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

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.

Christa Quarles, CEO of Corel Corporation and former leader at Opendoor and Disney, shares invaluable insights on scaling companies. She discusses key leadership decisions only a CEO can make and the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment for teams. Christa dives into talent acquisition and retention strategies, reflecting on her transformative experiences. She also highlights the complexities of navigating board dynamics, emphasizing the need for clarity and accountability in decision-making.

Nick Shalek, a General Partner at Ribbit Capital, is a fintech guru with a history at Yale's Investments Office. He shares his journey into venture capital and lessons learned from David Swensen. Nick discusses the importance of ownership and the nuances of pricing in today's fintech landscape. He also emphasizes the need for strong relationships with founders and team culture in investing. Lastly, he explores reinvestment strategies and the evolution of Ribbit as they navigate the rapidly changing fintech environment.

Jeff Immelt, former CEO of GE and current Venture Partner at NEA, shares his wealth of experience in leadership and innovation. He delves into the intense pressures of becoming CEO, highlighting the importance of genuine trust in team dynamics. Jeff also discusses the strategies incumbents need to embrace innovation successfully, and the detrimental impact of misaligned boards on company culture. Additionally, he offers insightful advice for founders on navigating board relationships, emphasizing resilience and the emotional challenges leaders face.

David George, a General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, shares his journey from Kentucky to leading growth investing at a16z. He discusses common misconceptions about growth investing, emphasizing that strong business models are merely table stakes. David reveals insights on portfolio construction and the importance of scenario planning amidst new market players. He also contrasts 'pull' vs. 'push' strategies in growth investments, shedding light on the significance of unit economics and recognizing standout founders in today's competitive landscape.

In a heartfelt discussion, Nick Mehta, CEO of Gainsight, shares his journey with mental health as a leader in the tech industry. He opens up about vulnerability, grappling with self-worth, and the pitfalls of people-pleasing. Nick reflects on how identity is intertwined with professional success and how childhood experiences shaped his views. The conversation emphasizes the importance of authenticity, finding joy in striving, and how embracing vulnerability fosters true strength in both personal and professional life.

Marc Lore, a serial entrepreneur and former CEO of Walmart eCommerce, shares his insights on assessing human potential and the concept of 'the resume test.' He argues that hiring a Chief People Officer should be a startup's top priority to foster culture and alignment. Lore reflects on the balance between ambition and personal life, discussing how he approaches risk and fear in business decisions. He critiques traditional hiring practices and emphasizes mission-driven candidates, offering intriguing views on the future of venture capital.

Laela Sturdy, General Partner at CapitalG and former Google executive, shares her journey into venture capital and insights into the competitive market landscape. She discusses the influx of crossover funds and hedge funds in growth investing, analyzing how these changes affect pricing and strategy. Laela also dives into CapitalG's unique portfolio construction approach and the importance of maintaining strong relationships with founders. Lastly, she addresses the challenges startups face after achieving product-market fit and the need for effective scenario planning.

Jeff Lawson, Founder and CEO of Twilio, shares his journey in tech, revealing the pivotal moments that led to Twilio's inception. He dives into the essence of leadership, emphasizing the evolution of his style and the role of storytelling in connecting with teams. Lawson discusses creating a strong company culture, likening it to building a tribe, and the importance of decentralized decision-making for organizational resilience. He candidly addresses vulnerability in leadership and its power to foster trust and authenticity within teams.

Mark Mullen, co-founder of Bonfire Ventures, shares insights from his extensive career in venture capital. He discusses the art of portfolio construction, emphasizing ownership and reserve allocation. Mullen also delves into the evolving decision-making structures in VC, highlighting the need for speed in compressed fundraising timelines. He reflects on the balance between rigorous analysis and quick decisions, offering guidance to founders on cap table selection and board dynamics, while addressing the importance of consensus in investing.