Don't Be Awful: David Hornik

TL;DR

David Hornick shares his thoughts on venture capital, board dynamics, and the importance of good behavior in Silicon Valley.

Transcript

David hornick has about 5,000 children and they always are likely site super yeah what made it up later she hasn't yeah oh I SHINee all right that's like the most recent I think were gonna play him when he was 12 he's about to turn 20 so I mean you know I'm obsessed with all of David's kids and since well before I had kids and like was in that peri... Read More

Key Insights

• 😃 Venture investors should focus on supporting entrepreneurs in building big businesses rather than trying to control their behavior.
• 😨 The problem of regret is common in venture capital, with investors often second-guessing their decisions and fearing missed opportunities.
• 🥹 Good behavior should be rewarded in Silicon Valley, and individuals should hold themselves accountable for their actions.
• 🫡 The relationship between venture investors and founders should be based on mutual respect and making good choices for the company.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does David Hornick think about his job as a venture capitalist?

Hornick believes that his role is to support entrepreneurs in building big businesses and make good choices, rather than trying to control their behavior or make decisions for them.

Q: What are some of the challenges that venture investors face in the industry?

Hornick highlights the problem of regret in venture capital, where investors often second-guess their decisions and fear missing out on the next big opportunity. He also discusses the challenge of not getting credit for saying no to investments.

Q: How does Hornick view the relationship between venture investors and founders?

Hornick believes that the focus should be on building a big pie rather than holding onto a small piece. He emphasizes the importance of working with founders who make good choices and who he can respect.

Q: How does Hornick view the role of boards in startups?

Hornick finds the concept of boards to be somewhat wacky and believes that their role is often misunderstood. He believes that board dynamics should focus on having conversations and making decisions in the best interest of the company, rather than trying to control the founder.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• David Hornick reflects on his admiration for David's kids, particularly Julian, who is now a successful Broadway actor and composer.

• He shares a story about Julian Hornik writing a jingle for a commercial and how it led to him appearing in the commercial as a high school student.

• Hornick discusses his approach to venture capital and the importance of working with people he admires.