finance
The intersection of technology, startups, and venture capital touches everything now. That’s why Equity, TechCrunch's flagship podcast, digs into the business of startups for entrepreneurs and enthusiasts alike. Every Wednesday and Friday, TechCrunch reporters keep you up-to-date on the world of business, technology, and venture capital. Equity is ranked the No.2 podcast in the Top 100 Venture Capital All time leaderboard on Goodpods—As well as No.17 for the Top 100 Finance All time chart and No.32 for the Top 100 Business News All time chart.
Yuri Sagalov of General Catalyst outlines three types of investors for early-stage startups. He categorizes them as those who act like extended employees, those who provide funding and disappear, and those who meddle excessively. Sagalov advises founders to actively avoid the third category.
Yuri Sagalov suggests founders should vet potential investors by speaking with their portfolio companies and other founders they've worked with. This helps gauge how supportive investors are, especially during difficult times, and distinguishes helpful partners from micromanagers.
Ross Fubini of XYZ Ventures emphasizes his firm's role in helping founders raise their next round by understanding both their company and the broader venture ecosystem, particularly in a challenging market like the current AI focus. Leslie Feinzaig of Grem and Walker highlights her value as a builder with a high tolerance for the messy reality of startups, contrasting herself with financiers and deal makers.
Leah Sullivan, founder of TaskRabbit and Prequel Ventures, shares a key insight gained from moving to the VC side: founders should be concerned about competition within their investor's portfolio. She explains that investors often prioritize backing companies that are already demonstrating significant growth, like Uber or Instagram, over their earlier-stage investments.
Al Cohen, CEO of Humble Robotics, reflects on the past two decades in the Bay Area's tech scene, noting the shift in focus from electrification to autonomous vehicles. He highlights how the progress in autonomous vehicle technology has followed a longer arc than the public's attention span.
Al Cohen, CEO of Humble Robotics, emphasizes that the progress in autonomous vehicles has been a consistent effort, often a 'grind,' rather than solely driven by hype cycles. He notes that dedicated builders have persisted through technological challenges, improving components like cameras and the core AI, unlike investors who might chase the next trend.
Humble Robotics, a startup focused on developing fully autonomous, cabless, electric haulers for freight transport, emerged from stealth in April with significant funding. The company secured approximately $24 million, with Eclipse leading the investment round.