RRE POV

Join hosts Will and Raju on this week’s episode of RRE POV as they delve into the transformative world of applied AI. Discover how AI is reshaping industries, sparking innovation, and challenging startups and established giants. With an eye on the future, Will and Raju reveal the real-world opportunities—and the obstacles—facing companies eager to harness AI’s power.

Show Highlights

(00:00) Introduction

(01:15) Raju’s thoughts on applied AI

(06:16) Should you invest in big AI platforms right now?

(09:58) Start-ups that will thrive in the AI revolution

(12:51) How AI companies can create a sustainable advantage

(16:24) Is GenAI worth the investment?

(19:37) The headwinds of wide-scale AI deployment

(24:29) What companies need to be thinking about when it comes to AI

(27:37) The value of generating new data

(32:00) Gatling gun segment

Links

RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov

X: @RRE

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131

In this episode of RRE POV, hosts Will and Raju sit down with Ron Fisher, Co-Founder and CEO of Avina, one of RRE’s latest portfolio companies. Avina positions itself as offering “X-Ray Vision for Your Sales Team,” bringing together insights from Ron's diverse and innovative background. From pioneering social media advancements with the Israeli Defense Force to applying lessons from his previous startup, Ron explains why Avina is on the cutting edge (even for AI standards) and caught the attention of Will and Raju.

Show Highlights

(00:00) Introduction

(01:01) Previewing Ron’s impressive background

(02:05) Growing social media for the Israeli Defense Force

(04:36) Lessons from the IDF that Ron brought to Avina

(05:38) Stories from Ron’s time with the IDF

(06:59) Tips to grow podcast listenership and online audiences

(07:57) What Ron learned from working for Nielsen

(10:59) The origins of Bowtie

(15:20) Transitioning from Megacorps to startups

(18:49) Avina and the company’s services

(20:54) Avina’s solutions and how it stands out on the market

(27:41) How and why you should get in touch with Avina

(30:32) Ron’s thoughts on GenAI

(32:13) Gatling gun segment

Links

RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov

X: @RRE

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131

In this episode of RRE POV, hosts Will and Raju delve into the crucial strategies for effectively managing organizational burn. While securing substantial funding may seem like a major win, it’s important to remember that resources are finite. This discussion focuses on optimizing the use of capital during the early "tinkering" and product development phases. Additionally, they share insights on recognizing when burn rates are unsustainable and the steps required to realign your financial strategy for long-term success.

Show Highlights 

(00:00) Introduction

(00:44) Managing burn as a company

(03:59) The importance of the “tinkering phase” when it comes to your budget

(08:25) Remaining financially disciplined during the product phase

(12:25) Warning signs that you’re starting to burn too much

(19:14) What do you do once you’ve burnt too much

(27:19) Tips to getting around burn management

(33:56) Gatling gun segment

Links

RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov

X: @RRE

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131

In this episode of RRE POV, Will and Raju are joined by one of Raju’s old pals, Vishal Gupta. With a background in finance, Vishal has leveraged his experience to find great success in the ever-growing world of crypto. You’ll hear about his journey from Goldman Sachs to becoming the Head of Exchange at Coinbase. Incredibly, the story doesn’t even end there, as he’s writing his current chapter at TrueX. If you want to learn something new or just want to hear two old friends catch up, then you don’t want to miss this one!

Show Highlights 

(00:00) Introduction

(02:25) Vishal’s jump from finance to crypto

(9:45) Launching USDC and its public perception

(15:19) Responsibilities and accomplishments at Coinbase

(19:34) Leaving Coinbase to join TrueX

(29:18) How TrueX plans to stand out in the market

(33:02) Leveraging finance experience to flourish in the world of crypto

(35:08) Stories from the early days of crypto

(37:43) Vishal's investments and what attracts him

(39:33) Favorite previous job

(40:55) Gatling gun segment

Links

RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov

X: @RRE

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131

In this episode of RRE POV, Will and Raju break down the basics of enterprise marketing. From figuring out where to start, to nailing a memorable marketing campaign, this is an essential listen. Will and Raju bring decades of experience to the table, and this 30-minute crash course is what you need to know if you’re hoping to grow your organization.

Show Highlights

(00:00) Introduction

(00:47) What is “enterprise marketing?”

(03:48) Where do companies need to start?

(07:51) The relationship between sales and marketing

(11:57) Raju’s tips for entrepreneurs

(14:53) The role of channel partners

(17:18) The 70/30 shift

(21:00) Thinking of marketing as a product

(25:35) Avoiding crowded markets

(27:45) Gatling gun segment

Links

RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov

X: @RRE

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131

In this episode of RRE POV, Will, Jason, and Raju explore the fascinating and rapidly expanding world of robotics. They delve into the technological advancements since the 1970s, highlighting the critical role of computer vision, AI, and processing power. The conversation also touches on the labor shortages driving the need for robotics, the innovative core technologies, and the safety considerations essential for deploying robots in various environments. They also speculate on the future of humanoid robots in the workplace and home, providing a comprehensive overview of current trends and future predictions in robotics technology.

Show Highlights

(00:00) Introduction

(00:58) Robots from a venture perspective

(05:20) How computer vision is driving innovation

(8:56) Robotics in the single-purpose domain

(13:30) Modern chips and the advancement of robots

(18:34) Growth and robotics working in concert

(24:02) What is a robot?

(26:59) Labor shortages, robotics, and the potential for investment

(32:28) The true cost of labor replacement

(37:48) Safety in robotics

(40:59) Designing a robotics business with a purpose

(43:18) Gatling gun segment

Links 

RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov

Twitter: @RRE

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131

This episode of RRE POV focuses on the challenges and strategies of hiring, building, and managing a team in the early stages of a company. Key themes in this episode include the importance of trust and performance in team members, the significance of early hires, and the nuanced process of scaling a sales organization. Our hosts, Raju, Jason, and Will, share personal anecdotes, frameworks, and tips for evaluating potential hires, handling turnover, and ensuring cultural fit. The episode also touches on leadership in technical roles and maintaining organizational alignment.  Tune in for a deeper understanding of building a strong, cohesive team to drive startup success.

Show Highlights
(00:00) Introduction 

(02:01) The Navy SEAL model for evaluating team members 

(04:22)Trust in team dynamics and how to identify trustworthy employees

(09:10) The benefits of having multiple founders and their roles as “smokejumpers”

(11:38) Anecdote about hiring a VP of business development who demonstrated initiative and commitment

(14:42) Matrix for evaluating employee fit based on knowledge and motivation

(18:00) Challenges and strategies for hiring a go-to-market leader at the Series A stage

(22:00) Hiring the first sales rep to ensure product-market fit before scaling the sales team

(26:08) Tips for managing high turnover roles like sales and customer service, including continuous interviewing

(28:00) The importance of leverage through delegation and trust in a growing company

(31:00) The balance between innovation and operational excellence in technical leadership roles

(34:00) Maintaining organizational alignment and mission focus as the company scales

(39:00)Tips on hiring for potential, interview ratios, and the importance of onboarding

(42:00) The debate on when to promote from within versus hiring externally for middle management roles

(44:47) Gatling Gun rapid-fire questions on competitive workplace movies, funniest workplace shows, and unique hiring questions

(49:06) Closing remarks

Links
RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov

Twitter: @RRE

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/01n8AfKKi3HIguEa3QUXSg

Raju, Jason, and Will host Tricia Han, an accomplished executive and CEO with a rich background in leading consumer tech companies such as MyFitnessPal, WebMD, and Care.com. This episode covers Tricia's extensive career and a look into the growth and development of consumer apps. They discuss the importance of understanding customer needs, achieving product-market fit, and navigating the challenges of scaling and monetizing apps. Additionally, Tricia gives her perspectives on the evolving roles of female and Asian American executives in the tech industry.

Show Highlights
(00:00) Introduction 

(01:45) Growth Trajectory of MyFitnessPal

(03:42) Data Business Behind Mobile Apps

(06:05) Achieving Product-Market Fit

(10:05) Growth Hacking and User Engagement 

(22:49) Monetization Strategies 

(26:20) Privacy, Security, and Regulatory Challenges 

(30:31) Female Executives in Tech

(35:05) Asian American Executives in Tech 

(37:59) Tricia Han’s personal preferences, reflections, and fun facts

(42:10) Gatling Gun 

(51:45) Closing Remarks

Links

RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov

Twitter: @RRE

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/01n8AfKKi3HIguEa3QUXSg

This week's episode showcases a fireside chat between RRE General Partner Raju Rishi and LOVC Founding Partner Mark Volchek. In this live discussion moderated by LOVC Platform + Community Lead Zach Rubin, Raju, and Mark walk the audience through their paths into the world of venture capitalism. You’ll hear how venture capitalists add value to your company, the best ways to pitch your business to investors, the elegant art of fundraising, and what could lie ahead for investor-founder relationships. Plus, Raju and Mark share some crucial advice they would have given to themselves when they were 18 years old.

Show Highlights

(00:00) Introduction

(00:55) Raju and Mark introduce themselves to the crowd

(03:16) How venture capital investors add value to companies

(6:28) Common red flags from seed-stage companies

(10:53) Assessing product-market fit

(15:23) Fundraising vs. business growth

(19:27) Pitfalls of pitching to investors

(21:15) The “do’s and don’t’s” of pitching to investors

(24:53) The investor-founder financial forecast

(32:01) Advice you’d give your 18-year-old self

(33:37) Why are you a venture capitalist?

Links

RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov

Twitter: @RRE

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/01n8AfKKi3HIguEa3QUXSg

This episode features Meghan Curtin McKenna, founder and CEO of Females in Finance (FIF) Collective and managing director at Stifel. Meghan shares her journey in the finance sector, the motivations behind starting FIF Collective, and the importance of supporting women in finance. The discussion covers how banks manage risk in venture lending, the impact of recent bank collapses, and Meghan’s firsthand experience during the SVB collapse. Meghan also talks about the rapid growth of FIF Collective, its goals, and how financial institutions can better support women in their careers.

Show Highlights:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:19) Meghan's journey in the finance sector and early career influences

(03:01) Personal life events shaping Meghan's career, including the loss of her mother

(04:27) Changes in the venture banking sector over the past 20 years

(06:03) How banks handle risk and venture lending and the importance of trust

(07:21) The impact of the SVB collapse and the banking industry's response

(10:14) Advice for entrepreneurs on securing venture loans

(12:18) Collaboration among banks post-SVB collapse and the benefits of industry shakeups

(13:50) FIF Collective: mission, growth, and impact

(16:28) Unique aspects of FIF Collective and its rapid expansion

(16:31) Long-term objectives and vision for FIF Collective

(19:22) How financial institutions can support women in their career journeys

(21:00) Meghan's energy and passion for her work

(25:40) Meghan shares her singing capabilities

(24:29) Fun segment with Meghan answering rapid-fire questions

(26:58) Gatling gun questions

(33:14) Closing remarks 

Links

FIF Collective: https://www.fifcollective.com
Website: https://rre.com/rrepov

Twitter: @RRE

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/01n8AfKKi3HIguEa3QUXSg

Will, Jason, and Raju discuss the elusive concept of product-market fit, its importance, and how to recognize it. They explore signs of true product-market fit, like fast sales cycles and minimal customization needs, and share personal anecdotes about times when products were in high demand despite being imperfect, like the early success of Nanit's smart baby monitor. Their conversation also highlights the need for continuous assessment as companies grow and markets evolve. With practical tips for entrepreneurs, including focusing on core strengths and listening to customer feedback, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to fine-tune their market strategies.

Show Highlights

(00:00) Introduction to product-market fit 

(01:18) Signs of product-market fit, early indications, and potential false positives

(03:12) Subtle signs that indicate a lack of product-market fit

(05:09) The importance of understanding customer priorities and how misalignment can signal product-market fit issues

(07:00) The need for continuous refinement of product-market fit as companies scale and enter new markets

(09:00) Challenges of selling across different industries and the importance of specialization in achieving product-market fit

(11:10) The role of early customers and how their feedback shapes product development

(18:47)Tips for entrepreneurs on finding and maintaining product-market fit

(30:00) The Gatling gun segment 

(37:49) Closing remarks

Links: 

Website: https://rre.com/rrepov

Twitter: @RRE

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/01n8AfKKi3HIguEa3QUXSg

In this episode of RRE POV, Will, Jason, and Raju talk about how to build and grow a successful sales team. They share humorous and surprising stories about unusual sales tactics. The discussion covers different types of sales targets, like big clients (elephants) and smaller ones (rabbits), and whether customizing your sales approach is a good idea. They also discuss setting the right prices, the best ways to choose and train salespeople, and useful sales strategies. Filled with practical advice and real-life examples, this episode is a great tool for anyone interested in improving their sales techniques.

Show highlights: 

(00:00) Introduction to the zaniest sales tactics and humorous anecdotes about closing deals

(02:43) Raju discusses aligning the sales process with the product and business model, and the types of sales targets (elephants, deer, and rabbits)

(06:20) When customization in sales it makes sense and when it doesn't

(09:05) The implications of mispricing and misalignment in sales

(11:15) Pulling forward roadmap features for major clients and the balance of customization.

(13:23) Building a sales organization: Choosing the right reps and methodologies

(15:42) Key sales methodologies: BANT, NEAT, MEDDIC, Sandler System, and solution selling

(18:34) Figuring out your ideal customer profile (ICP) and scaling your sales strategy
(21:21) Price discovery and experimentation in early-stage sales

(24:17) Metrics for a successful sales organization: quotas, win rates, and pipeline management

(28:07) The importance of Ramped sales quota capacity

(31:42) The triad of sales, marketing, and product in driving growth

(33:00) Anecdote: A founder’s journey from CEO to direct sales rep

(37:42) Gatling gun questions 

(47:30)Closing remarks 

In this episode of RRE POV, Will, Jason, and Raju discuss a typical startup problem: attempting to do too much too soon. They share the concept that "more startups die from indigestion than starvation," highlighting how startups often fail not from a lack of resources but from overextending themselves across multiple initiatives. Through their discussion and real-world examples, they explore startup strategies to avoid these pitfalls by prioritizing customer needs and focusing on a step-by-step development approach.

Show Highlights:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:27) Explanation of indigestion in startups

(03:37) Signs of indigestion in startups

(04:59) The dangers of raising too much capital too quickly 

(09:21) 'Soak time' and its necessity in ensuring sustainable growth 

(11:26) Chasing competitors and focusing on unique startup vision and customer needs

(15:32) Chasing immediate revenue 

(17:24) Making acquisitions too early to expand markets or product gaps

(21:54) Effective board governance and the strategic use of budgeting and roadmaps

(29:26) The “Gatling gun” segment 

(40:22) Closing remarks 

Deepfake: The Battle for Authenticity in the digital era 

This episode explores deepfakes and generative AI’s impact on our society today. Will, Jason, and Raju discuss the challenges of regulating AI and the importance of authenticity in an era with widespread misinformation. From the dangers of political deepfakes to the need for robust detection tools, this episode covers the various implications of this technology on our understanding of what is real and what is fake.

Show Highlights:

(00:50) Introduction to the impact of deepfakes on authenticity

(02:05) Generative adversarial networks and the public's reaction to AI advancements

(04:51) The investment in deep fake detection and the overall responsibility for identifying deepfakes

(08:06) Societal distrust generated by deepfakes

(12:54) Potential for businesses focused on authentication and verification of communications and news 

(20:41) Importance ofIdentifying subtle deepfakes threats and the idea of individual trust scores

(24:55) “Gatling gun” segment

(29:26)Closing remarks

Will, Jason, and Raju look into the immersive world of the Apple Vision Pro, exploring its potential to transform both business and personal settings in this episode of RRE POV. They discuss their initial impressions and experiences with the device, highlighting its remarkable media capabilities and eye-tracking technology, as well as acknowledging the need for further development. Sparking curiosity about the future possibilities of this emerging technology, they discuss the broader implications of mixed reality, particularly its impact on the entertainment and retail sectors.

Show Highlights: 

(00:00)Introduction

(01:00)Initial thoughts on the Apple Vision Pro

(05:05)The pros and the pain points of the device

(11:00)Potential impact of the Apple Vision Pro on business and personal use

(12:10)Future enhancements and desired features for mixed reality technology

(16:42)Exploration of how portfolio companies could leverage mixed reality

(20:25)Transformative potential for retail and entertainment

(25:22)The immersive quality of spatial videos and memories with the Apple Vision Pro

(33:18)Integration of Generative AI with spatial computing

(34:18) Apple favorites and mixed reality thoughts

(38:10)Closing remarks

Referenced Links: 

Apple Vision Pro Official Page

Explore the world of robotics with Matt Rendall, a robotic mastermind and CEO of Clearpath Robotics and OTTO Motors, in this captivating episode of 'RRE POV'. Witness his transformative journey from a passionate engineering student to leading one of the most groundbreaking companies in the field of robotics.

Guest Bio: 

Matt Rendall, CEO of Clearpath Robotics and OTTO Motors. Matt is recognized for his pioneering work in mechatronics engineering and autonomous technology, leading his companies to the forefront of the industrial and research robotics sectors.

Key Highlights with Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to the podcast and guest Matt Rendall.

(00:52) Matt's journey from engineering student to robotics pioneer.

(02:11) Overview of Clearpath Robotics and OTTO Motors.

(10:20) Insights into overcoming early challenges in the robotics industry.

(21:40)Matt speaks on the need for targeted robotic solutions and exploring new markets.

(30:00) Reflections on lessons learned and the value of customer service.

(39:07)Engaging Gatling gun questions, adding a lively twist to the conversation.

Referenced Links: 

Clearpath Robotics website: https://www.clearpathrobotics.com/

OTTO Motors Website: https://ottomotors.com/

We explore the evolving world of InsurTech with Alex Maffeo, CEO and founder of Boost Insurance. Alex shares his journey from venture capital to leading a groundbreaking platform that simplifies the insurance industry for startups and established companies alike. By discussing the challenges of traditional insurance models and the potential of APIs and technology to transform insurance services, Alex provides valuable insights into the future of InsurTech and the role of platforms like Boost in driving this change.

Guest Bio: 

Alex Maffeo, the visionary CEO and Founder of Boost Insurance, is revolutionizing the InsurTech landscape. His platform dramatically simplifies how insurance products are launched and scaled. With a unique background blending venture capital insights and entrepreneurial spirit, Alex shifted from a successful venture capital career, focusing on FinTech at IA Capital Group, to spearheading innovation in insurance. Under his leadership, Boost Insurance has become a pivotal force in InsurTech.

Show Notes with Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction 

(00:33) Alex Maffeo's background and the foundation of Boost Insurance.

(04:09) The early days of InsurTech 

(08:15) Challenges in scaling an insurance company 

(16:57) Boost's role in providing infrastructure for MGAs

(19:14) Real-world applications of Boost's platform

(22:06) The evolution of Boost's offerings 

(27:07) The strategic expansion of Boost into reinsurance 

(30:35) Addressing the build-versus-buy dilemma.

(38:09) Rapid-fire questions exploring risk, innovation, and future prospects in insurance.

(41:02) Closing remarks 

Links Referenced: 

On this episode of RRE POV, Jason and Will interview Raju Rishi, who is both a Partner at RRE Ventures and regular co-host of the show. Raju shares his excitement about the growing interest in functional medicine - why it’s valuable to consumers, how it benefits our economy, and what impact it will have on our current healthcare system. Raju, Jason, and Will dive into what’s driving the demand for functional medicine, and how AI will help doctors to be able to adapt and provide these services. Raju also explains some of the roadblocks to implementing functional medicine, and the healthcare changes he hopes will result as demand continues to increase.

Show Notes

(00:00) Intro

(00:25) Jason introduces Raju Rishi, Parter at RRE Ventures, and Raju starts to explain what functional medicine is

(02:09) The barriers to adoption when it comes to functional medicine being a more widespread, common practice 

(04:10) How functional medicine relates to holistic medicine

(05:32) Fee-for-service versus value-based care, and why the difference matters in the adoption of functional medicine

(07:00) Raju shares what is driving innovation and demand in the functional medicine space 

(11:18) Why there needs to be a fundamental change in the reimbursement model of healthcare

(15:18) The companies and applications in this space that Raju is excited about when it comes to the contribution of functional medicine growth and adoption

(19:44)The role that AI will play in functional medicine 

(25:05) Jason and Will ask Raju a round of AI-generated Gatling gun questions

Links Referenced:

Explore the forefront of consumer electronics in this episode of RRE POV as our hosts navigate the groundbreaking innovations and trends showcased at CES. In this episode, Hosts Jason, Raju, and Will engage in lively discussions about advancements in XR (extended reality), autonomous vehicles, and smart home technologies, providing insights into how these developments are integrating into our everyday lives and heralding a new era in technology.

Show Highlights: 

00:00 - Introduction

00:34 - CES experiences and the evolution of consumer electronics

02:31 - Major themes at CES

13:11  - Deep dive into XR technologies

23:59 - Exploration of autonomous vehicles and industrial applications

33:58 - Productivity gadgets

45:44 - Reflecting on the rapid pace of innovation and the future of technology to transform industries and everyday life

49:15 - Closing remarks and next episode teaser

Links Referenced: 

On this episode of RRE POV, Raju, Will, and Jason interview Ari Paparo. Ari is a legendary figure who has held senior executive positions at Google, Nielsen, and many more. In this conversation, Ari shares the thoughtful and unique process he used to determine his next steps after selling his last company, and how that led him to found LaunchScience. We talk about the patterns that Ari has observed in interviewing over 100 companies that routinely succeed in their product marketing efforts, and how Ari is helping to scale those patterns to smaller companies. Ari also discusses the current state of ad tech, his favorite ad campaign of all time, and answers the age-old question: Star Wars or Star Trek?

Show Notes
(00:00) Intro

(00:32) Raju introduces the legendary Ari Paparo

(01:11) Why Ari dove into the world of start-ups immediately after college, and how his father influenced his entrepreneurial spirit

(03:45) Ari’s feelings on the current state of ad tech

(07:54) Why Ari decided to shift his career and launch a B2B SaaS startup

(10:27) How LaunchScience aims to help improve ROI on product development

(13:40) The patterns Ari has observed in companies with successful product marketing efforts

(15:50) The AI strategy that Ari is implementing at LaunchScience

(18:49) Who LaunchScience sells to and the decision makers they’re targeting

(20:07) Raju moves into his gatling gun question round, and Ari describes his passion for cooking

(21:12) Ari’s favorite ad campaign of all time, and his pet peeves in advertising

(22:37) Ari’s take on launches of the sci-fi and bridge variety

Links Referenced

On this episode of RRE POV, Jason, Raju, and Will discuss the craziness happening within high-profile companies like FTX, Theranos, and OpenAI. The trio dissect the spectrum of control between founders and board members, the crucial importance of having board members who speak up when they see something wrong, and why companies fail when investors assume that governance will magically sort itself out. Jason explains why being a great listener makes you a great board member while Will and Raju share some of their most valuable insights after spending time with board archetype out there.

Show Notes
(00:00) Intro

(00:32) A general overview in the spectrum of how much governance boards have in high-profile startups

(04:27) The importance of constructing a board around skill gaps and philosophical alignment

(08:21) The pros and cons of passive boards vs. active boards

(12:21) The board’s responsibility to represent shareholders who don’t always have a seat at the table

(16:15) Why companies need board members to speak up when they disagree

(17:34) The pitfalls of assuming governance will sort itself out

(21:56) How being a great student and listener makes you a great board member

(23:35) Valuable lessons from Will and Raju’s time on various boards

(25:40) Using your board for feedback

(27:17) Why micro adjustments make you a more effective board

(29:49) The insights gained by spending time with the management team

(32:00) Why successful founders continuously return to the same people for guidance and investment

Links Referenced:

In this episode of RRE POV, Raju and Jason interview their Partner and Co-Host, Will Porteous, who shares his perspective on the new and exciting space sector. Will explains how investments in the space sector have become more accessible to the broader investment community, and what role governments will play in these potential investments and advancements in technology. Will also shares some of the most exciting applications of space technology and exploration, as well as his thoughts on how SpaceX will impact the broader private space industry.

Show Notes
00:00 Intro

00:27 Raju and Jason introduce Will, Partner at RRE Ventures, and ask him about his interest in the space sector

01:04 How space technology and exploration became an investment opportunity

04:52 How Will determines which types of space companies and technology to invest in 

07:38 Where we are in the commercialization of the space sector

10:00 Will’s thoughts on SpaceX and their potential impact on the sector

12:14 How Will sees governments affecting private companies and investment in the space sector

14:48 The most interesting investments Will has looked at in this sector 

17:56 The applications of space technology that Will is most excited about

20:25 Where Will feels we are on the road to reaching a steady state for the space sector 

23:13 The gatling gun question round fires off some space-age questions for Will

Links Referenced:

Demystifying the conversations we're already here at RRE and with our portfolio companies. In each episode, your hosts, Will Porteous, Raju Rishi, and Jason Black will dive deeply into topics that are shaping the future, from satellite technology, to digital health, to venture investing, and much more.