In this episode, Nihal Mehta sits down with Chris Fralic — legendary VC, connector, and one of the most influential relationship-builders in the modern tech ecosystem.

Chris shares the real story behind his trajectory: from early days in enterprise software to helping shape companies like LinkedIn, Yammer, and Roblox through his work at First Round Capital. He breaks down the patterns he’s seen across hundreds of founders — and the behaviors that consistently separate breakout companies from the rest.

We dive into:

• The compounding power of generosity and how Chris built one of the strongest networks in tech
• How great founders communicate, pitch, and create momentum around their ideas
• Why relationship-building is a skill, not a personality type — and how anyone can learn it
• What Chris looks for when meeting a founder for the first time
• Where today’s AI and consumer markets are heading, and which founder traits matter most in 2025

This is a masterclass in relationships, founder psychology, and long-term thinking — packed with practical advice for operators, builders, and investors.