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

Apurva Mehta, Managing Partner at Summit Peak Investments, shares his journey from limited partner to founding his own firm. He emphasizes the evolving dynamics in early-stage venture capital and the rise of solo capitalists. Discover why he believes references hold varying significance during diligence and how LP concentration can impact funds. Apurva also discusses navigating fundraising complexities post-COVID and the shift to virtual networking, underscoring the need for strong relationships in the investment landscape.

Anna Khan, General Partner at CRV, shares her rich journey from analyst to a leading role in venture capital. She highlights the critical importance of analysts in the fundraising process, urging founders to engage thoughtfully with them. Anna discusses the rising trend of pre-empted funding rounds, offering her insights on when to capitalize on opportunities versus exercising patience. She also addresses the gender gap in venture capital, advocating for more representation and discussing the barriers faced by women in the industry.

In this discussion, Dev Ittycheria, President and CEO of MongoDB, shares insights from his impressive background in tech and venture capital. He reveals why being inefficient can lead to greater effectiveness in leadership. Dev dives into the importance of vulnerability with investors and the three core benefits it brings. He also tackles the challenges of scaling organizations, emphasizing the risks of information asymmetry. Lastly, he reflects on the fine line between promoting from within versus hiring externally when growing a team.

Joe Thomas, Founder and CEO of Loom, shares his journey from the Midwest to launching a video messaging revolution in the workplace. He discusses how to effectively operate remote teams with three essential rules, emphasizing the power of long-form writing. Joe dives into the transformed fundraising landscape since COVID, highlighting trust-building strategies for remote investor relationships. Plus, he offers advice for early-stage founders on selecting VCs and whether to embrace multi-stage funding at seed. Don't miss his insights on fostering an inclusive culture at Loom!

Steve Jurvetson, co-founder of Future Ventures and a former partner at Draper Fisher Jurvetson, shares his journey in Silicon Valley and insights on market timing. He discusses his unique investment philosophy, emphasizing long-term visions rather than immediate profits. Jurvetson delves into the challenge of assessing deep tech projects, relationship dynamics in venture capital, and why he's never sold a share in his investments. His reflections on wealth redefine the purpose of investing, prioritizing innovation and societal impact over personal gain.

Clay Wilkes, Founder and CEO of Galileo, shares his insights on the fintech revolution, detailing his journey in building a leading API provider. He discusses the ongoing unbundling in the industry, pondering whether every company will turn into a payments company. Clay reflects on the advantages of growing a profitable business without early VC funding and critiques the current venture capital discovery mechanisms. He also touches on the strategic implications of Galileo's acquisition by SoFi and the balance of profitability and growth in today’s fintech landscape.

Join Brad Feld, a venture capital titan, Tracy Lawrence, the innovative CEO of Chewse, and Jerry Colonna, a seasoned coach and founder, as they dive deep into the often-hidden struggles with depression and mental health in entrepreneurship. They candidly share their own experiences, highlighting the dangers of tying happiness to milestones. The conversation also stresses the importance of vulnerability and authenticity, encouraging founders to reshape their relationship with success and prioritize mental well-being over relentless pursuit.

Steve Blank, a pivotal figure in Silicon Valley and creator of the Lean Startup movement, dives deep into the dynamics of the startup ecosystem. He provocatively critiques the notion that it's ethically sound, likening it to a Ponzi scheme driven by profit motives. Blank discusses the failures of Adam Smith's 'Invisible Hand' in today’s economy and stresses the need for accountability among investors and founders. He also shares insights on navigating the new normal post-COVID and highlights the ethical responsibilities of startups in the digital age.

Chamath Palihapitiya, Founder and CEO of Social Capital and former Facebook executive, shares his journey from tech to venture capital. He argues that traditional IPOs are flawed and champions the SPAC model for its advantages. Chamath discusses the pitfalls of forecasting, suggesting that founders should prioritize real growth and integrity in partnerships. He reflects on his experiences at Facebook, emphasizing the importance of defensibility and how personal growth shapes his investment philosophy. A deep dive into the evolution of entrepreneurship in a global landscape rounds out this insightful conversation.

In this insightful chat, Alex Mather, Founder and CEO of The Athletic, discusses his transition from a pre-med background to leading a subscription-based sports media revolution. He shares lessons learned from scaling his team and evolving as a leader, influenced by becoming a parent. Alex reveals his approach to fundraising in 2016, the misconceptions investors have about media, and his vision for the future of the industry. He also addresses the competitive landscape, including platforms like Substack, and emphasizes the importance of authentic communication and innovative strategies.