Launching a startup is one thing; finding an investor is another. Most founders know that searching for the right investor can make or break a company’s ability to pivot and scale. From business decision-making to coaching, these VCs are the guiding force that every entrepreneur needs to make big swings and stay on track.

On today’s episode of Startups On Demand, I am joined by Aviad Ben-laish, Principal at StageOne Ventures, where he brings experience in partnering with startups as well as mentoring and helping teams to scale up.

We talk about the importance of speed in early-stage startups, the involvement of investors in helping founders pivot their company, and the 3 main criteria StageOne is looking for in an entrepreneur.

0:00 Intro
02:09 How did Aviad’s experience in consulting helped his VC career
04:43 Importance of speed in early-stage startups
07:20 How involved are you with your portfolio companies?
09:11 Do you feel like your main value is in the early stages?
11:05 3 main criteria for founders
13:57 Allocating resources between “winning” startups and the ones falling behind
16:05 Early stage VC fund as a team vs. one-man GP
19:38 StageOne’s investing process
21:45 Tech bubble dealmaking was fast-tracked: what happened?
25:36 How psychology plays a role in this FOMO
30:36 Relationship with LPs
33:28 What does your day look like?
36:55 Number 1 productivity tip
37:13 Book recommendations
37:55 VCs he aspires
40:35 Thoughts on “superstar” founders
44:15 What makes Adam Neumann a superstar?
46:00 Measuring KPIs: inputs vs. outcomes
48:37 Outro