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

Nazim Salur, Founder and CEO of Getir, shares his journey from launching a taxi-hailing app to disrupting last-mile delivery with rapid grocery services. He discusses the importance of owning the entire vertical stack and strategic site selection for micro-fulfillment. Driver acquisition strategies vary by location, and Salur reveals insights into balancing SKU minimization with consumer demand. He emphasizes developing strong consumer loyalty and predicts the future dynamics of the grocery delivery market as it continues to evolve.

Doug Leone, Global Managing Partner at Sequoia Capital, shares his 33-year journey in venture capital. He reflects on the pivotal meeting that led him to Sequoia and the evolution from COO to a more inspired leadership role. Leone discusses the importance of team culture over familial bonds in business and offers insights on navigating international expansion, particularly in China and India. He also candidly talks about the highs and lows of his early investments and how to recognize the qualities that lead to success in the venture landscape.

Sameer Gandhi, Partner at Accel, shares his journey in venture capital, highlighting his investments in tech giants like CrowdStrike and Dropbox. He recounts a pivotal 2-hour meeting with CrowdStrike's CEO, focusing on market analysis and timing strategies. Gandhi emphasizes the importance of speed in execution and building strong relationships with founders. He discusses the balance between rapid growth and sustainable vision, while also stressing trust and cultural insights in the venture capital landscape.

Marcelo Claure, CEO of SoftBank Group International and a key player in tech investments, shares his insights into a year spent with Masa Son. He reveals how their partnership redefined his approach to investing and operating. Topics include softbank's strategy in Latin America, with the potential for several IPOs next year, and the importance of founder-centric investments. Marcelo emphasizes the need for collaboration among entrepreneurs and uncovers how intuition plays a crucial role in venture capital. His commitment to empowering underrepresented groups in LATAM's business landscape also shines through.

Frank Rotman, co-founder of QED Investors, dives into the evolving landscape of venture capital and fintech. He discusses how price discipline seems to be fading and the implications of rapid deployment timelines. Frank shares insights on the importance of initial ownership positions and how to build them effectively over time. He examines the dynamics between investors and founders, the necessity of empathy, and the rising trends in pre-emptive funding rounds. With a focus on collaboration, he sheds light on the future potential of fintech innovation.

Emilie Choi, the President and COO of Coinbase, shares her impressive journey from corporate development at LinkedIn to steering one of the leading names in cryptocurrency. She reveals how Coinbase Ventures thrives without dedicated employees and discusses the strategic hiring process for key roles like COO and Head of Corp Dev. Emilie emphasizes the importance of a collaborative culture, effective onboarding, and how to prioritize resources for innovation while managing a fast-paced startup environment.

Angela Strange, a General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz with a notable background in product management at Google, dives deep into the thriving LATAM market. She discusses the significant potential in serving the unbanked and the dynamics of competition between startups and established banks. Angela emphasizes the importance of local knowledge for successful investments, explores the transition from cash to digital, and dispels myths of LATAM simply producing copycats. Her insights reveal the region's unique investment landscape and the promising future of fintech.

Nicolas Szekasy, co-founder and Managing Partner of Kaszek Ventures, shares insights on LATAM's thriving startup scene. He reflects on his journey from MercadoLibre's CFO to leading one of the region's largest venture capital firms. The conversation delves into the evolution of the LATAM tech ecosystem, the misconception of it being merely a source of copycat companies, and the challenges of scaling teams. Szekasy emphasizes the importance of trust in VC-founder relationships and discusses the significance of sustainable investments in fueling local innovation.

Ann Miura Ko, Co-founding Partner at Floodgate, shares her expertise in seed investing, emphasizing the importance of developing a deep understanding of customer needs. She recounts her pivotal role in Lyft's launch and the lessons learned from its unique customer development approach. Ann discusses the risks of rapid fundraising and stresses building honest relationships with founders. She also reflects on maintaining capital efficiency and fostering startup culture amidst competition, revealing critical insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Mike Lazerow, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Velvet Sea Ventures, shares insights from his venture capital journey. He emphasizes that how you operate as an investor is paramount, discussing the core elements he seeks in deals. Lazerow reveals his biggest insecurities transitioning to VC and highlights the importance of effective boards for entrepreneurs. He also shares valuable lessons about nurturing relationships in the competitive investment landscape, as well as the significance of trusting gut instincts in decision-making.