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

Cliff Obrecht, Co-founder and COO of Canva, shares his inspiring story of transforming rejection into success. He discusses overcoming over 100 VC rejections before scaling Canva to a $40 billion valuation. Cliff reveals the secret to hiring talent by considering 'distance traveled' and how he evolved his approach based on past mistakes. He also underscores the importance of relationships over wealth, emphasizing philanthropy and personal values. Tune in for insights on startup growth, talent acquisition, and redefining success.

Stevie Case, the CRO at Vanta and former VP of Mid-Market Sales at Twilio, shares her journey from pro female gamer to sales leader. She discusses why startups shouldn't juggle Product-Led Growth and enterprise sales simultaneously, offering insights on transitioning gradually. Stevie also emphasizes the importance of inclusivity for parents in the workplace and advocates for transparency in sales comp plans as a way to motivate teams. Her unique perspective blends professional resilience with a personal touch, making her story truly inspiring.

In this discussion, Albert Wenger, managing partner at Union Square Ventures, dives into his journey from failed entrepreneur to respected VC. He critiques Elon Musk’s Twitter acquisition and emphasizes the need for better content moderation. Wenger also tackles pressing issues like income inequality, advocating for universal basic income as a solution. He discusses climate change, the necessity of civil disobedience, and explores innovative strategies for education and investment in a changing world. His insights are timely and thought-provoking.

Mike Cessario, the founder and CEO of Liquid Death, revolutionizes the beverage industry with his unique canned water brand worth over $700M. He shares insights on overcoming skepticism around unconventional ideas, emphasizing the importance of data and feedback. Cessario highlights that great brands evoke emotional connections and often face criticism. He discusses innovative marketing strategies, including humor and celebrity involvement, to create viral content on a budget. Ultimately, he champions resilience and authenticity in building a lasting brand.

Hila Qu, a growth advisor with a rich background at Acorns and GitLab, shares her expertise in building high-performing growth teams. She discusses the right moment for startups to hire their first growth employee and emphasizes the importance of data analysts in that role. Hila contrasts B2B and B2C growth strategies and shares critical elements of crafting job descriptions that attract top candidates. Additionally, she outlines what new growth hires should achieve in their first month, focusing on establishing a growth culture and using key performance indicators.

Jeff Jordan, General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, shares his vast insights from leading OpenTable to its IPO and molding eBay's growth. He discusses the crucial role of fragmented supply in marketplace success and intelligent lead generation strategies. The conversation delves into the significance of network effects and user retention, using lessons from industry giants like Airbnb and Instacart. Jordan emphasizes the need for effective communication in navigating the investor-founder dynamic, offering practical advice for startups aiming for sustainable growth.

In this conversation, Jason Lemkin, founder of SaaStr and seasoned SaaS investor, delves into the current state of venture capital. He discusses how VCs are shifting their focus in early-stage investments, prioritizing profitability and capital efficiency amidst economic turbulence. Jason critiques inflated growth-stage valuations and predicts the potential for down rounds. He emphasizes the importance of data-driven marketing strategies and the need for strong leadership in investment decisions. Tune in for insights on navigating the evolving landscape of startup funding!

Discover the essential elements of raising a venture capital fund, including the crucial link between fund size and investment strategy. Learn about the number one mistake fund managers often make: setting unrealistic fundraising targets. Get insights into creating momentum in your fundraising efforts and the importance of building strong relationships with limited partners. This discussion also teases valuable strategies for engaging and maintaining connections with investors to ensure future fundraising success.

Henry Schuck, Founder and CEO of ZoomInfo, shares his incredible journey from a $5,000 college fund to building a $10 billion company. He discusses how early life experiences shaped his relentless work ethic and belief in his success. Schuck emphasizes the importance of happiness in driving team performance and unpacking the balance between trust and safety in workplace culture. He also navigates the changing landscape of software buying in 2023 and addresses the psychological challenges CEOs face during market fluctuations.

Jason Fried, Co-founder and CEO of 37signals and author of 'Rework,' shares his unique journey in entrepreneurship. He reveals why traditional goals hinder success and discusses his decision-making process anchored in a single, guiding question. Fried explains his choice to eliminate politics from the workplace and reflects on the challenges of losing a third of his team overnight. He also emphasizes the importance of trust in leadership and the value of sustainable growth over sheer numbers.