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

Samir Kaul, Founding Partner at Khosla Ventures, shares insights from his extensive investment experience, including backing top startups like Square and Impossible Foods. He challenges the norm by arguing that pro-rata rights are a cop-out and emphasizes the importance of embracing technical risks. Kaul also dives into investment decision-making, stressing the need for a proactive mindset in volatile markets. He discusses balancing time allocation across portfolio companies and the evolving role of board members in fostering effective collaboration.

Kurt Rathmann, Founder and CEO of ScaleFactor, shares his journey from landscaping to revolutionizing bookkeeping with an automated solution. He discusses raising over $105 million in 13 months across three rounds and the mental shift from scarcity to abundance. Kurt emphasizes the critical role of venture capitalists, outlining five ways they can add real value. He also dives into building a strong company culture amidst rapid growth and shares insights on recruiting talent outside traditional tech hubs.

Gaurav Jain, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Afore Capital, shares insights from his journey in venture capital, highlighting key lessons from his time at Founder Collective. He discusses why now is the toughest time in a decade for founders to secure pre-seed funding, driven by capital reductions and changing dynamics. Gaurav also addresses the surge of operator funds and super angels, and explains how large multi-stage funds are reshaping the pre-seed landscape. His advice on strategic investor selection is essential for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Rahul Vohra, Founder and CEO of Superhuman, shares insights from his journey in the startup world, transitioning from Rapportive to revolutionizing email. He discusses the importance of reversing engineering product-market fit and highlights strategies used by Dropbox and Airbnb to refine their offerings. Vohra emphasizes the need for founders to engage with dissatisfied users and leverage feedback for growth. Moreover, he unveils his approach to product roadmap prioritization and the intricacies of personalized onboarding that boost user experience.

Rob Salvagno, VP of Corporate Development and Cisco Investments at Cisco, shares his journey from investment banking to leading M&A for a tech giant. He discusses how Cisco evaluates startups for potential acquisition, emphasizing the importance of engaging with corporate development teams. Rob challenges the notion of avoiding these conversations, arguing they can significantly accelerate business growth. He also defines success in M&A and reveals key insights on post-acquisition integration, highlighting common pitfalls and the need for strategic alignment.

Bill Gurley, General Partner at Benchmark Capital, shares his journey from Wall Street analyst to top venture capitalist. He discusses the impact of the dot com boom and bust on his investment mentality. Gurley believes the current challenge is an oversupply of capital, prompting a debate on valuation strategies. He emphasizes the importance of market sizing and brand recognition in fundraising, and reflects on his collaborative investment approach at Benchmark, highlighting the need for capable founders and a supportive environment.

Brandon Deer, VP of Operations & Strategy at UiPath, discusses his journey from venture capital to leading a cutting-edge automation company. He shares insights on decision-making and the importance of distinguishing between what to prioritize and delegate. The conversation delves into the realities of robotic process automation, clarifying its impact on jobs and efficiency. Brandon emphasizes vulnerability as a key trait for effective leadership, highlighting the need for genuine communication and trust in a fast-growing startup environment.

Adam D'Augelli, Partner at True Ventures, brings nearly a decade of venture capital insights to the table. He discusses his unconventional path from a finance instructor to a VC partner and emphasizes the importance of aligning values in investments. The conversation delves into the complexities of portfolio construction, the challenge of maintaining ownership stakes, and the dynamics of reconciling initial and follow-up investments. Adam also highlights the serendipitous nature of venture capital, where relationships and unexpected opportunities play crucial roles.

In this engaging discussion, John Vrionis, Founder and Managing Partner at Unusual Ventures, shares insights from his journey in venture capital, emphasizing the need for raising expectations in seed investing. He discusses the importance of specialized support for founders and critiques the trend of multi-stage funding at the seed level. John highlights how personal experiences have shaped his investment philosophy and stresses the value of diversity among Limited Partners. His passion for nurturing startup success shines through as he advocates for a more inclusive and hands-on approach in venture capital.

Emmanuel Schalit, Founder and CEO of Dashlane, discusses his journey from leading large corporations to launching a startup revolutionizing online security. He shares insights on how raising excessive capital can complicate a founder's life rather than simplify it, stressing the importance of capital efficiency. Emmanuel explores the unique value VCs can bring, alongside challenges in managing board dynamics. He also emphasizes the need for diversity in tech and outlines Dashlane's ambitious plans for the future, aiming to transform user experiences in digital security.