In today’s discussion, we did a deep dive on developer platforms and the key elements that separate the best from the rest. And I couldn’t help but see some parallels between Ethan’s framework and the theses we invest along at New Stack Ventures. Of our three thematic thesis areas,…
In today’s interview, we talked about entrepreneurs that prefer to retain more control and either avoid or delay the perpetual VC fundraising cycle. We also talked about startups that are not fundable in the eyes of traditional VC… maybe because it’s in the wrong sector, has the wrong founding team…
We often talk about startups that are leveraging network effects. Some investors, like Union Square Ventures, have built some of the most successful firms with a network effect thesis. For those new to the concept, a simple way of thinking about network effects is that the value for all…
In the recent interview where Colin Keeley interviewed me, he asked me for the most important lesson I’ve learned after 100 episodes and three years of investing… and my answer was Access. In today’s interview, Lindel also cited the value of access. In his list of six things he’s looking…
Below is the ‘Tip of the Week’ from Ep 99. Public Policy for Angel Investors, Part 2 (David Verrill) In today’s interview, David warned about the potential hazards of crowdfunding. His take is that startup investing is a very risky asset class. One where experienced angels can still lose a lot…
Below is the ‘Tip of the Week’ from 97. Student-Focused VC Funds, Part 2 (Peter Boyce II) With a tip title like this, you may expect that I’ll try to say something clever about the unprecedented political race for the US presidency. But no, this is not a show about…
Below is the ‘Tip of the Week’ from Ep94: What’s Wrong with Venture? Part 2 (Dave McClure) Today Dave talked about sectors and trends that are hot and attract many investors. Even LPs are wooed by the new, sexy tech trends; which has influenced the thesis of VC fund managers….
Below is the ‘Tip of the Week’ from Ep91: SpaceX & Elon Musk’s Mission to Mars, Part 2 (Tim Urban) In today’s interview, Tim talked about the challenge for first movers. Not only do they… 1. have to build a business and 2. have to innovate & develop new technology; 3. but they…
Below is the ‘Tip of the Week’ from Ep88: Fintech Investing, Part 2 (Sheel Mohnot) In today’s interview, we spent some time discussing payments and the lack of innovation therein. The most common medium used in payments is the credit card, which is technology that was developed in the 1960’s. This…
Below is the ‘Tip of the Week’ from Ep85: The Cap Table, Part 2 (John Buttrick & Sean Moran) Instead of the standard tip this week, I’ve decided to put together a very simple version of cap table. As discussed, these things can get quite complex after factoring in various…