Luke Burgis, author of 'Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life', discusses mimetic theory in various aspects of life, including business, investing, and relationships. He explains the influence of mimesis in social media, Facebook's rise, political beliefs, cancel culture, and how top investors select companies. Luke also talks about René Girard's theories, mimesis in venture capital, the importance of interdisciplinary thinking, writing well, finding a spouse, idols, mediators, negative mimesis, and navigating without GPS.

In this Rational Musings episode, Iman and Cyrus discuss their views on whether setting up a fund or running a syndicate (SPV) makes the most sense. The guys also talk about angel investing, joining a fund and scouting deals as alternatives to running an SPV or fund. Submit questions for us to cover in podcast episodes: https://www.rationalvc.com/questions Materials referenced Samir Kaji tweet 1: https://twitter.com/Samirkaji/status/1522757321809485824 Samir Kaji tweet 2: https://twitter.com/Samirkaji/status/1541979202953433088 Ryan Hoover tweet thread: https://twitter.com/rrhoover/status/1473347361762066438?lang=en-GB -- Rational VC provides regular content on technology investing and technology building. We also write long-form memos on all things tech investing and building. You can sign up for these monthly memo newsletters on the website: https://www.rationalvc.com/ We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. We aim to bring you content that is insightful, logical, and rational. We cover tech products and tech companies across the lifecycle, from pre-seed to seed, Series A to D+, to IPOs and beyond. We also cover all investing methods including Angel Investing, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Public Markets, SPACs etc. For more information on Cyrus, Iman and the channel, check out: https://www.rationalvc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrusyari/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanolya1/ https://twitter.com/CyrusYari https://twitter.com/iman_olya YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/rationalvc Your feedback and comments are very welcome. We hope you enjoy listening as we embark on a journey to understand this space; clearly, and rationally, of course. --- Disclaimer: The content and materials provided are solely for informational purposes and do not constitute investment or legal advice. All opinions expressed by hosts and guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of their employer(s). No copyright infringement intended.

Michael Safai is the Founding Partner of Dexterity Capital, an algorithmic high-frequency trading firm focused on cryptocurrencies. The lean team makes between $2 billion and $4 billion in trades per day. Michael is a seasoned operator in tech, with a multidisciplinary background with careers in tech and law, and an academic background in astrophysics and economics from UC Berkeley. Dexterity Capital are defining – and constantly redefining – algorithmic trading for all areas of the cryptocurrency world. They specialise in market neutral strategies. That means they thrive regardless of whether the bulls or bears are winning. With offices in Seattle, San Francisco, New York, and London they run their strategies 24/7 around the globe. You can also watch this episode on our YouTube channel. Dexterity's website: https://dexterity.capital/ Michael's Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaelsafai/   Michael's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msafai/ https://rationalvc.com Timestamps: 00:00 Michael's background 06:54 Dexterity Capital 11:08 Price inefficiencies 15:40 TradFi vs. DeFi 17:52 Due diligence (Seed & DeFi) 20:00 Is Crypto institutional money? 23:50 Current market situation 25:55 Maximalism vs. rationalism 30:00 The web3 discussion 32:42 Operating: how Michael runs his company 40:00 Career advice trying to get into this space 44:00 Mentors and lessons 45:50 Resources to learn 47:40 Wrap up -- Rational VC provides regular content on technology investing and technology building. We also write long-form memos. You can sign up for these monthly memo newsletters on the website: https://www.rationalvc.com/ We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. We aim to bring you content that is insightful, logical, and rational. We cover tech products and tech companies across the lifecycle, from pre-seed to seed, Series A to D+, to IPOs and beyond. We also cover all investing methods including Angel Investing, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Public Markets, etc. For more information on Cyrus, Iman and the channel, check out: https://www.rationalvc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrusyari/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanolya1/ https://twitter.com/CyrusYari https://twitter.com/iman_olya Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rational-vc/id1537462327 Your feedback and comments are very welcome. We hope you enjoy listening as we embark on a journey to understand this space; clearly, and rationally, of course. --- Disclaimer: The content and materials provided are solely for informational purposes and do not constitute investment or legal advice. All opinions expressed by hosts and guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of their employer(s). No copyright infringement intended.  

In this Rational Musings episode, Iman and Cyrus discuss antifragile principles of their favourite author - Mr Nassim Nicholas Taleb. The fellas dissect a Seeking Alpha article on managing an antifragile portfolio and also talk how to apply antifragile principles in daily life. Submit questions for us to cover in podcast episodes: https://www.rationalvc.com/questions Materials referenced Seeking Alpha article: https://seekingalpha.com/article/4454512-7-rules-for-an-antifragile-portfolio Taleb convexity article: https://www.edge.org/conversation/nassim_nicholas_taleb-understanding-is-a-poor-substitute-for-convexity-antifragility Danial Vassallo Twitter: https://twitter.com/dvassallo?s=20&t=oQi_Tf63eVgWkw04MJ144Q Naval on asymmetric opportunities: https://twitter.com/naval/status/1054984950192181248?lang=en-GB Bill Ackman Netflix shareholder letter: https://assets.pershingsquareholdings.com/2022/04/20184527/Letter-to-Shareholders-4.20.2022.pdf -- Rational VC provides regular content on technology investing and technology building. We also write long-form memos on all things tech investing and building. You can sign up for these monthly memo newsletters on the website: https://www.rationalvc.com/ We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. We aim to bring you content that is insightful, logical, and rational. We cover tech products and tech companies across the lifecycle, from pre-seed to seed, Series A to D+, to IPOs and beyond. We also cover all investing methods including Angel Investing, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Public Markets, SPACs etc. For more information on Cyrus, Iman and the channel, check out: https://www.rationalvc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrusyari/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanolya1/ https://twitter.com/CyrusYari https://twitter.com/iman_olya YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/rationalvc Your feedback and comments are very welcome. We hope you enjoy listening as we embark on a journey to understand this space; clearly, and rationally, of course. --- Disclaimer: The content and materials provided are solely for informational purposes and do not constitute investment or legal advice. All opinions expressed by hosts and guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of their employer(s). No copyright infringement intended.

Eric Jorgenson, creator of 'The Almanack of Naval Ravikant,' discusses Building Wealth, Judgement, Leverage, Angel Investing, Web3, and Productising Yourself. Topics cover decision-making, authenticity vs. views, launching a rolling fund, Balaji Srinivasan's ideas, and the potential of space exploration.

On this Rational Musings, Iman and Cyrus discuss René Girard's mimetic theory and real life anti-mimetic principles. The guys dissect Luke Burgis' article on living a counter cultural life and why being anti-mimetic is important for becoming antifragile. Submit questions for us to cover in podcast episodes: https://www.rationalvc.com/questions  Materials referenced Luke article: https://www.epsilontheory.com/25-anti-mimetic-tactics-for-living-a-counter-cultural-life/# Luke book "Wanting": https://lukeburgis.com/wanting/ Epsilon Theory: https://www.epsilontheory.com/ Taleb on religion: https://econjwatch.org/articles/religion-heuristics-and-intergenerational-risk-management Simon Sarris: https://simonsarris.substack.com/p/in-praise-of-the-gods?s=r -- Rational VC provides regular content on technology investing and technology building. We also write long-form memos on all things tech investing and building. You can sign up for these monthly memo newsletters on the website: https://www.rationalvc.com/ We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. We aim to bring you content that is insightful, logical, and rational. We cover tech products and tech companies across the lifecycle, from pre-seed to seed, Series A to D+, to IPOs and beyond. We also cover all investing methods including Angel Investing, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Public Markets, SPACs etc. For more information on Cyrus, Iman and the channel, check out: https://www.rationalvc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrusyari/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanolya1/ https://twitter.com/CyrusYari https://twitter.com/iman_olya Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rational-vc/id1537462327 Your feedback and comments are very welcome. We hope you enjoy listening as we embark on a journey to understand this space; clearly, and rationally, of course. --- Disclaimer: The content and materials provided are solely for informational purposes and do not constitute investment or legal advice. All opinions expressed by hosts and guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of their employer(s). No copyright infringement intended.

Mac Conwell ("Mac the VC") is the Founder and Managing Partner of RareBreed Ventures. Mac is a former software engineer and a two-time founder. One of Mac's companies failed, the other went on to a successful exit. He then broke into the world of investing by working for the State of Maryland, before raising a fund of his own in a short amount of time. From homeless to VC, "hacker turned hustler", RareBreed has seen tremendous success in a short amount of time. You can also watch this episode on youtube at: https://youtu.be/yUZLzY-fyJU  https://twitter.com/macconwell  https://rarebreed.vc https://rationalvc.com  00:00 Intros 02:32 Psychology from homeless to VC 07:58 How Mac got into VC 13:14 Raising a fund off Twitter 19:07 Overlooked & underserved founders 23:35 Diligence / what Mac looks for 30:41 Biases in Silicon Valley 34:58 Mac's advice for Cyrus and Iman 41:30 Mistakes to avoid after raising a fund 43:15 Technical skills vs selling skills for founders 46:30 Mac's mentors 49:23 Mac's personal values & principles -- Rational VC provides regular content on technology investing and technology building. We also write long-form memos. You can sign up for these monthly memo newsletters on the website: https://www.rationalvc.com/ We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. We aim to bring you content that is insightful, logical, and rational. We cover tech products and tech companies across the lifecycle, from pre-seed to seed, Series A to D+, to IPOs and beyond. We also cover all investing methods including Angel Investing, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Public Markets, etc. For more information on Cyrus, Iman and the channel, check out: https://www.rationalvc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrusyari/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanolya1/ https://twitter.com/CyrusYari https://twitter.com/iman_olya Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rational-vc/id1537462327 Your feedback and comments are very welcome. We hope you enjoy listening as we embark on a journey to understand this space; clearly, and rationally, of course. --- Disclaimer: The content and materials provided are solely for informational purposes and do not constitute investment or legal advice. All opinions expressed by hosts and guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of their employer(s). No copyright infringement intended.

Cyrus and Iman are back and they're in person! The Rational VC guys talk to the super impressive founders of Odin, Paddy and Mary. Odin is a platform and community democratising access to early stage investing. In this long-form discussion, Iman and Cyrus talk to the Odin founders about their backgrounds, childhoods, Odin's origin story, Odin's future, community building, the democratisation of access and education. https://joinodin.com/ -- Rational VC provides regular content on technology investing and technology building. We also write long-form memos. You can sign up for these monthly memo newsletters on the website: https://www.rationalvc.com/ We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. We aim to bring you content that is insightful, logical, and rational. We cover tech products and tech companies across the lifecycle, from pre-seed to seed, Series A to D+, to IPOs and beyond. We also cover all investing methods including Angel Investing, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Public Markets, etc. For more information on Cyrus, Iman and the channel, check out: https://www.rationalvc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrusyari/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanolya1/ https://twitter.com/CyrusYari https://twitter.com/iman_olya Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rational-vc/id1537462327 Your feedback and comments are very welcome. We hope you enjoy listening as we embark on a journey to understand this space; clearly, and rationally, of course. --- Disclaimer: The content and materials provided are solely for informational purposes and do not constitute investment or legal advice. All opinions expressed by hosts and guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of their employer(s). No copyright infringement intended.

Andrew is a seasoned founder (2 exits) and is now the founder of MicroAcquire, a startup acquisition marketplace that helps startups find buyers and get acquired. MicroAcquire has seen tremendous success in a short amount of time. Andrew explains his tough childhood and formative years that led to him becoming an entrepreneur, what it takes to become a success, building in public as a CEO, the company's future plans, and his thoughts on juggling family life with business. www.microacquire.com   -- Rational VC provides regular content on technology investing and technology building. We also write long-form memos. You can sign up for these monthly memo newsletters on the website: https://www.rationalvc.com/ We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. We aim to bring you content that is insightful, logical, and rational. We cover tech products and tech companies across the lifecycle, from pre-seed to seed, Series A to D+, to IPOs and beyond. We also cover all investing methods including Angel Investing, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Public Markets, etc. For more information on Cyrus, Iman and the channel, check out: https://www.rationalvc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrusyari/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanolya1/ https://twitter.com/CyrusYari https://twitter.com/iman_olya Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rational-vc/id1537462327 Your feedback and comments are very welcome. We hope you enjoy listening as we embark on a journey to understand this space; clearly, and rationally, of course. --- Disclaimer: The content and materials provided are solely for informational purposes and do not constitute investment or legal advice. All opinions expressed by hosts and guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of their employer(s). No copyright infringement intended.

On the latest Rational Musings, Iman and Cyrus discuss their favourite principles, spanning investing / business, life and learning. In this Lindy episode, they go deep and share their rational thinking on a list of 116 principles as outlined by Junto Investments. You can also watch this in video format on our youtube channel to see supporting material: https://youtu.be/CSKMJ_rZpt8  Material referenced:  Junto Principles: https://junto.investments/principles/ Odin: https://joinodin.com/ Iman video first principles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPv4DWkamM8&t=1s Cyrus essay on angel investing: https://www.rationalvc.com/articles/angel Iman essay on contrarianism: https://www.rationalvc.com/articles/contrarian Cyrus essay on financial minimalism: https://www.rationalvc.com/articles/minimalism Nassim Taleb barbell strategy: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/013114/barbell-investment-strategy.asp Buffett's bet: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/030916/buffetts-bet-hedge-funds-year-eight-brka-brkb.asp#:~:text=In%202008%2C%20Warren%20Buffett%20issued,Bloomberg%20op%2Ded%20in%20May. Naval and Nivi Spearhead: https://podcastnotes.org/spearhead-with-naval-ravikant-and-babak-nivi/spearhead-naval-ravikant-babak-nivi/ Babe Ruth effect VC: https://a16z.com/2015/06/08/performance-data-and-the-babe-ruth-effect-in-venture-capital/ Aaron Clarey Asshole Consulting: https://assholeconsulting.com/ Jamie Dimon China: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/24/business/jamie-dimon-china.html Nassim Taleb Dimon tweet: https://twitter.com/nntaleb/status/1463863377860743173 Chamath Stanford lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWAKL8G1lkg Cal Newport boredom article: https://www.calnewport.com/blog/2009/02/04/have-we-lost-our-tolerance-for-a-little-boredom/ Ray Dalio principles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9XGUpQZY38 -- Rational VC provides regular content on technology investing and technology building. We also write long-form memos on all things tech investing and building. You can sign up for these monthly memo newsletters on the website: https://www.rationalvc.com/ We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. We aim to bring you content that is insightful, logical, and rational. We cover tech products and tech companies across the lifecycle, from pre-seed to seed, Series A to D+, to IPOs and beyond. We also cover all investing methods including Angel Investing, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Public Markets, SPACs etc. For more information on Cyrus, Iman and the channel, check out: https://www.rationalvc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrusyari/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanolya1/ https://twitter.com/CyrusYari https://twitter.com/iman_olya Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rational-vc/id1537462327 Your feedback and comments are very welcome. We hope you enjoy listening as we embark on a journey to understand this space; clearly, and rationally, of course. --- Disclaimer: The content and materials provided are solely for informational purposes and do not constitute investment or legal advice. All opinions expressed by hosts and guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of their employer(s). No copyright infringement intended.