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

Ankur Nagpal, Founding Partner at Vibe Capital, discusses his successful transition from founder of Teachable, which sold for $250M, to venture capitalist. He reveals insights about his new $70M fund and how his perspective on investment has evolved. Ankur shares provocative thoughts on the potential drawbacks of VCs, emphasizing the importance of value for founders. He dives into the strategies for portfolio construction, the significance of relationships within VC, and the unique opportunities emerging markets present for investors.

Fidji Simo, CEO of Instacart and former Facebook leader, shares her inspiring journey from a coastal fishing town in France to the tech forefront. She discusses the need for sponsors over mentors in career advancement and connects management skills to parenting. Fidji emphasizes creating a culture of trust to enable accountability in decision-making. She highlights the significance of embracing uniqueness in the workplace while advocating for women's health issues. Finally, she envisions a future of personalized food experiences through local retailers.

George Kurtz, co-founder and CEO of CrowdStrike, shares his journey from McAfee to launching a cybersecurity leader with a $60 billion market cap. He discusses the importance of selecting the right investors and adapting fundraising strategies as a company evolves. Kurtz highlights innovative talent acquisition methods and the need for a strong team culture, especially in a remote work environment. He also addresses competition in tech, emphasizing innovation and leadership over rivalry, and shares insights on navigating self-doubt as an entrepreneur.

Chris Sacca, Founder and Chairman of Lowercase Capital and Lowercarbon Capital, dives into his mission to combat climate change and the motivation behind his return to investing. He reflects on his early ventures, including his pivotal $25K investment in Twitter, and shares candid insights on his evolving relationship with wealth. Sacca discusses the challenges of modern parenting, highlighting the need for resilience and empathy in raising today's children. He critiques major tech companies like Facebook while advocating for diversity and innovation in venture capital to drive meaningful environmental change.

Anthony Casalena, the innovative Founder and CEO of Squarespace, shares his journey from dorm room beginnings to leading a public company with over $700M in ARR. He discusses why he chose to bootstrap for years, emphasizing the impact it had on his mindset. Casalena reveals the strategic decision behind opting for a direct listing over traditional IPOs or SPACs, and shares insights on the complexities of being a public company CEO. He also reflects on the transformative effects of e-commerce growth in the wake of COVID-19, highlighting new opportunities for the future.

Anton Levy, Co-President of General Atlantic, shares his insights from over two decades in growth investing. He discusses two major shifts in the venture landscape and how founders should navigate the challenge of active versus passive cash. Anton emphasizes adapting investment strategies by moving earlier in the process and being selective in scaling investments. He also reflects on missed opportunities, such as Facebook, highlighting the importance of conviction in decision-making. This engaging conversation blends personal anecdotes with keen industry observations.

Keith Rabois, a General Partner at Founders Fund, discusses his groundbreaking role in the creation of Opendoor, inspired by a pivotal conversation with Peter Thiel. He shares insights into the market dynamics that fueled his excitement for the venture and the unique challenges he encountered in launching the company amidst capital scarcity. Rabois also delves into the importance of consumer trust and pricing accuracy, as well as the evolving nature of startup fundraising today, highlighting lessons learned from both Opendoor and his current venture, OpenStore.

Ralf Wenzel, Founder and CEO of JOKR, shares his journey from founding foodpanda to leading a global instant retail delivery platform. He discusses the misalignment in consumer packaged goods and advertising, predicting a shift away from giants like Amazon and Alibaba. Ralf delves into innovative fulfillment strategies, emphasizing the importance of treating drivers as full-time employees for better retention. He also highlights consumer expectations for personalization and sustainability, painting an optimistic future for quick commerce.

Casey Winters, Chief Product Officer at Eventbrite and former growth leader at Pinterest and Grubhub, shares his expertise in scaling growth teams. He defines what makes a great Head of Growth and reveals the right time to hire one. Casey discusses the importance of a data-driven approach in the hiring process and the initial tasks vital for onboarding new growth teams. He emphasizes the dynamic relationship between a growth leader and the CEO, providing tips on effective communication and collaboration for success.

Hans Tung, Managing Partner at GGV Capital, shares his wealth of experience in venture capital. He discusses his transition from entrepreneurship to investing, shaped by witnessing market booms and busts. Hans analyzes today’s competitive venture landscape, emphasizing the importance of price sensitivity and market sizing. He reflects on lessons learned from backing giants like Peloton and Alibaba, often highlighting the misjudgments many investors make regarding market scope. His insights shed light on navigating the complexities of global investment opportunities.