Will Quist

Will Quist discusses Slow Ventures' unique venture thesis, the evolution of VC models, treating VC like a PhD program, funding new data sets, success in VC, franchise opportunities, and strategic decision-making in venture capital.

Will Quist, a partner at Slow Ventures and an experienced investor in early-stage companies, shares his insights on venture capital. He discusses the benefits of lean teams and small capital for validating ideas, emphasizing innovative funding strategies. Quist delves into the complexities of fundraising, highlighting the delicate balance between securing funds and minimizing dilution. He also candidly addresses the dark side of the industry, revealing personal experiences with fraud, and explores the evolving dynamics of startup board relationships.

Will Quist, a Partner at Slow Ventures, brings a wealth of experience from investing in over 500 startups including Robinhood and Airtable. He challenges the notion of what defines venture capital, claiming 95% is misclassified. The conversation delves into the critical questions investors should ask to evaluate potential success. Will also shares insights on the evolving landscape of venture capital, the balance between risk and opportunity, and how organizational mindsets must adapt as startups shift from growth to capital efficiency.

Will Quist, Partner at Slow Ventures, discusses the Slow PhD program, emphasizing the importance of pairing the right ideas with the right capital sources. He delves into the decoupling of great products from successful companies and the challenges of abundant venture capital. The conversation explores the significance of personal beliefs in investing philosophy, the relationship between great products and great companies, decision-making in venture capital, navigating entrepreneurship towards going public, defining purpose in VC, and challenges faced by hardware startups.

Join Jason Shuman, a Primary GP focused on impact investing, and Will Quist, a Partner at Slow Ventures known for his unique firm-building approach, as they delve into the world of non-consensus investing. They discuss the risks and opportunities of zigging while the market zags and reveal how to spot disruptive companies from day one. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of VCs, the significance of founder support, and how impact teams can drive seed stage success.