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

Rob Lacher, founder of Visionaries Club and a serial entrepreneur, shares his journey from novice tennis player to VC leader. He emphasizes the importance of hiring talent without traditional VC experience for fresh perspectives. Lacher tackles the differences between US and European funding dynamics, advising founders on choosing the right investors. He envisions a thriving European venture ecosystem by 2028 and stresses the potential of family institutions to drive innovation. Intriguingly, he also reflects on the significance of compatibility in business partnerships.

Mike Salguero, Founder and CEO of ButcherBox, shares his journey in building a $600M meat delivery service without ever taking venture capital. He discusses how his fatherless upbringing shaped his leadership style and the emotional awareness it brought him. Mike argues that consumer subscription models often struggle without VC funding, citing the pitfalls faced by many D2C brands. He reveals innovative marketing strategies that helped ButcherBox scale quickly and critiques conventional practices in customer acquisition, emphasizing efficiency and adaptation.

Tobi Lütke, Co-founder and CEO of Shopify, shares invaluable insights from his journey in e-commerce. He argues that micromanagement can sometimes be beneficial, especially in critical situations. Tobi explores how lessons from World of Warcraft guilds can teach teamwork better than traditional companies. He emphasizes that constraints drive creativity and the importance of in-person collaboration over remote work. Additionally, he reflects on the pursuit of true contentment versus fleeting happiness, discussing personal growth and decision-making quality.

Jackie Reses, the CEO of Lead Bank and a former executive at Square and Yahoo, shares insights from her impressive career in finance and team-building. She argues that traditional hiring practices often miss the mark, emphasizing the importance of innate skills over past experience. Jackie reveals her strategies for effective negotiation and discusses the evolving landscape of fintech, highlighting both its challenges and opportunities. She also reflects on personal growth and lessons learned throughout her journey, including the impact of leadership on innovation.

Jag Duggal, Chief Product Officer at Nubank, shares insights from his journey in tech, transitioning from Silicon Valley to Brazil's fintech scene. He argues that product management is 90% science, emphasizing the importance of strategic clarity and effective customer feedback methods. Jag warns against falling in love with your own ideas and discusses the true challenges of scaling a product for 80 million users. His advice on hiring the right team highlights the crucial role of dynamics and strategic alignment in product success.

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber and former CEO of Expedia, shares his journey from the Iranian Revolution to leading a global tech giant. He discusses Uber Eats’ strategies to compete with DoorDash, emphasizing the importance of capital allocation and decision-making frameworks. Dara reflects on the influence of his family's history on his leadership style and the value of trust in team dynamics. He also candidly addresses his missteps, including regrets over investments in scooters, proving that even powerful CEOs face tough lessons.

Mike Maples, Co-founder of Floodgate, shares invaluable insights from the recent SVB crisis. He emphasizes the necessity of scenario planning and financial agility for startups, advising founders on managing banking relationships effectively. Maples also highlights the critical role of crisis communication, encouraging transparency and radical humanity in tough times. He critiques the Western world's financial irresponsibility and urges for reform, making this discussion a must-listen for entrepreneurs navigating uncertainties.

Frank Fillmann, the CRO for Salesforce Australia, shares his journey from selling kitchen utensils to leading a $1B revenue line. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and adapting strategies for sales success, especially around understanding client needs over pricing. Fillmann discusses building effective sales playbooks and highlights the CFO's role in the buying process, advocating tailored messaging. He also touches on multi-threading relationships within organizations and innovative tools for remote collaboration, revealing strategies for thriving in today's sales landscape.

Bill Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, shares his insights on the current banking crisis and its implications for the economy and political landscape. He discusses the importance of trust in partnerships and the high and lows of his investment journey, emphasizing lessons learned from failures. Ackman advocates for better regulation and support for smaller banks, while also exploring wealth inequality and proposing innovative solutions. Throughout, he reflects on leadership, resilience, and the potential for positive change in America.

Ophelia Brown, founder of Blossom Capital and a former GP at LocalGlobe, dives into the complexities of venture capital. She shares her unique journey from a DJ and restaurant owner to a leading VC. Ophelia critiques the prevailing growth investor mentality, arguing it has detrimentally influenced the market. She discusses the lack of substance in venture marketing and how follow-on investments can hurt returns. With insights on relationship building and strategic investing, she empowers founders to discern authenticity in the investment landscape.