Hey there, future investors! Got dreams of becoming the next big venture capitalist (VC) superstar? Want to secure that sweet, sweet financial freedom while sipping your oat milk latte and scrolling through Instagram? Then buckle up, because today we’re talking about the holy grail of VC advice straight from Eric Vishria,legendary investor and partner at Benchmark Capital.
Eric knows a thing or two about betting on founders who don’t just talk the talk but also walk the walk (and maybe even jog, because they’re that committed). Ready to dive into his pearls of wisdom? Let’s go!
1. Back Founders Who Are Obsessed (In a Good Way)
Eric’s #1 tip: look for founders who are obsessed with their mission. Not the “I binge Netflix for 12 hours straight” kind of obsession, but the “I’ll fight through hell or high water to solve this problem” kind.
These are the people who eat, sleep, and breathe their startup idea. They’re not just building for a quick buck,they genuinely care about changing the world (or at least their little corner of it).
Investor Pro Tip: During your next founder meeting, ask them, “What keeps you up at night?” If their eyes light up (and they start talking at 100 mph), congrats,you might have a winner.
2. Look for Founders Who Learn Faster Than You Can Say ‘Pivot’
Startups are messy. Ideas flop. Markets shift. Competition steals your thunder. That’s why Eric says you need founders who are learning machines.
Think of them as startup ninjas: they adapt quickly, pivot when needed, and treat every mistake as a golden opportunity to get better.
Investor Pro Tip: Ask the founder, “Tell me about a time your idea flopped and what you learned from it.” If they give a confident, thoughtful answer instead of blaming their co-founder or Mercury being in retrograde, you’re on the right track.
3. Avoid the ‘Buzzword Bingo’ Founders
We get it,buzzwords are flashy and fun. But Eric warns against founders who sound like they’re auditioning for Shark Tank with phrases like “synergizing innovation for scalable disruption in the metaverse.”
Translation: They might be more focused on sounding smart than actually being smart. You want someone with substance, not just swagger.
Investor Pro Tip: If a founder’s pitch feels like a TED Talk parody, it probably is. Dig deeper to find out if they’ve got real solutions behind all the jargon.
4. Trust, But Verify
Eric is big on trust, but he also emphasizes the importance of, well, not being a gullible goldfish. Founders who always deliver have one thing in common: they don’t just promise the moon; they show you a spaceship.
Check their track record. Have they executed before? Are they hitting their milestones, or do they have excuses lined up like, “The economy, man. It’s just rough right now.”
Investor Pro Tip: Get references from people who’ve worked with the founder. If everyone says they’re a beast at getting things done, you’ve struck gold.
5. Passion Is Cool, but Grit Is King
We’ve all met those founders who pitch their idea like it’s the next Apple, Tesla, and SpaceX combined. Passion is great, but Eric says grit is even better.
Grit means they’ll stick it out through the tough times,when funding dries up, customers churn, and everything feels like it’s on fire. These are the founders who make magic happen despite the odds.
Investor Pro Tip: Ask, “What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome as a founder?” If they share a real war story and how they powered through, they’ve got grit.
6. Founders Who Listen (Like, Really Listen)
Eric preaches this like it’s gospel: founders who know how to listen and take feedback are priceless.
The best founders aren’t defensive divas; they actively seek out advice and surround themselves with people smarter than they are. Ego? Left at the door.
Investor Pro Tip: During your meeting, gently challenge one of their ideas and see how they react. If they’re open to debate and can back up their points, they’ve got the right mindset.
7. The Energy Test
Last but not least, Eric’s got a simple trick for spotting killer founders: they leave you energized.
After talking to them, you should feel like downing a cold brew and taking on the world. If they drain your energy instead, run for the hills.
Investor Pro Tip: Ask yourself, “Would I want to work for this person?” If the answer is no, why would anyone else?
Wrap-Up: Your Founder-Backing Starter Pack
Let’s face it, becoming a successful investor isn’t just about spreadsheets and stock options. It’s about betting on the right people,those rare founders who combine obsession, grit, and adaptability to make the impossible possible.
So, next time you’re vetting a startup, channel your inner Eric Vishria and ask:
- Are they obsessed (but not creepy)?
- Do they learn faster than ChatGPT on turbo mode?
- Can they deliver, or are they all buzzword fluff?
Remember, young grasshopper: investing is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep sharpening your instincts, trust your gut, and most importantly, have fun along the way.
Now go out there and back some founders who’ll deliver the next big thing,and maybe secure that yacht life while you’re at it.
Good luck, future investing legends!