

StrictlyVC Download
Connie Loizos & Alex Gove
Each week, StrictlyVC Editor-in Chief Connie Loizos and Alex Gove, a former journalist, VC, and operating exec, review the top stories in StrictlyVC and interview a mover and shaker in the world of tech.
Episodes
Mentioned books

11 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 31min
Astro Teller isn’t afraid of killing ideas; here’s why
Astro Teller, Captain of Moonshots at Alphabet’s X, dives into radical innovation and what it takes to launch ambitious projects. He shares the three key components of a true moonshot and explains why 98% of ideas are killed early. Astro emphasizes the importance of small teams and discusses how X's unique culture allows for efficient learning from failures. He also demystifies AI, urging us to treat it like electricity while highlighting the need for real-world testing of new technologies.

5 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 45min
Why Harvey's Hardest Problem Isn't AI—It's Multi-Entity Collaboration
Winston Weinberg, co-founder and CEO of Harvey, a cutting-edge legal AI startup, shares fascinating insights into the company's journey. He reveals that Harvey's inception came from a unique Dungeons & Dragons experience with GPT-3. The discussion touches on Harvey's impressive growth, with one-third of revenue now from corporate clients. Winston also dives into the complexities of creating a multiplayer legal platform that respects ethical walls across 63 countries. He argues that AI will change the legal landscape but asserts that professional services won't disappear overnight.

13 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 28min
Vinod Khosla on softening the blow from AGI, and other future bets
Vinod Khosla, the founding CEO of Sun Microsystems and venture capitalist at Khosla Ventures, dives into the future of entrepreneurship in a world dominated by AI. He asserts that every profession is a startup opportunity and discusses his vision for building AI workers to replace high-value jobs. Khosla forecasts a dramatic rise in Fortuna 500 company failures and advocates for a national wealth-sharing strategy. Additionally, he reveals his early investment in OpenAI, critiques U.S. immigration policies, and describes innovative energy solutions like fusion and geothermal.

26 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 30min
Roelof Botha on Sequoia, startup building, and Washington -- days before stepping down
Roelof Botha, a longtime partner at Sequoia and former PayPal CFO, discusses his imminent departure from Sequoia and the firm's investment philosophy. He shares insights on venture capital's nature and emphasizes the importance of fierce debates in investment decisions. Botha elaborates on Sequoia's Scout program and the challenges of the current AI boom, cautioning founders against quickly raising high valuations. His perspective on vertical market winners emerging faster than ever adds depth to the conversation.

Oct 28, 2025 • 23min
UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts on pushing his university into the AI age
Lee Roberts, Chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, discusses his vision for integrating AI into university operations and academics. He explains the recent merger of data science and library science to foster collaboration. Roberts addresses the $38 million in federal grant cuts, focusing on public health impacts while remaining optimistic about diversifying funding sources. He also defends the investment in football coach Bill Belichick as a crucial revenue strategy to support UNC's extensive athletics program.

Oct 22, 2025 • 24min
How Hans Swildens pulled off a blockbuster Goldman Sachs sale, and what it means for venture liquidity
Hans Swildens, founder of Industry Ventures and a trailblazer in venture secondaries, shares insights on selling to Goldman Sachs amidst his firm's 25th anniversary. He discusses the evolution of their two-decade partnership and the strategic timing behind the sale. Swildens highlights how secondaries have become the new IPO for startups and examines the state of emerging fund managers. He also explores future liquidity solutions and the challenges of adapting private equity products for venture capital, offering a fascinating glimpse into the industry’s changing landscape.

10 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 20min
The politics of AI: OpenAI’s Chris Lehane on AI’s promise and peril
Chris Lehane, Chief Global Affairs Officer at OpenAI, shares insights on the company's new video tool, Sora, and its significant promise for creativity. He delves into the complexities of copyright and fair use in AI training, illustrating how their iterative deployment model prioritizes responsible innovation. Lehane discusses the immense infrastructure needs to remain globally competitive, particularly against China, and what keeps him up at night, emphasizing the importance of democratizing AI benefits and addressing geopolitical challenges.

Oct 7, 2025 • 31min
How Monarch Collective scored some of the biggest early deals in women's sports
Kara Nortman, co-founder of Monarch Collective and Angel City Football Club, dives into the booming world of women's sports investing. She discusses her transition from tech VC to launching a $250 million fund dedicated to women’s sports, capitalizing on a market that’s exploding. Nortman reveals their unique investment strategy involving concentrated bets and hands-on operations. The conversation also touches on revenue generation, ownership structures, and the historical significance of the Dick Kerr Ladies, all while pondering the sustainability of this exciting industry.

18 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 35min
How Replit went from $2.8M to $150M ARR by pivoting away from professional developers
Amjad Masad, Founder and CEO of Replit, shares the incredible story of how his company skyrocketed from $2.8 million to $150 million in ARR by pivoting to serve non-technical users. He explains the challenges of building AI-driven coding agents that can function independently, and how this focus requires more computational power. Masad also discusses a viral database incident that tested their resilience and his vision for creating a billion software developers globally through innovative, user-friendly tools.

9 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 26min
Google Cloud's COO isn't stressed about landing the AI giants with Francis deSouza
Francis deSouza, the COO of Google Cloud and seasoned entrepreneur, shares insights into Google Cloud's competitive edge in the booming AI market. He highlights the company's commitment to startups amid fierce competition with giants like AWS and Oracle. The discussion delves into Google Cloud's approach to the GPU shortage, partnerships with AI labs like Anthropic, and maintaining a balance between competition and providing neutral infrastructure. DeSouza emphasizes the potential of foundation models and Google's mission to drive scientific advancements through technology.


