The Road Untraveled: VC Perspectives with Brian Hollins

Andrew Boston, Partner, Founders Circle Capital Learn how Andrew focuses on building the network and skill sets of his portfolio company founders and how the secondary market is addressing opportunities in a COVID19 environment. Key Takeaways: 1. Getting founders in front of successful, experienced leaders who have led teams through tough times can be very helpful as they tackle unprecedented time...

Mar Hershenson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Pear VC Key Takeaways: 1. Daily check-ins are critical, and teams should increase scheduled communication to help employees feel heard during these times.  2. Deployment of capital in the seed stage is somewhat insulated, and will likely continue to be strong.  3. To the extent they need to raise, founders should circle back with investors...

Lo Toney, Founder and Managing Partner, Plexo Capital Key Takeaways: 1. Most fund managers have only invested in a bull market. Many firms will need to adjust to the new norms, and founders should be confident that their investors can withstand turbulent times.  2. Make the C-suite available for one-on-one meetings for those who may not be comfortable asking questions in an all hands at a tim...

From personal wealth, to building camaraderie at NEA, hear what Amit is doing to maintain a state of normalcy through the next few months. Key Takeaways: Don’t allow panic to influence your personal portfolio decisions right now. Create a system at home that works for you but also allows for your roommate/spouse to succeed. NEA is still open for business! Now is when some of the best opportunities...

From SuperBowl champion to full time investor, Ryan has been surrounded by effective leaders through multiple market turns. Learn what makes a strong leader effective, and how to embrace adversity at a time like this. Key Takeaways: People win championships playing “small ball”. Focus on the little things and stay present with whatever you are working on in this new digital environment. Great CEO’...

As a lead investor at a global growth equity fund, hear how Jocelyn thinks about communicating with founders, stress testing through turbulent times, and lessons on maintaining company culture digitally. Key Takeaways: It is important to continue building community and sharing quality time in a WFH environment. Birthdays, yoga classes, and time with your loved ones can all still happen digitally....

With experience in both consumer and enterprise early stage investing, hear how Jamison is following the news, what he is hearing from founders, and advice on working from home for those used to traveling. Key Takeaways: If you don’t have a WFH setup, now is the time to invest in one. Taking care of your health matters! You have to see people! Convert calls to zoom conferences, and utilize the ben...

Notorious for being ready to “meet a founder anywhere”, hear how Arteen is adjusting to working from home, “recession” vs “pandemic” investing and how WndrCo is supporting it’s portfolio companies. Key Takeaways: Humans are incredibly resilient and incredibly adaptive. We will find a variety of ways to continue celebrating and sharing expression. There is a spectrum in mental health, not two polar...

From Microsoft to helping launch a growth equity platform for Bessemer Venture Partners, hear how Elliott and the BVP team are “watching the world” and preparing their portfolio companies for success in times of uncertainty. Key Takeaways: It is critical to “dial in” to the leaders around you who have deep expertise in the fields you don’t. Sharing those findings with portfolio companies is value-...