Understanding VC Rahul

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast, Chanchal Bhoorani from WestBridge Capital delves into the burgeoning US-India SaaS corridor. The discussion covers the advantages of developing software in India, early go-to-market strategies for startups, and how Indian SaaS companies can effectively compete in the US market. Chanchal addresses the sustainability of India's cost advantage in software development and the challenges that Indian firms encounter in the US market. Key insights include VC expectations pre-investment, ideal timing for SaaS companies to target the US, and strategies for achieving product-market fit and raising funds in the US. Chanchal also emphasizes the importance of building a strong network in the US and shares her perspective on the future of the India-US SaaS corridor. Tune in for valuable advice on navigating the global SaaS landscape and seizing growth opportunities.

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast, Oded Hermoni, Managing Partner of J-Ventures Fund provides insights into their unique VC model. Throughout the episode, Oded discusses J-Ventures' distinctive approach to onboarding LPs, managing the community of LPs, and their value-based investing strategy. He emphasizes the importance of community-led investment model and dialogue for first-time founders, contrasting it with traditional VC methods. Additionally, Oded shares criteria for evaluating founders and the significance of support versus self-reliance in the startup ecosystem. This episode offers valuable perspectives on modern venture capital practices and the evolving landscape of startup funding.

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast with Will Klippgen, the discussion delves into the intricacies of founder conflicts and their impact on startups. Will, an entrepreneur and venture capitalist, draws from his extensive experience to shed light on the dynamics within founding teams. Key takeaways include insights on the relationship dynamics within founding teams, addressing personality disorders among founders, and the pivotal role of risk-taking in navigating conflicts. The episode also explores investor responses to founder conflicts post-investment and strategies for resolving such conflicts. Will further discusses red flags investors watch for in founders and the importance of tackling founder ego. Finally, the episode concludes with reflections on the impact of founder conflicts on a company's success and resources available to educate founders in managing conflicts effectively.

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast, Sam Hall, an entrepreneur, venture builder, and investor, shares insights on venture studio and their impact on startup success. Sam delves into the origins of venture studios and their differentiation from accelerators. He discusses the potential for higher startup success rates with venture studios and explores the importance of founder obsession with ideas. Sam also touches upon evaluating founders for outbound opportunities, corporate collaboration with venture studios, and equity ownership models for founders. Throughout the episode, he highlights the challenges faced by venture studios and offers valuable advice on managing multiple studios within a venture studio framework. The podcast concludes with Sam sharing his perspective on who should consider starting a venture studio.

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast featuring Denis Kalinin, the discussion delves into Optical Computing. Denis covers various aspects, including the potential of optical processors compared to current technology, the distinct features of photonic computing, challenges faced in silicon photonics, and the strategic focus of companies like Lumi in optical processing. Denis shares insights on investment opportunities in the optical computing sector and sheds light on the business models adopted by startups, emphasizing potential exits and acquisitions in this dynamic space. The episode also explores the role of optical computing in the age of AI, its applicability across industries, and the geographical landscape of talent and startups in the fields.

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast, Rahul Samat, Partner & India Head at Entrepreneur First discussing the essential traits Talent Investors seek and shares insights on identifying the right founders. Rahul discusses pivotal qualities of a great founder, exploring the impact of ambition, bias for action, the familial role in entrepreneurship and how Entrepreneur First (EF) helps aspiring entrepreneurs. Rahul shares how a person can decide if they should be a founder, the implications of having a co-founder, and the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurial journeys. The conversation also dives into the mental models of successful and aspiring entrepreneurs, the fear of failure, and the impact of cultural norms on entrepreneurship.