Sequoia’s Crucible Moment

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[00:02:53] - [First question] - What led Sequoia to change their structure

[00:05:53] - Parallels between their approach and the problem Square set out to solve

[00:07:36] - The mechanics of the new fund and how it’ll affect their clients

[00:10:42] - How much discretion LPs will have when choosing to participate in sub-funds

[00:13:11] - What the future looks like and how public securities could be a dominant force

[00:15:02] - Benefits and value-unlocks that the new fund offers that weren’t available before

[00:16:55] - Comparing their structure to the current crossover funds we see emerging

[00:18:21] - What alignment looks like in this new structure for LPs

[00:22:02] - Cost of capital, interest rates, and their impacts on rates of return

[00:25:39] - Changes in the industry and founders that he’s noticed

[00:28:56] - What matters to him when meeting with young companies for the first time

[00:31:47] - The importance placed on value creation over value capture in the early days

[00:33:09] - Things that would dissuade him from partnering with a company

[00:34:18] - What the growth and leadership at Square has taught him over the years

[00:35:44] - Things he’s most excited about for payments looking forward

[00:37:34] - How often a company lowering friction with technology appeals to him 

[00:38:38] - Thoughts on Unity and its role in the growing trend of the metaverse

[00:40:28] - Why the open and decentralized nature of the future is so beneficial

[00:42:05] - Lessons learned about content and internet from working with YouTube

[00:44:08] - The landscape of developers today and MongoDB's role in it 

[00:45:24] - Commonalities between companies who have a successful second act

[00:48:16] - Good board members support founders during their pivotal moments

[00:49:26] - Learning to identify and hunt for crucible moments

[00:50:50] - Curiosity is the key ingredient of a great investor

[00:52:05] - What makes for a fantastic investment memo

[00:53:20] - The most memorable investment memo he’s ever read

[00:54:07] - Honing his leadership as his role has changed at Sequoia these past years

[00:55:51] - Thoughts on Sequoia’s brand and the scope of his ambition

[00:58:05] - What he’s most curious about in the world today

[00:58:46] - What technology wants most from people today

[01:01:13] - The difference between an accountant and an actuary mindset and when each one is appropriate to inhabit

[01:02:38] - Differences between talent and genius 

[01:04:12] - Closing principals about business building he finds important to consider

[01:06:17] - The kindest thing anyone has ever done for him