Venture capital isn’t dead — it’s evolving. Carta’s Head of Insights, Peter Walker, joins Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris to unpack what the data really says about the 2025 market. From the AI-fueled bifurcation to shrinking equity packages and a wave of secondaries, this episode breaks down how founders, VCs, and LPs are adapting in real time.
Peter shares Carta’s inside view on:
If you care about where venture is heading next — this is the episode.
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In this episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris are joined by Alex Sen, CEO of Meridian, and Nnamdi Okike, an investor associated with Meridian, to discuss the transformative role of AI and software in private equity and venture capital investing. Alex shares his journey from nearly a decade in private equity, battling with outdated CRM tools, to founding a next-generation AI-powered CRM and deal sourcing platform that streamlines workflows, surfaces proprietary deal opportunities, and enhances decision-making for some of the world's largest firms.
Nnamdi provides the investor’s perspective, highlighting their decade-long commitment to leveraging software and data analytics to revolutionize venture operations. They discuss how AI is expanding the total addressable market by automating manual tasks, improving deal sourcing efficiency, and enabling investors to better track, prioritize, and engage with evolving companies. Both guests reflect on the challenges of AI adoption, the changing nature of junior analyst roles, and the importance of human intuition alongside advanced technology.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the evolution of investing software, the competitive shifts AI is catalyzing in the finance industry, and how firms must continuously elevate their capabilities to succeed. The conversation touches on the broader impact of AI on workflow, learning acceleration, and founder-investor relationships, making this episode a must-listen for investors, founders, and anyone curious about the future of AI-enabled investing.
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In this episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris sit down with Grace Gong, acclaimed VC podcaster, investor, and founder of the Smart AI Conference. Grace shares her inspiring journey from international student to a premier voice in tech and venture, hosting top shows like "Venture with Grace" and "Smart Venture Podcast." She details her mission to unlock access to venture and tech wisdom for those outside the usual networks, highlighting the importance of both online and in-person connections through her rapidly launched San Francisco AI conference.
The conversation dives deep into the changing landscape of AI and startup building, from the GPT-driven chatbot era to today's surge in customizable agent tools and "vibe coding." Grace discusses why strong distribution and go-to-market strategy are the real bottlenecks, even as technical barriers fall, and explains the rapid rise of highly specific, domain-focused AI applications. She brings candid, contrarian insights from leading operators and executives, addressing trends in voice AI, workflow automation, the impact of AI on junior talent, and the evolving user experience centered on chat and conversational interfaces.
Grace also addresses the risks of overrelying on automation, the future of AI hardware beyond today's wearables, and the vital role of hands-on learning. Her perspective is laced with real stories from her network and her own investments, making this episode a goldmine for founders, operators, and anyone eager to understand how community, execution, and adaptability will shape the next generation of tech companies.
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Join hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris in a deep dive into the evolving world of AI, autonomy, and the future of transportation with Gabe Klein, former leader of the U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, and Alexei Andreev, co-founder and managing director at AutoTech Ventures. Gabe brings a wealth of experience from public policy and urban mobility design, while Alexei offers a sharp lens on deep tech investments in autonomous vehicle technology and infrastructure.
This episode untangles the complex challenges of achieving full vehicle autonomy, exploring why true self-driving cars remain an elusive goal over a decade after initial excitement. Gabe and Alexei discuss the intricacies of safety definitions, the need for technology that surpasses human driving, and the mathematical challenges posed by unpredictable real-world driving environments.
Listeners will gain insights into the current state of autonomous vehicle deployment, including the technological debates over sensor suites like LiDAR versus vision-only systems, and the critical role of liability, insurance, and public perception in shaping adoption. The conversation also highlights promising investment opportunities beyond passenger vehicles—such as off-road agricultural autonomy, logistics automation, and critical supporting infrastructure like vehicle servicing, recharging, and fleet management.
With a thoughtful look at cultural differences in safety expectations and the interplay of technology and public policy, this episode is essential for investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the future landscape of mobility and the challenges and opportunities it presents.
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In this thought-provoking episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris take listeners deep inside the complex financial structures that define modern venture capital. The conversation centers around a critical observation in today’s industry: most VC funds can now be classified as either "2% funds", large, brand-name firms prioritizing substantial management fees, or "20% funds", smaller, more performance-driven firms focused on carry and outsized returns.
Peter breaks down the economic incentives behind each type, explaining how mega-funds like Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia generate enormous management fees just by virtue of their size, while smaller funds must make riskier bets and actively chase exceptional outcomes to realize significant profits. The hosts explore the growing divide between these two models and discuss the challenges founders face in choosing the right VC partner.
Jon and Peter debate the strategic trade-offs from a founder's perspective, including:
They also touch on trends like later-stage company scaling, the boom in private market investments, and the rise of secondary sales as an alternative to waiting for an IPO. Throughout the discussion, Jon and Peter offer candid insights and personal anecdotes, revealing the sometimes unseen incentives that drive behavior in venture capital.
This episode is essential listening for founders weighing their funding options, as well as anyone curious about the changing face of the venture capital ecosystem.
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In this compelling episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris engage with Stephanie Palmeri, partner at NextView Ventures, and Caleb Hicks, founder and CEO of School AI, to explore the transformative power of AI in education. Caleb, a former middle school teacher and educational innovator, shares his vision for using AI to create personalized, empathetic learning experiences that address the unique needs of every student, while restoring meaningful human connections in classrooms.
Stephanie brings over a decade of experience investing in edtech startups, highlighting the evolution of education technology from the early mobile and tablet era to today's AI-driven wave. She discusses the opportunity for AI to revolutionize both K-12 and higher education, especially in areas like personalized learning, student engagement, and workforce upskilling.
Together, they unpack the challenges schools face today, from managing large classrooms and diverse student needs to addressing AI-related concerns like cheating, student privacy, and equity in access. The conversation delves into how AI can be an empowering tool rather than a disruptive force, serving as a tutor, coach, and assistant that enhances critical thinking and individualized instruction.
Listeners will gain unique perspectives on why now is the pivotal moment for AI in education, the significant market opportunity in a trillion-dollar industry, and the future of edtech innovation that balances technology with the essential human element of teaching and learning. This episode is essential for educators, founders, investors, and anyone passionate about the future of education.
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In this insightful episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris are joined by Tiya Gordon, co-founder and CEO of It’s Electric, and Olaf Sakkers, managing partner at Red Blue Capital. Together, they explore the rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) landscape, shedding light on market dynamics, industry challenges, and transformative opportunities shaping the future of mobility and energy.
Tiya shares her experience leading a Brooklyn-based startup that delivers curbside EV chargers, providing innovative solutions to overcome infrastructure barriers and enable wider EV adoption, especially in urban environments. She highlights the critical need for accessible charging infrastructure, urban-centric solutions, and the potential for bidirectional energy flows that turn EVs into mobile energy storage units supporting city grids.
Olaf, a seasoned investor with deep expertise in mobility, logistics, and energy transition, offers a global perspective on EV market shifts. He discusses China’s dominance in EV manufacturing, the complex political and economic factors impacting U.S. EV adoption, and the broader vision of transforming transportation beyond passenger vehicles, emphasizing heavy-duty EV trucks and micromobility solutions as key areas of innovation.
The conversation delves into the cultural, regulatory, and infrastructural hurdles slowing EV adoption in the U.S., including tariff impacts, urban planning challenges, and entrenched interests favoring traditional car ownership. Tiya and Olaf discuss promising opportunities for founders and investors, from scalable last-mile delivery electrification to innovative micromobility and multi-modal electric transit solutions.
Listeners will gain a nuanced understanding of the intersection between technology, policy, infrastructure, and consumer behavior in the EV ecosystem, along with actionable insights on where meaningful innovation and impact can happen next. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or EV enthusiast, this episode offers a candid, comprehensive look at powering the future of sustainable transportation.
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In this compelling episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris welcome Matt Curtolo, an experienced private markets investor and advisor, and Joseph Alalou, co-founder and general partner of Daring Ventures. Together, they dive into the evolving landscape of emerging managers and micro venture funds, offering firsthand perspectives on how smaller funds are carving a niche in today’s competitive venture ecosystem.
Matt shares his journey through two decades of managing billions across venture, private equity, and real estate, and discusses how emerging managers can sharpen their strategy, positioning, and fundraising efforts to succeed in a crowded market. Joseph brings a unique and inspiring story from washing cars and community college to leading a VC fund focused on diverse, underdog founders with domain expertise and conviction bias.
The conversation explores the definition and dynamics of micro VCs, the importance of authenticity and understanding one’s “right to win,” and how these smaller funds differentiate themselves by moving beyond consensus deals to uncover unique alpha-generating opportunities. They discuss the challenges of fundraising in today’s environment, including the long timelines, the critical role of operational rigor, and how early closings can build momentum and market credibility.
Matt and Joseph also tackle how AI is reshaping fundraising and fund operations, emphasizing that technology is a critical tool but human intuition, relationships, and expertise remain irreplaceable. They reflect on the maturation of the venture ecosystem, the growing interest from large funds in emerging managers, and the fundamentally relational nature of VC investing.
Listeners will gain practical advice and encouragement on navigating the complexities of emerging fund management, fundraising strategy, and embracing the future of venture capital amid rapid technological change. This episode is essential for aspiring fund managers, limited partners, and anyone interested in the future of micro VC and emerging manager innovation.
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In this episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, host Peter Harris sits down with Rex Salisbury, solo GP of Cambrian and former fintech partner at Andreessen Horowitz, for an in-depth conversation about the ongoing transformation of financial services. Rex shares his unique journey from investment banking to leading one of fintech’s most dynamic pre-seed and seed funds, explaining how decades of inefficiency in banking have finally given way to a wave of disruptive innovation.
The discussion explores recent shifts in the fintech landscape, highlighting how new fintech companies, once dismissed as serving only niche or low-value customers, are now directly competing with and winning market share from the largest legacy banks. Rex points to the rise of digital-first platforms like Robinhood and Wealthfront, which started by serving overlooked users but have evolved into sophisticated competitors for the millennial and Gen Z wealth transfer.
Peter and Rex examine why B2B fintech is an especially powerful force, with vertical software companies like Toast integrating lending, payroll, and banking into a single platform that businesses can’t imagine leaving for traditional banks. Rex also tackles the myth of banks’ cost-of-capital advantage, arguing that technology and changing consumer expectations are steadily eroding long-held bank moats.
Beyond consumer trends, the episode ventures into the investment landscape, with Rex sharing lessons from recent Cambrian investments, such as companies revolutionizing transfer agents and simplifying business shutdowns. The conversation also addresses the role of crypto and stablecoins in reshaping payment and banking infrastructure, where Rex differentiates between international and U.S. use cases but remains optimistic about crypto’s role as a catalyst for industry change.
Rex closes with actionable advice for aspiring founders and operators: seek out dense talent networks, work in growth-stage companies, and always surround yourself with people who teach you. The episode captures the underlying message that, as technology, business models, and capital flows shift, fintech is only just beginning to threaten incumbents and capture its share of the financial future.
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In this thought-provoking episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris explore the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and its far-reaching implications for economics, labor, and opportunities. The conversation opens with Peter reflecting on his 16 years of VC experience and the unprecedented speed at which generative AI is impacting every industry, likening the current era to previous technological shifts such as the rise of the internet, mobile, and SaaS, but at a much more accelerated, all-encompassing pace.
Jon shares candid anxieties and perspectives from the founder’s side, debating whether society is overestimating the short-term disruption of AI while underestimating its long-term impact. The hosts explore parallels between AI’s rise and earlier workforce interventions, such as calculators and spreadsheets, suggesting that while some jobs will evolve or disappear, new types of roles and vast opportunities will emerge.
They debate the looming questions around AGI, the shifting utility of STEM degrees, and the growing importance of learning how to think critically and adapt. The discussion delves into:
The episode concludes with tangible advice for the next generation: develop deep, critical, interdisciplinary knowledge and be prepared to leverage rather than be replaced by AI. Jon and Peter encourage listeners to reflect on how they’ll stay relevant, creative, and entrepreneurial in a world where opportunity and risk are amplifying in tandem. This episode is essential listening for anyone curious about the future of work, education, and value creation in an AI-driven era.
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In this episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris reflect on key lessons from recent interviews with entrepreneurs, medical innovators, and content creators, turning their focus inward for a wide-ranging discussion on the evolving role of influencers, authenticity, and attention in today’s business world.
Jon and Peter kick off by revisiting the intersection of health technology and consumer empowerment, discussing the surge in wearables, at-home diagnostics, and consumer-led health journeys. They probe why younger generations are more invested in their health, attributing this trend to social visibility, the desire for authenticity in a digital age, and the rapid acceptance of medical advances, such as GLP-1 treatments for weight loss.
The conversation shifts dynamically to the creator economy, exploring how the most effective marketing and brand-building today often comes from content creators and influencers with passionate, loyal audiences. Peter highlights the unique value these creators bring, citing the example of a tech startup that attributes much of its rapid growth to a co-founder’s expertise in cultivating online engagement, rather than traditional marketing.
Jon and Peter debate whether every CEO now needs to be a content creator and ponder the future of influencer-led businesses. They analyze the success of influencer-driven brands like Hailey Bieber’s, dissecting how authentic involvement can drive enormous margins and corporate valuation, while also questioning the long-term challenges when founders sell to larger corporations.
They conclude with practical insights for founders: thoughtfully consider influencer involvement as part of founding teams, seek authenticity over mere endorsements, and recognize that in a noisy digital world, capturing and sustaining attention may be the single most valuable asset for any business.
This episode offers a forward-looking perspective on how authenticity, strategic influencer partnerships, and the ability to cut through digital noise are reshaping not just marketing but the very foundations of building and scaling a modern brand.
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In this forward-thinking episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris are joined by two leaders shaping the future of healthcare: Ryan Morley, Partner at Springside, and Dr. Jon Lensing, co-founder and CEO of Open Loop. Together, they dive deep into the rapidly evolving landscape of telehealth and digital health, exploring how technology, AI, and new business models are transforming care delivery.
Dr. Lensing shares his journey from rural medicine to building Open Loop, a telehealth infrastructure company designed to bring healthcare directly to where people live, work, and play. He explains how Open Loop is enabling non-traditional platforms—like gyms, dating apps, and retail stores—to offer convenient, on-demand healthcare services, fundamentally shifting care from hospitals and clinics to everyday environments.
Ryan Morley and Peter Harris discuss the investment opportunities emerging from this shift, highlighting how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telehealth adoption and how the next wave of innovation will focus on infrastructure, personalization, and value-based care. The conversation explores the power of AI in healthcare, from automating clinical documentation and patient intake to improving diagnoses and care coordination. Dr. Lensing details how Open Loop leverages AI to drastically reduce clinician workload and enhance patient engagement, while Ryan emphasizes the need for regulatory evolution to unlock the full potential of autonomous and AI-driven care.
The group also examines the broader determinants of health, noting that 85% of health outcomes are tied to lifestyle and environment rather than traditional medical care. They discuss how digital health can proactively address chronic disease, expand access, and empower consumers to take charge of their well-being.
Packed with insights on infrastructure, investment trends, regulatory hurdles, and the promise of AI, this episode is a must-listen for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the future of healthcare.
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In this dynamic episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris are joined by Tim Holladay, investor and co-founder of Space Station Investments, and Peter Hollens, renowned vocalist and innovative content creator. Together, they explore the evolving intersection of content creation, AI, and investment in the digital age.
The conversation kicks off with Peter Hollens sharing his unique perspective as both a world-class musician and a forward-thinking entrepreneur deeply engaged with AI’s impact on creativity. Tim Holladay highlights their collaborative investment approach, focusing on early-stage consumer companies and the growing role of creators in startup ecosystems.
Jon and Peter dive into the challenges and opportunities AI presents for content creators, from accelerating production to the flood of AI-generated content saturating digital platforms. Peter Hollens discusses how authentic human connection and parasocial relationships remain invaluable even as AI blurs the lines between human and machine-generated content. He shares fascinating examples of using AI tools to enhance creativity and even assist his autistic child, illustrating AI’s potential beyond entertainment.
The episode also tackles the evolving landscape of influencer marketing, the value creators bring as low-cost, high-ROI partners, and the shifting dynamics between brands and digital creators versus traditional influencers. The hosts and guests debate how AI-driven content might reshape attention economies, audience engagement, and the future of long-form versus short-form content.
Throughout the lively discussion, Peter Hollens recounts his challenging experience addressing AI skepticism at a recent commencement speech, underscoring the cultural divide around AI adoption. Tim and the hosts reflect on how investors and creators alike must embrace AI tools to stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment.
This episode offers a rich, nuanced exploration of how AI is transforming content creation, investment, and the creator economy, providing valuable insights for founders, investors, creators, and anyone curious about the future of digital media.
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In this insightful episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris are joined by Max Marchione, CEO and co-founder of Superpower.com, and Dr. John Dayton, MD, MBA, a healthcare innovator and venture partner. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of health technology and data intelligence, focusing on how cutting-edge biomarker analysis and AI-driven insights are reshaping disease prevention and personalized care.
Max shares his vision of building a healthcare system centered on enhancing human capability and longevity, emphasizing the shift from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. Dr. Dayton brings his frontline experience as an emergency physician and Stanford faculty member to discuss the current challenges in healthcare, including fragmented data systems and the need for interoperability to enable comprehensive, predictive care.
The conversation dives deep into the limitations of traditional single biomarker approaches and the promise of aggregating multiple data points into comprehensive health scores, like the Superpower Score. They discuss the critical role of omics data, continuous wearable monitoring, and multimodal AI in advancing personalized medicine. Dr. Dayton highlights the importance of integrating clinical data with remote patient monitoring to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospitalizations.
Throughout the episode, the guests and hosts examine the barriers to adopting these innovations within existing healthcare reimbursement models and the potential for value-based care to drive systemic change. This episode offers a forward-thinking perspective on how technology, data, and innovation converge to create a more effective, patient-centered healthcare future.
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In this episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris analyze how recent government policy shifts and economic changes are influencing the venture capital landscape and broader economy. They discuss the effects of tariffs, government spending, and regulatory uncertainty on startups and investors, highlighting concerns from founders and VCs alike about how these factors impact funding availability and business operations.
Jon and Peter explore the challenges faced by companies reliant on government contracts and grants, noting how freezes and delays can threaten runway and survival. They also examine the broader fiscal picture, including rising national debt, the potential consequences of inflation and tax hikes, and the complex balancing act governments face in cutting spending without triggering recession.
The conversation touches on real-world examples, such as illustrating how radical change can sometimes be necessary to drive growth amid adversity. The hosts debate the need for significant budget cuts versus gradual reductions and discuss the antiquated state of government technology and defense spending, considering opportunities for modernization and efficiency.
Finally, Jon and Peter share their predictions for the year ahead, weighing the short-term impacts of tariffs and the likelihood of economic downturns against the resilience of the market and potential for innovation. This episode offers a nuanced perspective on how government actions ripple through the venture capital ecosystem and what founders and investors can expect in a shifting economic environment.
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In this episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris dive into one of the most critical yet often overlooked topics for startup founders: the questions you should be asking venture capitalists before taking their money. Drawing on their extensive experience, Jon and Peter discuss common pitfalls that founders face when negotiating deals, including the hidden terms in contracts that can come back to haunt a company years later.
The hosts stress the importance of doing deep due diligence on potential investors—not just their financial terms, but their character and how they handle failure. They emphasize asking tough questions about how a VC firm supports struggling portfolio companies and their philosophy on valuation and terms. Jon and Peter also reflect on the delicate balance founders must strike in pushing back while maintaining a constructive relationship.
Listeners will gain valuable insight into the realities of venture capital beyond the pitch room—the importance of understanding who is investing in your company, how VCs behave when things go wrong, and how to spot red flags early. This episode is an essential guide for founders preparing to raise capital and aiming to build a strong, lasting partnership with investors.
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In this episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris delve into the complex world of valuations, exploring both the theoretical foundations and the practical realities faced by entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. Peter begins by discussing the fundamental principles of valuation, using the metaphor of a "Golden Goose" to illustrate how discounted cash flow models are used to estimate a company's worth based on future cash flows.
The conversation shifts to the venture capital landscape, where Peter notes that traditional valuation methods often don't apply due to the high-risk nature of early-stage startups. He emphasizes that while these models provide a theoretical framework, the actual process of valuation in venture capital is heavily influenced by negotiation and market dynamics.
Jon counters with a more pragmatic view, suggesting that valuations are often inflated and less relevant than other terms in a deal. He shares examples of companies being valued at significantly higher amounts than their true worth, highlighting how VCs may use these valuations to secure favorable terms.
Throughout the episode, the hosts discuss how the market has evolved, with valuations increasing dramatically over the past decade. They reflect on past deals, noting that what was once considered acceptable is now viewed as predatory, illustrating the shift in market norms and expectations.
The conversation concludes with insights into the challenges of raising capital, emphasizing that sophisticated entrepreneurs are better equipped to navigate complex deals and avoid unfavorable terms. Overall, this episode provides a nuanced exploration of valuations from both the VC and founder's perspective, offering valuable insights into the art and science of negotiating value in the venture capital world.
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In this episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris tackle a crucial transition point for early-stage startups: making those first key hires. The discussion is sparked by a founder seeking advice on how to shift from simply building a product with a small team to building a structured company with employees.
Peter recounts his conversation with the founder and the resources he recommended: the books "Buy Back Your Time" and "Who Not How." The conversation emphasizes the importance of valuing a founder's time and creating mechanisms for delegation and self-management as the team grows. Jon and Peter then debate the founder's sentiment that "hiring is evil," considering the financial strain and potential pitfalls of premature scaling.
The hosts delve into actionable strategies for making smart hiring decisions. Jon shares his philosophy of hiring only when absolutely necessary and prioritizing individuals with whom you've previously worked. He also describes a method for quantifying the potential value of new hires by assessing the opportunity cost of current challenges. Peter discusses balancing founder-led efforts with building a functional team, including strategies for incentivizing tactical execution over strategic planning.
The episode covers tactics for identifying generalists versus specialists, the importance of clear communication and expectations, and alternative approaches like "hiring twice" to create a competitive environment. It also addresses the challenges of transitioning from founder-led sales to a structured sales organization, emphasizing the importance of finding individuals who can perform at 70% of the founder's level.
Overall, this episode provides founders with valuable insights and practical advice on navigating the complexities of early-stage hiring, offering guidance on building a strong team while avoiding common pitfalls.
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In this episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris make their predictions for the venture capital landscape in 2025. The conversation kicks off with a discussion about the current wave of AI-focused startups, with both hosts agreeing that many of these companies, particularly those building "AI wrappers" without unique data sets, will face challenges as larger players and incumbents integrate AI into their existing products and services. Jon predicts a "burned over land" scenario for many of these startups.
The hosts then shift to a discussion about the potential impact of political changes on the M&A market. Jon predicts that Lina Khan will leave the FTC, leading to a more open M&A environment and increased liquidity. Peter expresses cautious optimism, suggesting that while a change in administration could ease antitrust scrutiny, other factors may still play a role. They explore the potential for large tech companies like Meta and those aligned with AWS and Google Cloud to make significant acquisitions.
The conversation also touches on the IPO market, with both hosts anticipating increased activity in the coming years. Jon believes it will take longer for the IPO market to warm up, influenced by the upcoming election and the time required for companies to prepare for an IPO. Peter anticipates a faster turnaround, expecting increased liquidity and confidence to drive more deals.
They also discuss the trend of VCs striving to add value beyond simply writing a check, with Jon skeptical of VCs offering outdated advice. Peter acknowledges this pitfall but defends the value of guidance from VCs in areas such as valuation and fundraising strategy. The episode concludes with an assessment of the challenges startups will face in raising capital and the potential for differentiation through specialization and strategic alliances.
Overall, this episode provides a thought-provoking glimpse into the future of venture capital, offering insights for both founders and investors navigating a rapidly evolving market.
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In this episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris engage in a lively debate about the current state of AI investments and the implications for startups in the tech space. They kick off the discussion by analyzing recent statistics indicating that 31% of all assets are now categorized as AI investments, prompting Jon to express skepticism about the sustainability of many AI-focused startups.
Jon argues that many companies labeled "AI companies" may struggle to differentiate themselves in a crowded market, suggesting that AI is often seen as an add-on feature rather than a standalone product. He contrasts this perspective with Peter's view that AI represents a transformative wave similar to past technological advancements, such as mobile technology. Peter asserts that companies built with an AI-first approach may have a competitive advantage over traditional firms that merely integrate AI into their existing products.
The hosts explore various examples, discussing how incumbents like Zendesk could leverage their established customer bases to implement AI solutions more effectively than new entrants can gain market share. They also consider the broader implications of AI on product development costs and customer acquisition strategies, highlighting the evolving landscape where discoverability becomes increasingly challenging as more applications emerge.
Throughout the episode, Jon and Peter provide valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges facing founders in the AI space, encouraging listeners to think critically about their business models and the potential for disruption in a rapidly changing environment. This episode serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the future of AI investments and what it means for entrepreneurs navigating this dynamic market.
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