A conversation with Harry Stebbings, The Twenty Minute VC
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A conversation with Harry Stebbings, The Twenty Minute VC
On my 13-year journey in venture, investing wins and losses, AI-first companies, fund sizes and LPs, and more.
Welcome to issue #50 of next big thing.
A few weeks ago, I sat down in London with Harry Stebbings, founder at 20VC, for a wide-ranging conversation that was published today. Check out the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or if you’d like to watch the video, it’s on YouTube.
Harry and I first connected back in January 2016, when I reached out to him on Facebook Messenger. He was an 18-year-old podcaster trying to get a job at a venture firm, and we met up soon thereafter in San Francisco and later that year for breakfast in the UK. It’s awesome to see what Harry’s built in the past 7 years, and it was a lot of fun to spend a couple of hours together for this episode. We discussed my journey in the wonderful world of venture capital, why small funds outperform large funds, our strategy at Footwork, the weight we put on product-market fit in our investment decision-making, great investments I’ve been a part of and ones I’ve missed, the hype cycle in AI, raising funds from limited partners, personal topics like parenthood, and more. Give it a listen and let us know what you think.
I started next big thing to share unfiltered thoughts. I’d love your feedback, questions, and comments!
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A conversation with Harry Stebbings, The Twenty Minute VC
Nikhil - fantastic session. Fantastic insights. One thing that didn't quite jive is your advice to not look at title on the VC's business card. As a repeat entrepreneur, almost all times, I have found that junior VCs don't have the ability to move the needle forward. It's a waste of time. You personally are an exception, but many junior VCs are door openers... On the other hand "exceptional companies deserve exceptions" is fabulous advice. BTW small funds are better for an entrepreneur as well because you get more help from partners.
Also last request: please don't only focus on the Canva's of the world when giving examples. Most of us are building "boring" companies that don't hold the same sex appeal... but overall - great interview and perspectives.