RRE POV

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:

• @RRE: https://twitter.com/RRE
• rre.com: https://rre.com

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:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/RRE
• Website: https://rre.com

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.