The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch

Nik Storonsky, Co-founder and CEO of Revolut, discusses the tech company's meteoric rise with a $45BN valuation and ambitions for an IPO. He reveals what’s needed for Revolut to hit a staggering $100BN valuation and why no challenger bank has yet conquered the US market. Nik shares the lessons learned from hiring mistakes and the importance of maintaining rapid execution as the company scales. He also addresses the intricacies of brand marketing and regulatory hurdles in U.S. banking and his vision for Revolut's future in Europe.

George Arison, CEO of Grindr and former founder of Shift, shares the wild ride of Grindr's ownership changes and its explosive growth. He reveals how the app shifted from a hookup platform to a vital community resource, driving $300M in revenue with zero marketing costs. Arison discusses the lean operations that enable a remarkable 40% EBITDA margin and critiques common startup management pitfalls. He also touches on balancing personal experiences in leadership and the potential of AI to enhance user experiences.

Guy Podjarny, founder of Tessl, Snyk, and Blaze, dives into the future of AI and the potential for a chilling AI winter. He discusses NVIDIA's strategic position and the implications of specialized vs. general AI models in development. Challenges in AI tools and concerns over open versus closed platforms are explored, alongside Google's competitive advantage. The evolving roles of software developers and significant security challenges in AI development are also highlighted, offering a fascinating glimpse into the tech landscape.

Klaus Hommels, founder of Lakestar and a key player in European venture capital, shares his radical insights on investing. He argues that price sensitivity and portfolio strategies are outdated concepts. The discussion explores Europe's innovation challenges, highlighting its underfunding and the need for a shift in investment culture. Klaus recounts personal investment stories, including pivotal moments that led to significant returns, like his early bet on Spotify. He emphasizes the importance of concentrated investments and critiques Europe's military tech reliance.

Jason Citron, Co-founder and CEO of Discord, shares eye-opening insights from scaling the platform to $14.5 billion. He challenges conventional hiring practices, claiming experienced executives could hinder growth. The discussion reveals the surprising truth behind effective leadership styles and highlights the unique advantages gamer founders hold. Citron recounts pivotal moments from his journey, including the decision to decline a $12 billion Microsoft offer and his strategy for communicating with early users, reshaping the company's trajectory.

Dan Fougere, a top sales leader known for scaling Datadog's revenue from $60M to $1BN ARR, shares crucial insights. He discusses the key lessons learned during his journey, including the mistakes made and what he'd do differently. Dan emphasizes the dangers of discounting, advocating for consistent pricing strategies, and highlights the importance of hiring the right sales team, including his unique interview techniques. He also tackles the future of outbound sales in 2024, offering advice for founders navigating evolving sales landscapes.

Cem Sertoglu, a prominent venture investor known for turning a $16.5 million investment in UiPath into an astounding $2.1 billion return, shares his insights on the venture capital landscape. He discusses why he believes VC hasn't been commoditized and the importance of founder relationships. Cem reflects on crucial lessons from his UiPath journey, including reserve management and the significance of selective investment. He addresses common misconceptions, advising founders on how to choose the right VC and why price may not be the most critical factor.

Alain De Botton, a renowned philosopher and author, delves into the complexities of modern life. He discusses how the relentless pursuit of status contributes to our anxiety, despite societal wealth. De Botton critiques the idea of companies as families, arguing it can hinder genuine connections. He also explores why some parents unconsciously push their children toward failure and dismantles the myth of meritocracy. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of finding meaningful work in a world that often prioritizes superficial achievements.

Raman Malik, Head of Growth at Perplexity and a former member of Lyft's growth team, delves into the heart of growth marketing. He shares why he sees paid acquisition as a 'drug' and dismisses brand marketing as often ineffective. Raman emphasizes the importance of partnerships and data-driven strategies for user retention. He offers insights on the nuances of A/B testing and advocates for hiring former founders for their unique perspectives. Discover the underestimated growth channels that propelled Perplexity forward and the real metrics that define engaged users.

Markus Villig, Founder and CEO of Bolt, transformed a $5K family loan into an $8 billion global mobility platform. He recounts how he navigated early rejections from major VCs and the unconventional strategies that led to Bolt's rapid expansion. Markus shares insights on finding co-founders, capital efficiency, and the importance of adapting to market demands. He also dives into the challenges of hiring, the thrills of competing with giants like Uber, and the future of micromobility, including self-driving technology and electric scooters.