ACQ2 by Acquired

Tom Cowan, co-founder of TDM Growth Partners, shares insights from an investment firm that boasts a remarkable 26% annual return over 18 years. He discusses historical comparisons between the dot-com crash and today's market, emphasizing how high-growth companies behave during downturns. Cowan highlights the importance of emotional discipline and sound valuations for investors. He also reflects on how flexibility and a long-term investment philosophy are essential in navigating today's market uncertainties.

Jake Saper, a partner at Emergence Capital and expert in Generative AI, dives into the evolving landscape of B2B SaaS. He discusses when accuracy is critical, the necessity of human oversight in AI systems, and how startups can leverage proprietary data for a competitive advantage. Jake also explores the tension between innovation and legal compliance, and the transformative potential of generative AI on business operations. His insights reflect on the balance of AI and human creativity, emphasizing new roles in the job market and innovative pricing strategies.

Avlok Kohli, CEO of AngelList, drives a transformative shift in the venture capital landscape. He explains how AngelList evolved from merely an SPV provider to a comprehensive software platform supporting over $15B in assets. Kohli discusses the innovative use of software and AI in managing venture capital operations, enhancing accuracy and efficiency. He also reveals the impact of generative AI on the industry and how automation tools streamline complex workflows, reshaping investor experiences and enabling greater flexibility for founders.

David Hsu, the Founder and CEO of Retool, has an intriguing background that combines philosophy and computer science from Oxford. He discusses the pitfalls of product-led growth, emphasizing the critical need for sales in finding product-market fit. Hsu shares insights on achieving significant ARR with lean teams and sustaining cash flow positivity while navigating growth. The conversation also touches on the implications of AI in entrepreneurship and the significance of intrinsic motivation for driving innovation. Tune in for practical wisdom from a tech visionary!

Sam and Shaan, co-hosts of the successful My First Million podcast, join forces with Ben and David to discuss the secrets of scaling a podcast. They explore the unique journey of Nintendo, delving into its rich history and what businesses really drive success. The conversation shifts to choosing the right podcast guests, balancing authenticity and brand growth, and the nuances of being a contrarian. Plus, they reveal what company they'd want to own and who they’d least like to compete against, wrapping up with insights into innovative business strategies.

Kamakshi Sivaramakrishnan, the Co-founder and CEO of Samooha, brings her rich tech background from Google, Microsoft, and LinkedIn to discuss the future of cloud data collaboration. She addresses the power of cloud data warehouses and the need for secure data sharing in multi-cloud environments. Kamakshi highlights the challenges enterprises face with data collaboration, the importance of a zero trust approach, and the role of user-friendly solutions for non-technical users. She also shares insights on leveraging company culture and innovation at Samooha.

Vijaye Raji, CEO of Statsig and former Facebook VP, shares his journey from leading Facebook's mobile ad development to launching his own startup. He discusses the agile transformation at Facebook and how those practices drive innovation and experimentation. Raji highlights the importance of foundational tools for startups aiming to bring big tech practices to smaller teams. He also delves into the balance between innovation and compliance in product development while navigating challenges like SOC 2 compliance.

Meghan Reynolds, Head of Capital Formation at Altimeter Capital and former global co-head at TPG, shares her expertise on the vital GP-LP relationship in venture capital. She emphasizes the strategic importance of capital formation beyond mere fundraising, highlighting the need for transparency and communication with limited partners. Meghan predicts significant changes in the investment landscape over the next decade, discussing how the dynamics of institutional investment and the expectations of LPs are evolving in response to market shifts.

Austin Federa, Head of Communications at the Solana Foundation and a seasoned crypto expert, delves into the essentials of self-custodying cryptocurrency. He highlights why it's the safest way to manage digital assets, especially amid market upheaval. The discussion includes the importance of controlling private keys, the risks of custodial platforms, and various wallet options. Austin also addresses the balance between security and user-friendliness in transactions, providing insights into advanced strategies for protecting assets in the evolving crypto landscape.

Jay Hoag, co-founder of Technology Crossover Ventures (TCV), shares captivating insights from his journey in tech investing since 1995. He recounts Netflix's transformative shift from DVDs to streaming, highlighting crucial decisions during challenging times. The conversation dives into customer retention strategies that emphasize easy cancellations and a focus on consumer experience. Hoag also discusses the mindset needed for investing through downturns, underlining resilience and strong leadership as key to navigating market challenges.