Latest Interviews
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Clear all filters- a16z37 min
a16z Podcast | Demystifying Venture Capital
Ann Winblad, Aileen Lee, Theresia Gouw, Lisa Lambert, Margit Wennmachers, Michael Copeland, Karen Vasudavan
Venture capital leaders Anne Winblad, Aileen Lee, and Teresa Gao, moderated by Margit Weinmachers, discussed firm formation strategies and the critical distinction between corporate and independent investment models. The panel emphasized that successful deal sourcing requires cultivating unique networks rather than chasing opportunities, while highlighting severe gender diversity challenges in computer science pipelines and enterprise software founding teams. Additionally, the discussion underscored the importance of cultural fit in hiring partners and advised female leaders to embrace authenticity over mimicking male counterparts to succeed in male-dominated spaces.
- a16z25 min
Winning Founders & Influencing Everyone: Margit Wennmachers at Startup Grind Europe
Margit Lamm, after co-founding the agency Outkast and advising on the 2008 $300 million Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) pitch during the financial crisis, now guides the firm through its "founding entrepreneur first" philosophy supported by 100 specialized operational staff. She advises startups to prioritize product readiness over early publicity while utilizing independent content channels to control narratives, warning against over-promising to maintain essential trust with media and customers. Lamm further argues that while Silicon Valley retains a historical advantage, European entrepreneurs must culturally normalize failure to achieve breakout success and views the industry's current scrutiny as a temporary obstacle rather than a fundamental flaw.