"http://ffvc.com/" target="_blank">ff Venture Capital andhas been an early-stage investor since 1999. He has served on theboards of more than 35 companies and has led investments in morethan 80 companies, including Cornerstone OnDemand (CSOD),Indiegogo, Ionic Security, Unikey, Socure, Skycatch, Plated, 500px,Distil Networks, and Bottlenose. Prior to founding ffVC, Johnworked at Goldman Sachs for 21 years in a variety of roles thatinvolved technology development, reengineering and capital markets.At Goldman Sachs, he worked closely with some of the world’sleading hedge fund managers and developed a keen understanding ofemerging technologies and portfolio risk/returnmanagement. 

In Today's Episode YouWill Learn:

1.) How did John make the move from

Oxford grad to NYC venture capitalist?

2.) How has the massive decrease in

startup costs affected the seed funding environment? How doesDavid identify the startups he invests in with the plethora thatare now available?

3.) How much of an extent is portfolio

a branding tool for VCs? In recent years we have seen the rise ofthe operational VC model with the likes of Andreesen, will thiscontinue as a prominent model in VC?

4.) How as a seed investor does John

advise his founders when chasing a valuation that will onlylead to a down round? What is John's views on the dreaded downround?

5.) Many companies pivot in the

process? Does John like to see pivots? If pivoting what is itimportant for founders to remember and focus on?

Items Mentioned In Today's

Episode: 

John's Fave

Book: