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

Rahul Vohra, Founder and CEO of Superhuman, shares his revolutionary journey of redefining email. He discusses the vital role of effective customer onboarding and reveals how a small team can drive substantial scaling. Vohra elaborates on why true game design, not mere gamification, is essential for creating engaging products. He outlines key factors for emotional engagement in user experience, and explains how to incorporate playful elements into product design, offering invaluable insights for future product managers.

Mark Suster, Managing Partner at Upfront Ventures, shares his insights on the changing dynamics of venture capital post-COVID. He discusses how valuations are evolving and the potential resurgence of pay-to-play funding. Mark emphasizes the need for startups to adapt their marketing strategies and reassess costs in light of new economic realities. He warns of possible pitfalls for venture firms that have expanded too quickly, advocating for smarter reserve allocation. With his rich background as a founder, Mark provides a unique perspective on navigating uncertain times.

Sarah Cannon, a Partner at Index Ventures, and Akshay Kothari, COO of Notion, discuss Notion's recent $50M fundraising round, boosting its valuation to $2Bn. They explore the future of remote work and the competitive landscape of collaboration tools, debating whether we’re witnessing bundling or unbundling. Akshay shares insights on balancing rapid growth with profitability, while Sarah reflects on her journey from the White House to venture capital. Their conversation highlights the evolving dynamics in work environments and the importance of innovative solutions.

David Heinemeier Hansson, the creator of Ruby on Rails and co-founder of Basecamp, shares his insights into the tech world. He argues that chasing unicorn status is a trap and emphasizes the importance of genuine mission statements. David discusses the shift to remote work, highlighting the loneliness many face and how crucial connections are for mental health. He also critiques traditional meetings, advocating for small teams and effective communication. Ultimately, he champions personal fulfillment over mere financial success in entrepreneurship.

Blake Scholl, Founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, aims to restore affordable supersonic travel. He shares insights on navigating the challenges of fundraising in aerospace and the importance of innovative thinking over traditional expertise. Blake discusses his strategic choices in building a high-performing team, highlighting his favorite interview question and the culture of accountability he fosters at Boom. He also outlines the vision behind Boom's XB-1 aircraft, promising a revolutionary future for air travel.

Fred Destin, Founding Partner at Stride VC, shares his journey from Accel to launching one of Europe's largest seed funds. He discusses the current state of venture capital amid economic uncertainty, debating if VCs are genuinely 'open for business.' Destin reflects on how risk perceptions have shifted and why Stride paused investments. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication and support for founders, especially during challenging times, and ends with insights on maintaining positivity in the face of adversity.

Ravi Viswanathan, Founder and Managing Partner of NewView Capital, discusses his impressive journey from bioengineering to establishing a $1.35Bn fund. He reflects on the challenges of fundraising and shares advice for first-time fund managers. The conversation dives into the evolving landscape of venture capital, the rise of private equity, and the importance of alignment in liquidity strategies. Ravi emphasizes the value of diverse boards and meaningful connections with founders, drawing lessons from significant exits like Plaid.

Jean-Charles Samulian, Co-founder and CEO of health insurance startup Alan, shares his journey from transforming airline seating to revolutionizing healthcare. He discusses structuring effective investor updates, emphasizing transparency and strategic thinking while involving his team. Jean-Charles also highlights the importance of creating a culture of distributed ownership combined with radical transparency, revealing key elements for success. His insights into innovative hiring strategies and maximizing productivity through self-organization offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs.

Howard Marks, Co-founder and Co-Chairman of Oaktree Capital Management, shares his insights on navigating today’s economic turbulence. He discusses the distinct challenges posed by COVID-19, the long-term impacts of national debt, and strategies for maintaining liquidity. Marks emphasizes the importance of emotional discipline in investing, particularly during volatile times, and argues against the notion that we can always predict market bottoms. His reflections provide hope and clarity in the face of economic uncertainty.

Alyssa Ravasio, Founder and CEO of Hipcamp, shares her journey from the US State Department to revolutionizing outdoor experiences through unique camping bookings. She discusses tackling the chicken and egg problem startups face and emphasizes the need for differentiated supply in marketplaces. Alyssa reflects on her evolution as a CEO, the psychological challenges of leadership, and the importance of strategic partnerships. She also highlights innovative approaches to creating defensibility and fostering community within her growing platform.