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

Dave Powers is the President and CEO of Deckers Brands, renowned for leading the Hoka and UGG footwear lines. He discusses the remarkable rise of Hoka from a $1.1M acquisition to a booming $1.4BN powerhouse, revealing the strategic insights that fueled its success. Powers shares lessons from overcoming UGG's struggles, including the impact of Oprah's endorsement and the brand's efforts to reclaim its identity. With reflections on balancing corporate culture and consumer loyalty, he provides valuable insights into navigating the fast-paced world of fashion and footwear.

Join Gustav Söderström from Spotify, Scott Belsky from Adobe, and Tomer Cohen from LinkedIn as they explore how AI is reshaping product design and development. They discuss why AI has become the central product, the evolving role of user interfaces, and the shift in workforce dynamics required in an AI-first world. The trio debates the balance between model diversity and data quality, while also touching on the ethical considerations of AI usage. Emphasizing the opportunities AI presents, they highlight the necessity for continuous learning in adapting to this new landscape.

Peter Lacaillade, Managing Director at SCS Financial Services, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of venture capital. He believes now is an ideal moment to invest in emerging managers for superior returns. Lacaillade discusses common traits of successful VCs and the importance of building strong relationships with LPs. He also unveils his barbell portfolio strategy, balancing investments between established franchises and new players. Throughout, he reflects on lessons learned from past mistakes and the critical dynamics of fund management.

Davis Smith, Founder and former CEO of Cotopaxi, shares his remarkable journey from selling pool tables to scaling a $150M outdoor apparel brand. He reveals how overcoming 100 investor rejections shaped Cotopaxi's trajectory. Davis delves into the impact of his childhood experiences on his entrepreneurial mindset, the challenges of aligning values with business missions, and the importance of purpose in entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the need for new financial products to support long-term goals and the balance between integrity and impact in business.

Steve Goldberg, Chief Revenue Officer at Salesloft, shares his sales expertise honed from leading roles at top companies. He dives into the psychology behind sales, emphasizing relationship-building and understanding customer dynamics. Steve reveals strategies for closing deals swiftly, highlights the evolving landscape of selling to CFOs, and stresses the critical role of Revenue Operations in scaling success. He also discusses the importance of ensuring renewals and fostering trust in client relationships for sustained growth.

Sam Corcos, Co-founder and CEO of Levels, shares insights into successful fundraising strategies and the critical role of investor meetings. He emphasizes the value of taking as many VC meetings as possible, revealing common missteps founders make. Corcos advocates for theatrical pitches while also highlighting the importance of genuine communication. He discusses how to leverage investors effectively, forge valuable relationships, and the impact of post-IPO operators as angels. His journey reflects on balancing risk, team dynamics, and the unpredictability of entrepreneurship.

Sanjit Biswas, Founder and CEO of Samsara, discusses scaling his IoT company to an impressive $1BN in ARR in just eight years. He shares pivotal insights on achieving product-market fit, highlighting common pitfalls founders face. Sanjit reflects on transitioning from Meraki to Samsara, revealing lessons learned about effective scaling. He also explores the timing of launching multiple products and the importance of aligning personal growth with company strategy. Plus, he touches on cultivating ambition in affluent parenting and the future of technology in physical operations.

Geoff Charles, VP of Product at Ramp, shares his journey from advising Fortune 100 companies to leading product teams. He discusses the key skills aspiring product leaders should cultivate and the common pitfalls to avoid. Geoff explains how Ramp utilizes two-week sprints for rapid product development and the right timing for hiring a product team. He also delves into strategies for going multi-product, emphasizing the importance of customer engagement and the value of reusable product elements for long-term success.

Tooey Courtemanche, founder and CEO of Procore, shares his transformative journey from construction worker to leading a billion-dollar company. He discusses the initial struggles, including the 13 years it took to reach $9.6M in revenue and why many investors laughed at him in 2008. Tooey emphasizes the balance between vision and adaptability in entrepreneurship. He also delves into the art of leadership, the importance of cultural fit in hiring, and the complexities of managing both a thriving business and being a present parent.

Dominik Richter, the Founder and CEO of HelloFresh, dives into the intriguing world of direct-to-consumer businesses. He discusses why raising venture capital often leads to two outcomes: selling or going public. Dominik shares insights on the timing of IPOs and explains why initial trading prices should be viewed as irrelevant. He addresses the challenges faced by D2C companies today and questions if the sector's struggles signal the end of an era. With his unique entrepreneurial journey, he bridges his early dreams of football with groundbreaking business lessons.