ACQ2 by Acquired

Lillian Li, a prominent China tech analyst and author of the Chinese Characteristics newsletter, delves deep into the complexities of Meituan and the evolving landscape of Chinese tech. She discusses the unique nuances of community group buying, especially in lower-tier cities, and the significant impact of government regulations. Listeners gain insights into the competitive rivalry between Meituan and Alibaba, and how shifts in alliances affect consumer behavior. Lillian also highlights the challenges faced by gig workers amidst the fierce competition in the industry.

Explore the journey of a fintech startup navigating the complexities of payment systems. Dive into the evolving dynamics of podcasting and community engagement, highlighting the significance of listener relationships. Discover insights on the innovative infrastructure that exists in smaller countries compared to the U.S. Learn about bridging the gap between technical demands and financial needs, while enjoying a fun Q&A session that sheds light on personal interests and influential figures in the podcasting world.

Jake Saper, General Partner at Emergence Capital, discusses the current state of the SaaS landscape and Emergence's Deep Collaboration strategy. He highlights how Figma has revolutionized embedded collaboration tools and why this trend is integral to their investments in companies like Ironclad and Maze. Saper also reflects on the tremendous success of the Zoom investment and underscores the importance of nurturing partnerships through coaching and dedicated time together to maintain momentum in the venture space.

Join Mario Gabriele, the founder of The Generalist, and Packy McCormick, author of Not Boring, as they share unique investment insights over their favorite drinks. They dive into the buzz around SPACs, tech investing strategies, and the dynamics of 'idea dinners.' Hear thoughts on Bitcoin's supremacy as a reserve currency compared to traditional assets and their intriguing take on the New York Times' digital evolution. With laughs and lively discussions, they navigate the cutting-edge landscape of modern investment opportunities.

Mario Gabriele, the insightful mind behind The Generalist, joins the discussion to explore Roblox's thrilling IPO prospect. They dissect Roblox's transformation into a major gaming and social platform, revealing its impressive user engagement and unique revenue model through virtual currency. Gabriele shares insights on the competitive landscape, including Roblox’s strategic entry into China and its contrast with titles like Minecraft. From monetization strategies to the community-driven economy, this conversation unveils the complexities and potential of Roblox as a public company.

Amir Salihefendić, CEO of Doist, shares insights from over a decade of leading a fully remote team spread across 35 countries. He explores the challenges and advantages of asynchronous communication, emphasizing its importance in modern work environments. Amir discusses the evolution of remote work tools, the transformation of a side project into a successful business, and the nuances of managing a global workforce. He argues that merely transitioning to remote work without changing culture or tools won't solve existing problems.

Jaclyn Hester, a Partner at Foundry Group, and Lindel Eakman, also from Foundry, dive into the intricacies of venture capital portfolio construction and management. They discuss the importance of diversification versus concentrated investments, emphasizing the significance of risk mitigation and strategic decision-making. Key metrics like IRR and cash-on-cash multiples are explored, shedding light on what constitutes ‘good’ fund performance. The conversation also highlights the dynamics between VCs and founders, stressing the need for strong partnerships and open communication.

Rahul Vohra, CEO of Superhuman and former co-founder of Reportive, shares his groundbreaking insights on startup fundraising. He challenges outdated norms, explaining how solo founders can build momentum and why you should always aim to be preempted in fundraising. Vohra also discusses maximizing leverage in conversations through pre-seed to seed transitions, the value of both brand-name and non-traditional investors, and the innovative use of interstitial financings. His practical strategies offer a fresh perspective for any founder navigating the intricate world of venture capital.

Emily Chang, a prominent technology journalist and author of 'Brotopia', dives into the challenges of gender diversity in tech. She discusses the historical biases illustrated by the Lena photograph, a controversial image that reflects representation issues in the industry. Addressing ongoing challenges, Chang emphasizes the importance of sustained efforts for female inclusion and leadership in tech. The conversation also explores personal experiences with gender dynamics and the necessity for inclusive cultures within companies. It's an eye-opening discussion on driving meaningful change!

Garry Tan, co-founder of Posterous and Managing Partner at Initialized Capital, dives into the transformative impact of Y Combinator on startup culture. He discusses how Y Combinator shifted from fringe to mainstream, turning startup recruiting into a 'cult' phenomenon. Garry shares insights on 'influencer investing', the emergence of seed funding as a key asset class, and how personal experiences inform entrepreneurial journeys. Plus, he touches on the role of pop culture, like The Social Network, in shaping modern tech aspirations.