The Full Ratchet (TFR): Venture Capital and Startup Investing Demystified cover image

The Full Ratchet (TFR): Venture Capital and Startup Investing Demystified

Latest episodes

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Oct 14, 2024 • 56min

455. From Campaigns to Code: The Intersection of Tech, Politics, and Regulation (Bradley Tusk)

Bradley Tusk, Managing Partner at Tusk Ventures, brings a wealth of experience from his political background to the tech investment landscape. He discusses the regulatory challenges tech companies face, particularly in AI and the gig economy. Tusk also explores the evolution of telemedicine post-COVID, the intricate legislation around data privacy, and how these factors shape venture capital. Additionally, he advocates for digital voting solutions to enhance political engagement, emphasizing the significance of tech in modern democracy.
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Oct 10, 2024 • 9min

Investor Stories 369: Why I Passed (Yormak, Bhattacharyya, Holloway)

Katelin Holloway, an investor at 776, shares her insights on evaluating investment opportunities, discussing the emotional weight of passing on potentially successful startups. David Rabbe, CEO of Tovala, highlights their growth and innovative partnerships, including a notable collaboration with Costco. They dive into the complexities of decision-making in venture capital, reflecting on missed chances, especially in the healthcare sector, and the importance of balancing quality and profitability in business strategies.
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Oct 7, 2024 • 47min

454. Building the AMEX of LATAM, Raising a $50M Debt Facility, Why Leaders Should Tend to Flowers Not Weeds, and How Creativity Can Lead to 80% Organic Consumer Acquisition (David Garcia)

David Garcia, founder of Digitt, shares his mission to create a modern American Express for Latin America focused on credit card debt refinancing for prime borrowers. He discusses raising a $50 million debt facility and lessons learned from the rigorous due diligence process. Garcia emphasizes the importance of strategic customer acquisition using organic content and creativity. He also explores company culture, advocating for leaders to nurture positive aspects while addressing management mistakes. His insights reveal a path for sustainable growth in the fintech space.
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Oct 3, 2024 • 6min

Investor Stories 368: Disruptive Forces (Klein, Joaquin, Felesky)

In this engaging discussion, Todd Klein, a disruptive industry investor, teams up with James Joaquin, who shares insights on the future of venture capital, and Adam Felesky, who focuses on the impact of disruption. They explore the upcoming shifts in venture capital over the next decade and how capital market changes will redefine investment priorities. They also dive into the transformative role of AI in the startup landscape, highlighting how it enables companies to achieve more with less, raising questions about employment and traditional funding models.
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Sep 30, 2024 • 37min

453. Building and Scaling in Unsexy Spaces, The Next Generation of AI-Based Accounting, Backchanneling your Investors, and If the AI Hype Cycle is Bad for Venture (Mike Whitmire)

Mike Whitmire, co-founder of FloQast, revolutionizes the accounting landscape with AI-driven solutions. He shares his journey from senior accountant to entrepreneur, navigating the challenges of a pre-IPO firm and fostering investor relationships. The discussion covers how AI is reshaping accounting roles, enhancing collaboration, and impacting venture funding trends. Mike emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships and the shift in CEO responsibilities as companies scale, making for an insightful conversation about innovation in unsexy spaces.
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Sep 26, 2024 • 7min

Investor Stories 367: Key Advice (Rueckert, Patricof, Strebulaev)

In this discussion, Rob Rueckert, an advocate for early-stage venture careers, shares pivotal insights on building genuine relationships through sincerity and curiosity. Alan Patricof, a seasoned investor, emphasizes the importance of collaboration over formal roles while encouraging newcomers to be active advisors. Ilya Strebulaev provides valuable perspective on what aspiring venture professionals should prioritize. Together, they offer a wealth of experience to help guide and inspire the next generation of investors.
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Sep 23, 2024 • 37min

452. Consumer Headwinds, Whether AI Revenue Will Catch up with Infra Spend, and Are Creative “Takeunders” the Solution to Lina Khan’s FTC Agenda (Laura Chau)

Laura Chau from Canaan shares her insights on consumer investing and AI opportunities. She discusses the pressing challenges of customer acquisition and data limitations. The conversation dives into the gap between AI revenue predictions and actual growth, highlighting the dynamics of infrastructure spending. Chau also explores creative 'takeunders' as strategies to navigate Lina Khan's FTC agenda. Her perspective on balancing innovation with regulatory scrutiny provides valuable food for thought for founders and investors alike.
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Sep 19, 2024 • 9min

Investor Stories 366: Visionary Founders (Strebulaev, Nozad, Joaquin)

Ilya Strebulaev, an insight-driven investor, shares his thoughts on what makes visionary founders truly stand out. Pejman Nozad, known for his exceptional connections, discusses evaluating entrepreneurs with unique qualities. James Joaquin offers perspectives on influential business leaders making waves in their industries. The group dives into the rise of innovative startups focused on addressing rare diseases and enhancing food delivery, alongside strategies for prioritizing quality and profitability in competitive markets.
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Sep 16, 2024 • 42min

451. Who Wins in the Cat and Mouse Game of Cyber, Open Source’s Role in Security, The Dealflow Network that Sources Deals and Vetts Them, and Will The Future Bring More Bundling or Unbundling? (Oren Yunger)

Oren Yunger, a venture capitalist at Notable Capital, dives into the dynamic world of cybersecurity and open source. He discusses the cat and mouse nature of cyber threats and the role of community in supporting startups. The conversation sheds light on the transformative impact of AI on security measures and the evolving investment models in the sector. Oren also explores the balance between bundling and unbundling in technology solutions, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships in navigating market complexities.
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Sep 12, 2024 • 9min

Investor Stories 365: Best LP Question (Tunguz, Rotman, Patricof & Levy)

Tomasz Tunguz, a tech-savvy investor, Frank Rotman, an expert in fintech, Alan Patricof, a veteran in venture capital, and Abby Miller Levy, a consumer and digital innovation specialist, dive into the world of venture funding. They share their best insights on crucial questions LPs should ask VCs, focusing on what makes an investment attractive to talented founders. The discussion also uncovers the importance of building robust LP relationships and the dynamics of competitive investing, all aimed at better understanding and navigating startup landscapes.

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