Sebastian Mallaby

Sebastian Mallaby, a renowned expert in venture capital and a Paul A. Volcker senior fellow for international economics, shares insights from his latest book, exploring the venture industry's evolution and its profound impact on innovation. He discusses the crucial roles of mentorship and networking in fostering startup success, and reveals challenges like the industry's gender gap. Mallaby also reflects on the lessons from his writing journey and emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal passions for deeper fulfillment in work.

Sebastian Mallaby, author of "Power Law" and a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, explores pivotal moments in venture capital history. He discusses the 'youth revolt' in startups, highlighting Zuckerberg's choice to bypass Sequoia. He contrasts Kleiner Perkins' rise and fall with Sequoia's sustained success, and delves into characteristics of legendary VCs. Mallaby also examines institutional investors' growing interest in VC and the shifting landscape of tech investments, revealing insights that shape today's venture capital dynamics.

Sebastian Mallaby, CFR fellow, delves into business journalism, EMH, private vs public markets, liquidity premium, investor specialization, VC vs hedge funds, decision making at the Fed, Powell's role, and Fed's political independence in an insightful discussion.

In this discussion, Gideon Rachman talks with Sebastian Mallaby, author of The Power Law and a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. They explore Elon Musk's strategic alignment with Donald Trump, considering what this political partnership offers Musk and his ventures. Topics include the shifting ideological landscape in tech, the growing discontent in Silicon Valley regarding taxation, and how potential tariffs on electric vehicles could bolster Tesla's position. The conversation reveals the intricate dance of power, politics, and business that Musk navigates.

Sebastian Mallaby, a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of "Power Law," dives into the fascinating world of venture capital. He discusses why the industry's skills remain elusive, the biotech sector's potential despite regulatory hurdles, and the enduring dominance of Silicon Valley. Mallaby contrasts East and West Coast investment strategies, shares insights from Peter Thiel about the power law, and reflects on Japan's economic future amid global shifts. His deep understanding unveils the complex dynamics of capital and innovation.

Hello everyone,I’m excited to share my second conversation with Sebastian Mallaby. Last time, we discussed his book More Money Than God. A quote from that conversation stuck with me:“The key was to do an unreasonable amount of preparation work. It shows you're serious and not wasting people's time by asking the obvious questions."This time, we discussed The Power Law (see my write-up) in which he tackled the history of venture capital. The two worlds make for an interesting contrast: venture capitalists, networkers by nature, are more willing to meet and chat. But they’re also natural storytellers which presents a challenge in the search for truth. In his book, Mallaby tried to disentangle luck and skill in venture investing, how to build winning and lasting cultures, and the importance of VCs for silicon valley.And while he admits that individually “the story of every bet can seem to hinge on serendipity,” he argues that over the long run, “the best venture capitalists consciously create their luck.” Individual venture capitalists can “can stumble sideways into fortunes” and at times it seems like luck beats diligence and foresight. The best however, “work systematically to boost the odds that serendipity will strike repeatedly.”“The great challenge at venture partnerships is that the principals must refrain from killing each other.” Michael Moritz“When people write about the venture business, they’re always writing about the startups we back. They never write about the most important investment we make, which is in the business.” Michael Moritz."The fast moving of ideas, people and money until they reached their optimal use, that’s what made Silicon Valley worked. That’s what made innovation turbocharged. "But where did that fast circulation come from, and my argument is it comes from venture capitalists."I had a lot of fun digging into these questions with him. I hope you enjoy the conversation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.frederikjournals.com/subscribe

Sebastian Mallaby, a senior fellow in international economics at the Council on Foreign Relations, delves into the intersection of finance and disruption. He discusses the vital independence of the Federal Reserve amidst political pressures and its historical relevance. Mallaby sheds light on AI's role in reshaping inflation dynamics while offering insights on job displacement. He also explores how Persian Gulf nations are gaining financial power through energy exports and the implications of AI on capital markets and governance. It's a captivating blend of economics and technological evolution.

Sebastian Mallaby, author of The Power Law, contrasts VCs and hedge fund managers, predicts a post-pandemic expansion of startup funding, and discusses the inevitability of bubbles in venture capital. He also highlights the importance of human connection, feedback, ambitious peers, and networking in the venture capital industry.

Join Sebastian Mallaby, a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, as he delves into the dynamics of venture capital and its profound impact on Silicon Valley. Discover the historical roots of this transformative industry, including Arthur Rock's role in launching Fairchild Semiconductor. Mallaby contrasts the innovative spirit of West Coast investors with their East Coast counterparts, discusses how California's legal landscape nurtures creativity, and shares insights on mentorship that shape careers in finance.

Join Sebastian Mallaby, a renowned financial historian and author, as he delves into the complex legacy of Alan Greenspan, one of the most influential figures in American economic history. He explores Greenspan's unique rise as a technocrat amidst political turmoil and his responses to financial crises. The discussion highlights the evolution of economic policy, the dynamics of power within the Federal Reserve, and the challenges of handling economic bubbles. Mallaby's insights shed light on Greenspan's impact on modern central banking and the lessons learned from his tenure.