This week’s episode is a fascinating, behind-the-scenes glimpse of a venture firm. My guest, Brett Berson, works with founders of startups as a Partner with First Round Capital. In 2000, Brett was immersed in NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts filmmaking program. He wanted his summer internship to broaden his horizons. So, Brett made a list of the talented people he knew and the list led him to First Round Capital. After graduation, Brett has moved forward within the organization to become a partner in less than 9 years.

Brett shares the attributes innovative leaders of successful companies have, what First Round Capital looks for when vetting a company for investment purposes, and why now is a great time to start a company.

 

Key Takeaways:

[2:37] What does ‘bring your whole self to work,’ mean to Brett?

[5:14] Brett was looking for something different when he came upon First Round Capital.

[8:13] The craft of filmmaking is very similar to building a company.

[9:48] Execution and focus are key defining factors of successful founders.

[18:22] Small companies adopt the CEO’s personality traits as their culture.

[24:29] Obsession, perseverance, and intensity are attributes of successful leaders.

[29:55] First Round Capital is in a constant state of experimentation.

[35:31] What big changes in Venture has Brett seen in the last 9 years?

[40:16] Brett is grateful for the amount of luck he has had.

 

Resources:

First Round Capital

Mike Robbins Website

Mike Robbins Podcast

Mike Robbins on Facebook

Mike Robbins on Twitter