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

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.

Matt Grimm, Co-founder and COO of Anduril Industries, discusses how a potential Trump administration may reshape U.S. foreign policy concerning conflicts like China/Taiwan and Russia/Ukraine. He considers the future of warfare, highlighting the role of AI and robotics in military evolution. The conversation covers the implications for the defense industry with rising funding, examining whether it's facing a bubble. Grimm also reflects on the need for innovative procurement practices and the importance of effective technology in modern combat.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and former president of Y Combinator, discusses the future of AI model capabilities and whether current scaling laws will persist. He shares insights on the implications of semiconductor supply chains and tensions that could impact tech growth. Altman weighs in on startup opportunities, warning of areas where OpenAI may 'steamroll' emerging ventures. He reflects on his leadership challenges, the role of youth in startup culture, and shares his vision of what he would create with today's AI technologies.

Vlad Tenev, Co-founder and CEO of Robinhood, dives into his journey of navigating the GameStop saga and the lessons learned in crisis leadership. He shares insights on scaling eight business lines, each exceeding $100 million. Vlad discusses the evolution of wealth management, emphasizing the transformative power of AI. He also reflects on the balance of personal growth through fatherhood and remote work dynamics in leadership. Throughout, he challenges traditional beliefs about innovation and success, offering a fresh perspective for aspiring founders.

Karri Saarinen, Co-founder and CEO of Linear, shares invaluable insights from his experience at Airbnb and Coinbase. He argues against the common notion that founders should 'always be raising,' emphasizing quality growth over hyper-growth. Karri discusses how to strategically leverage VCs by giving them productive 'homework.' He reflects on his best and worst fundraising meetings and shares lessons on minimizing dilution. The conversation highlights the importance of sustainable practices and user experience, offering a fresh perspective on scaling startups.

Daniel Khachab, co-founder and CEO of Choco, shares insights on the shift from SaaS to AI-first companies, claiming SaaS is dead. He discusses how AI will dominate the next decade and the vulnerabilities of traditional models. The conversation dives into Europe's challenges in the AI talent race, emphasizing the pressing need for innovation in chip production and renewable energy. Khachab also highlights the emotional toll of workforce changes during this transition, showcasing the resilience required for startups in today's landscape.

Mark Goldberg, Managing Partner at Chemistry and former partner at Index Ventures, dives into the intricate world of multi-stage venture capital. He reveals how portfolio services often prioritize VC interests over founders, discussing the pitfalls of large partnerships and decision-making breakdowns. Goldberg forecasts a shift from commoditized to boutique VC firms, reflects on the highs and lows of unicorn investments, and emphasizes the importance of genuine investor-founder relationships in shaping the future of venture.