ACQ2 by Acquired

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 He challenges outdated norms, explaining how solo founders can build momentum and why you should always aim to be preempted in fundraising.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.

Dive into the complexities of company building post-investment. Discover how VCs engage deeply with their portfolio companies, from governance to strategic planning. Learn about the evolving roles of board members, the importance of brand reputation, and how strong networks foster startup growth. Exploring the delicate balance of providing value versus stepping back, this discussion highlights the emotional intricacies of co-founder dynamics and critical decisions like pivots. Plus, the mantra: Don't Freak Out!

Join Will Thorndike, author of 'The Outsiders' and a savvy private equity investor, as he delves into the secrets of successful outsider CEOs. He shares his journey of interviewing these elusive leaders and discusses how their capital allocation strategies can inform modern businesses. The conversation tackles the evolution of metrics like EBITDA in today’s tech landscape and highlights the importance of effective communication during mergers. Thorndike also reveals innovative approaches and ethical considerations in the pharmaceutical industry, enriching the insights on leadership and performance.

Kevin Hartz, founder of Eventbrite and early PayPal investor, joins Troy Steckenrider, co-founder of A* and AONE, for an insightful deep dive into SPACs. They explain how SPACs provide an alternative to traditional IPOs with streamlined processes and greater accessibility for innovative startups. The duo highlights the evolving landscape of SPACs, including their implications for venture capital and investor relationships. They also explore due diligence, the PIPE process, and the strategic role of SPACs in democratizing access to the public markets.