape.

Scott Kupor, Managing Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, shares insights from overseeing the transformation of the firm from $300 million to over $7 billion AUM. He discusses major mistakes entrepreneurs make when pitching VCs, emphasizing the importance of market and team over product. Scott also reflects on lessons from the tech boom and bust, highlighting how public market conditions have changed. He shares thoughts on building strong relationships with VCs and the significance of unit economics in scaling businesses.