Venture Unlocked: The playbook for venture capital managers

Mercedes Bent, a Venture Partner at Lightspeed and co-founder of Premise, shares her insights on AI's transformative power in consumer tech. She discusses the importance of originality in investing and the need for intuition in identifying standout founders. Mercedes reveals her approach to sourcing non-consensus deals and contrasts strategies for mega-firms versus early-stage ventures. With AI heralding a new wave in consumer markets, she emphasizes the necessity for founders to adapt their products and distribution methods to stay ahead.

Alex Robinson, CEO and Co-Founder of Juniper Square, shares insights on how technology and AI are revolutionizing private markets. He discusses the inefficiencies that led to the creation of his platform and the transformative impact of AI on fund management, enhancing both transparency and operational efficiency. Alex emphasizes the importance of tailored tech solutions for diverse investors and explores how evolving dynamics push for greater clarity between general partners and limited partners. The conversation also highlights the necessity for adaptability in a rapidly changing venture landscape.

Jack Altman, Managing Partner at Alt Capital and co-founder of the unicorn Lattice, shares his journey from startup leader to venture capitalist. He explores the nuances of transitioning from operator to investor and the significance of founder relationships. Jack highlights the critical role of supportive board members and honest communication in fostering trust. He offers insights on evaluating talent and navigating the AI technology landscape, emphasizing the importance of backing passionate founders amidst market fluctuations.

In this conversation with Nakul Mandan, founder of Audacious Ventures, listeners dive into the nuanced world of seed stage investing. Nakul shares his journey from India to venture capital, shedding light on the evolution of the industry since 2010. He emphasizes the importance of blending ambition with empathy in team building and the necessity of innovative systems for success. The discussion also highlights the value of qualitative metrics like shipping velocity for assessing startups, revealing strategies to navigate today's competitive landscape.

Samir Kaji, Co-founder and CEO of Allocate, delves into the current challenges facing fund managers in private markets. With a staggering growth in private investment firms, he discusses the tough fundraising climate and the high mortality rates for new funds. Kaji highlights the evolving role of secondaries, SPVs, and AI in transforming fund analysis and capital management. He also addresses how the risk profiles of different fund sizes impact their success, stressing the need for resilience and innovation in today’s venture landscape.

In this engaging conversation, Logan Bartlett, Managing Director at Redpoint Ventures, shares his insights on the shifting landscape of venture capital. He discusses the challenges unicorns face post-2021, highlighting the risks of stagnation and the emergence of 'zombie' companies. Bartlett also emphasizes AI's disruptive potential, showcasing success stories that leverage this tech for growth. He underscores the importance of identifying adaptable founders and navigating market complexities, redefining what it takes to thrive in today’s investment environment.

Villi Iltchev, Founder and Managing Partner of Category Ventures, shares his journey from leading roles at tech giants like Box and Salesforce to launching his own early-stage venture firm. He discusses the challenges and strategies for succeeding in a crowded VC landscape, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and personal relationships with founders. Villi also explores the intricacies of hiring in the field, balancing technical skills with personality traits. His insights reveal the dynamics of early-stage investing and the artistry behind making informed venture capital decisions.

Victor Lazarte, a General Partner at Benchmark and co-founder of the billion-dollar Wildlife Studios, shares insights from his leap from gaming to venture capital. He discusses Benchmark’s unique philosophy of fostering deep partnerships and making fewer, high-impact investments. Victor reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of mobile gaming, and the critical role of VC in tech innovation. He also explores the rapid evolution of AI, emphasizing the need for sustainable growth amidst new technologies.

Tomasz Tunguz, Founder and General Partner of Theory Ventures, dives into the transformative power of AI and its implications for both venture capital and everyday life. He highlights the significant cost reductions in AI training, debates the benefits of open versus closed-source models, and discusses the rise of AI applications. Tomasz also shares insights on navigating investment challenges in this rapidly evolving landscape and addresses AI's potential to reshape employment while balancing the need for sensible regulation.

Zal Bilimoria, Founding Partner of Refactor Capital, shares his journey from tech titan to venture capitalist. He discusses the unique challenges of being a solo GP and emphasizes the importance of strong founder relationships. Zal explains his philosophy behind maintaining a $50 million fund, aligning strategy with investment integrity. He delves into the nuances of managing investments amid evolving market dynamics, such as the impact of AI on decision-making. His passion for technology and sustainability shines as he navigates the future of venture investing.