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

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.

In this discussion, Joe Lonsdale, a General Partner at 8VC and co-founder of Palantir, shares insights from his impressive career in tech and venture capital. He believes the best VCs are builders who leverage historical knowledge for better investment decisions. Lonsdale emphasizes the importance of contrarian thinking in venture partnerships and addresses the challenges posed by woke culture. He also advises founders on managing cash burn strategically in today's market, warning against sacrificing growth for immediate gains.

Julia DeWahl, a rising star in the Silicon Valley angel investing scene and former Opendoor executive, shares her insights on startup growth. She discusses crucial takeaways from her Opendoor experience that inform her investment strategies. Julia emphasizes the importance of customer discovery and how to select and structure this process for maximum insights. She also elaborates on implementing growth systems, balancing metrics, and navigating the fine line between growth and profitability. Plus, her journey into angel investing is both inspiring and instructive!