Mike Maples & Ann Miura-Ko (FLOODGATE) at Startup Grind 2014

TL;DR

Investing in Thunder Lizards for massive returns in Silicon Valley.

Transcript

welcome to the startup grind so please give it up for and Mira CO and Mike maples give in and welcome hi Steve so why don't we kick this off by I'll ask I'll ask you Mike how did you how did you end up here how did you end up in adventure gosh well there's a saying that I've heard attributed to Babe Ruth and it goes something like heroes get rememb... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍💻 Thunder Lizards concept drives Mike and Ann's investment strategy for massive returns in tech.
• 🪡 Authenticity in founders is crucial for sustaining persistence and commitment needed for startup success.
• 💄 Silicon Valley's ecosystem accelerates the growth of startups, making it a preferred investment location for Mike and Ann.
• 🥺 Prioritizing non-consensus viewpoints and authentic passion in startup founders leads to success in revolutionary ideas.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the concept of Thunder Lizards in the investment strategy discussed?

Thunder Lizards refer to legendary tech companies with massive returns, characterized by atomic radioactivity in their ideas, embodying the ethos of exceptionalism in the tech industry.

Q: How do Mike and Ann prioritize authenticity in teams when making investment decisions?

Mike and Ann value authentic founders who exhibit a genuine love for their idea, as it sustains persistence and commitment needed for a startup's success, ensuring they follow through on their unconventional vision.

Q: Why do Mike and Ann focus on investing in Silicon Valley companies despite having global opportunities?

The duo prefers Silicon Valley companies for their proximity, allowing for better evaluation and access to the ecosystem's resources for massive acceleration potential in creating Thunder Lizard companies.

Q: How do Mike and Ann assess the potential of startups that may seem unconventional?

Mike and Ann evaluate startups based on their authentic passion for the idea and non-consensus viewpoints, believing in the power of love for an idea and unconventional wisdom to drive success in the long run.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Mike and Ann discuss their investment philosophy centered around Thunder Lizards, massive tech companies with exceptional returns.

• The duo emphasizes authenticity and authenticity in teams, seeking passionate founders with a non-consensus view on revolutionary ideas.

• They focus on investing in Silicon Valley companies due to the ecosystem's acceleration capabilities and proximity for evaluation.