The Learning Corner by Precursor

In this episode of The Learning Corner, the conversation opens with insights into current market turbulence, setting the stage for a discussion on navigating silence in Silicon Valley. The episode then explores limited partners' perspectives on the future of venture capital in 2025 and examines the evolving dynamics of early-stage ventures. The narrative shifts to Sequoia Capital's business model...

In this episode of The Learning Corner, the journey begins with an introduction to the series and a lively discussion about ChatGPT. The conversation then delves into the concept of Service as a Software, weighing its pros, cons, and cost implications. The exploration continues with a look at AI and SaaS models within the Precursor portfolio, emphasizing the balance between services and scalabilit...

In this episode of The Learning Corner, the discussion kicks off with an introduction to the series, setting the stage for a deep dive into venture capital incentives and their impact on valuations. The conversation then explores the influence of large funds on market valuations and examines hiring strategies, debating the merits of missionaries versus mercenaries. Strategies for sustainable growt...

In this episode of The Learning Corner, the focus begins with the crucial task of managing raised funds, setting the stage for a discussion on the collapse of Bowery Farming and the pivotal investment decisions involved. The narrative unfolds to explore unexpected risks and factors contributing to startup failures, emphasizing the importance of managing business dependencies and evaluating market...

In this episode of The Learning Corner, we begin with an exploration of the pivotal role seed investors play in the venture ecosystem. The discussion then shifts to the unique traits and challenges faced by solo General Partners. The potential valuation surge of AI startup Perplexity is analyzed, alongside broader monetization strategies within the AI space. Insights from an emerging venture manag...

This episode of The Learning Corner delves into the key insights from the Q3 2024 PitchBook NVCA Venture Monitor, analyzing its implications for the venture ecosystem. The discussion highlights how the current fundraising market is reshaping founder strategies and explores the consequences of limited distributions on venture capital dynamics. Performance metrics in venture funds are examined, alon...

This episode of The Learning Corner delves into the nuanced debate of ownership versus selection in venture capital, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of Precursor's approach to seed stage investing amidst the current reckoning. The conversation shifts to LP discussions surrounding crypto and AI, offering a glimpse into evolving investment interests. SaaS seed valuations are analyzed, dra...

This episode of The Learning Corner explores the evolving dynamics of venture scalability and the pressures that come with it. Expectations for the venture capital industry over the next few years are discussed, with a focus on capital concentration among top-tier VCs. Strategies for non-multistage funds during downturns are examined, highlighting the impact of General Catalyst's new continuation...

This episode of The Learning Corner we have another member of the investment team joining us, Marina Girgis! The discussion then shifts to a comprehensive analysis of seed valuations and the various factors that influence them. The conversation continues with an examination of non-consensus deal sourcing and the diligence required in such investments. The impact of current market conditions on CRV...

This week on the Learning Corner we discuss the importance of transparency in LP-GP relationships especially in a time where the growing need for liquidity is top of mind for LPs. We also delve into a rising interest in AI-first roll-ups, the evolution of tech-enabled service providers, and the management of legacy assets. The episode wraps up with insights into risks and strategies in AI seed inv...

Charles Hudson and Mia Farnham kick off the first Learning Corner episode. This week we delved through Hunter Walk's piece on VC misconceptions, the impact of Open AI's new fundraising and Lead Edge Capital's information hierarchy shared in letter form.