Semil Shah

Semil Shah, Founder of Haystack, shares his insights from a decade in venture capital, including his experiences with successful startups like DoorDash and Instacart. He discusses the challenging dynamics of fundraising, revealing common mistakes VCs make when pitching to LPs and his strategies for emerging managers. Semil also explores the importance of maintaining disciplined fund sizes, the intricacies of managing LP relationships, and the lessons learned from past mistakes in his investing journey.

Semil Shah, a savvy investor, joins Michael Mignano to dissect the AI landscape of 2024. They explore how expectations for AI have evolved, emphasizing the successes and failures of AI consumer devices. Shah shares insights on venture capital trends and the implications of rising tech titans like Jensen Huang. With predictions on IPOs and M&A activities through 2025, they also draw parallels between sports investments and tech strategies—illuminating the intersection of innovation and market dynamics.

In this engaging conversation, investor Semil Shah shares insights on the dynamic landscape of VC and seed investing alongside Michael Mignano. They explore the resurgence of 'vibe coding' in gaming, linking it to iconic apps like Flappy Bird. Shah discusses the shifting tech hub hierarchies post-COVID, especially the rise of New York for fintech and health tech. They debate the evolving value of university degrees in today’s job market and consider the future of incubation programs like Y Combinator amidst increasing investor expectations.

Semil Shah, Founder and General Partner at Haystack and Venture Partner at Lightspeed, dives into the evolving landscape of venture capital. He discusses how top founders might be opting for multi-stage funds over traditional seed funds, and the implications for both sides. Semil emphasizes the challenge of price discipline in today's market, sharing insights on ownership strategies. He also reflects on his journey from writing about startups to becoming a venture capital expert, providing a unique perspective on navigating changing dynamics in funding.

Semil Shah, the founder of Haystack, shares insights from his journey in venture capital, detailing how he built the firm from the ground up. He discusses the emotional trials of fundraising, the importance of relationships, and key strategies for investing in early-stage companies. Semil highlights the evolution of investor expectations and the challenges of maintaining communication in a changing landscape, reflecting on mistakes made along the way. His story emphasizes the delicate balance between personal and professional responsibilities in the competitive world of venture capital.