StrictlyVC Download

This week Connie Loizos and Alex Gove are joined by return guest Hans Swildens. Hans is the founder and CEO of Industry Ventures, a firm known  for its pioneering role in the venture secondary market. With stakes in over 700 venture funds and years of experience in the secondaries market, we wanted to have him on to discuss how VCs are thinking about venture’s current liquidity problem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kirsten Green, Founder and Managing Partner at Forerunner Ventures, discusses her decade-long journey in venture capital, emphasizing the firm’s knack for spotting consumer trends like those that led to their investments in Oura and Chime. She shares her insights on navigating the direct-to-consumer landscape, the pivotal role of AI in shaping investment strategies, and the importance of building trust with founders. Kirsten also offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on what makes a standout founder in today’s rapidly evolving market.

Ryan Peterson, CEO of Flexport, shares his insights on managing global supply chain challenges amid tariff impacts. He discusses the ripple effects of tariffs, especially on Chinese imports, and strategies for businesses to adapt. Peterson highlights Flexport’s innovative solutions to enhance cargo efficiency while navigating regulatory changes. He emphasizes the importance of effective communication during crises and the integration of technology in logistics, balancing efficiency and customer service in a rapidly evolving industry.

Peter Diamandis, an entrepreneur and futurist behind the XPRIZE Foundation, explores the intersection of technology and longevity. He reveals his vision for achieving longevity escape velocity and discusses the role AI plays in this revolution. Diamandis emphasizes the need for equitable access to health innovations, critiquing the potential for wealth concentration to limit advancements. He also highlights exciting projects like Fountain Life and the Healthspan XPrize, aiming to make these breakthroughs accessible to all.

In this lively discussion, Jonah Peretti, Founder and CEO of BuzzFeed, shares insights from his 20-year journey in digital media. He unveils BuzzFeed's new AI-native social media platform, BF Island, aimed at fostering a more positive online environment. Peretti critiques traditional social media strategies and discusses the role of AI in content creation. He also dives into the challenges facing digital journalism after the closure of BuzzFeed News, emphasizing the need for innovation amidst financial pressures in the media landscape.

This week on StrictlyVC Download TechCrunch editor-in-chief Connie Loizos and StrictlyVC’s Alex Gove are joined by Michael Kim, the long-time VC and founder of Cendana Capital where he has built a $2.6 billion portfolio focused exclusively on seed and pre-seed funds, backing some of the most successful emerging managers in the industry. In this episode they discuss Cendana’s latest $600 million fundraise, the rise of secondaries and how they’re affecting returns, how Cendana’s team sniffs out the winners in a competitive market, and of course we got into how AI is changing the startup ecosystem.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction03:49 - The Fundraising Journey and Institutional Investors05:20 - Key Partnerships and Early Support07:48 - Growth and Investment Strategy Adjustments11:20 - The Rise of Secondaries in Venture Capital14:32 - Identifying and Backing Emerging Fund Managers17:24 - The Impact of AI on Venture Capital and Startups18:19 - Changing Venture Investment Structures and Trends20:26 - Spotlight on New Fund Managers21:41 - Co-Investments, SPVs, and Strategic Adjustments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aileen Lee, the founder of Cowboy Ventures and the visionary behind the term 'unicorn,' joins the conversation to explore exciting new horizons. She weighs in on the impact of AI on job creation and the evolving workforce, discussing how automation can reshape everyday processes. Aileen also highlights the potential in 'unsexy tech' and the shifts occurring within Cowboy Ventures, including team transitions. As venture capital faces challenges, her insights on adapting to the market are both timely and thought-provoking.

Kevin Rose, a serial entrepreneur famed for founding Digg, discusses its ambitious relaunch alongside Alexis Ohanian of Reddit fame. They explore how AI will redefine online discourse and enhance community moderation, aiming to attract a wider audience. The conversation addresses striking a balance between nostalgia and innovation while integrating community feedback. Rose shares insights into strategic acquisition, navigating the emotional landscape of entrepreneurship, and fostering authentic connections in a competitive tech environment.

Chris Farmer, founder of SignalFire, a venture firm managing $2 billion in assets, delves into the rapid changes in venture capital. He discusses the structural issues plaguing the industry, with startups facing financial uncertainty. Farmer argues for innovative funding models like secondary sales and venture buyouts. The use of AI and data helps SignalFire maintain a competitive edge. He also emphasizes the need for founders to rethink exit strategies amidst evolving market dynamics.

This week on StrictlyVC Download, we're catching our breath and catching up with all of the news that's been happening in the industry. Connie Loizos and Alex Gove are breaking down the top headlines from Slow Ventures’ new creator fund, to Meta’s step into the humanoid robot race, to the continued saga between Elon Musk and Open AI.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices