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

Avi Meir, Founder and CEO of TravelPerk, dives into the future of business travel post-pandemic. He believes 2021 will surpass 2019 in travel volume, thanks to a faster-than-expected recovery. Meir discusses how leaders can navigate COVID's impact, emphasizing cash preservation and strategic spending for founders. He also foresees a shift towards domestic travel and flexible options, predicting a rise in rail travel for shorter journeys. With insights on supporting startups through crisis, his perspective on the industry's evolution is both refreshing and hopeful.

Elad Gil, a renowned angel investor with a portfolio including Stripe and Airbnb, shares his insights on navigating startups in challenging economic times. He discusses the shifting landscape of venture capital, offering advice on cash management and runway strategies for founders. Elad emphasizes the importance of understanding valuations and highlights the contrasting strategies of investors in the current climate. He also reflects on the future of M&A post-pandemic, while advocating for a rejuvenated governance approach in Silicon Valley.

Ariel Cohen, the Founder and CEO of TripActions, shares his journey from Israel to the U.S. and the creation of a leading business travel platform. He discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry and highlights key strategies for handling layoffs with empathy and transparency. Ariel outlines how companies can navigate financial challenges while maintaining culture during tough times. He also predicts the future of business travel and explores how technology, like Zoom, will reshape travel needs in the coming years.

Hamilton Helmer, Managing Partner at Strategy Capital and author of '7 Powers: The Foundations of Business Strategy', shares his journey from advising tech giants like Adobe and HP to his current investment strategies. He discusses the importance of strategic mental models and adaptability for founders. Helmer explores how innovation drives competitive advantage and examines the dynamics of copycats versus original creators. He also emphasizes why being 10x better doesn't guarantee success and the critical role of branding in business strategy.

Join Sarah Kunst, Founder and Managing Director of Cleo Capital, in an engaging discussion where she shares her journey from Bumble to the venture capital scene. Sarah discusses the prevailing investor interest despite economic uncertainties and the overlooked 'dry powder' in the market. She tackles how the 'Meghan Markle effect' influences talent acquisition strategies and highlights the need for diversity in VC funding. Get practical advice on navigating today's talent landscape while maintaining a commitment to supporting female founders.

Mike Maples, Founder and Partner at Floodgate, shares his journey from entrepreneur to venture capitalist, focusing on the breakthroughs that define startup success. He discusses the two key breakthroughs that excite him and explores how inflections can create significant opportunities, with insights from investing in Lyft. Mike also analyzes the rise of operator and angel funds, as well as how large multi-stage funds are impacting seed markets. His emphasis on developing insights and the importance of 'backcasting' provides a fresh perspective for aspiring founders.

Conor White-Sullivan, Founder & CEO of Roam Research, shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting how high school wrestling shaped his resilience. He discusses Roam's unique product philosophy, emphasizing that it’s not just about taking better notes but fostering deeper connections. Conor also reveals his hiring criteria centered on grit and self-directed learning, explaining the benefits of living with his team. Finally, he analyzes the trends in collaboration tools, pondering whether the future lies in bundling or unbundling these essential resources.

Mark Cuban, a serial entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, shares his insights on wealth, risk, and innovation. He discusses the evolving relationship between happiness and money, emphasizing experiences over financial milestones. Cuban critiques Silicon Valley investors, likening them to old Hollywood and suggesting that great tech companies could thrive if started elsewhere. He also highlights the importance of cash flow in investing and the necessity of genuine salesmanship in entrepreneurship, all while navigating a post-pandemic business landscape.

Jeff Seibert and Wayne Chang, co-founders of Digits and veterans of Crashlytics, share their entrepreneurial journey and insights on building a successful remote team. They discuss the importance of a customer-centric approach and innovative solutions for financial clarity. Jeff and Wayne reveal their hiring framework for remote talent and the need for minimal meetings to enhance collaboration. They also reflect on their design philosophy, emphasizing a balance between simplicity and user experience, while navigating the challenges of securing funding and strategic growth.

Howie Liu, the Founder and CEO of Airtable, shares insights from his journey of transforming collaboration tools. He discusses the lessons learned from leading remote work, highlighting both successes and missteps in the process. Howie explores the shift from an application to a platform, identifying core challenges along the way. He also contrasts leadership styles during peacetime and wartime, emphasizing the need for adaptability in today's changing landscape and the growing competition in the collaboration tools market.