In today's episode we ask some pertinent questions regarding SAFEs. What is a SAFE: Simple Agreement for Future Equity? How is it different from a convertible note? Why do investors like YC push SAFES? What are the Pros and cons for VC and for Entrepreneur Why do VCs not want to load rounds?  Whats is your take? Do you agree with us? We read and respond to all of our comments and messages on Instagram, LinkedIn. Come find us and join the group.  Follow Peter Harris Twitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudent LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1 Instagram: https://instag ..read more

Jon and Peter talk about the hottest topic- SVB Crash. Peter breaks down what led to the crash  We look at how exposed were VCs to Silicon Valley Bank? Jon asks Peter to explain Capital calls, and how most VCs only have 2% on hand each time Silicon Valley bank offered loans to VCs. What will happen moving forward? Will VCs have to increase cash on hand? Are VCs doubling down on prior investments or picking new ones while valuations are correct? Do follow us on Instagram and share how you feel about SVB situation. Follow Peter Harris Twitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudent LinkedIn: h ..read more

Jon, Peter and Scott decode how Chat GPT will impact the future. If people need to be scared? Or better prepared. Jon- talks about how Builder.ai and Bubble.io are enablers for people to get their MVPs off the ground and not direct competition. And while Chat GPT might feel threatening at this point for the businesses like his, we have to remind ourselves that not everything turns out how its supposed to. One of the big examples being Tesla's self driving cars. Peter chimes in with an example where Chat GPT was able to spurt out a quick answer to a legal question a lawyer asked. But after fact ..read more

We gave both Scott and Peter an opportunity to vent, to talk about instances, examples that are otherwise hard to share in social circles due to interpersonal conflict. They say, there is no learning better than learning from other people's mistakes. And sometimes its your own mistakes that makes you a better VC. Scott and Peter reflect back on many such instances that can be highly educational. We hope you make the most of this episode. We have tried something new and if you like it- do let us know.  Write to us, tag us, share it on your stories and leave us a feedback. We are sharing so ..read more

Scott Paul describes the Utah angel investing ecosystem, and his role as a Founder of Convoi Ventures, an $8M rolling VC fund here in Utah. He's helped turn Utah into a thriving startup culture and he is a supportive leader and angel investor. Utah has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, with a growing number of startups and small businesses emerging in recent years. Angel investors are a critical component of the Utah startup ecosystem, providing seed funding and mentorship to early-stage companies. These investors are typically high-net-worth individuals who invest their own capital in promisin ..read more

As an AI language model, ChatGPT doesn't have any direct impact on venture capital. However, ChatGPT and other AI technologies may indirectly affect venture capital in several ways: Improved investment decision-making: AI technologies like natural language processing, machine learning, and predictive analytics can help venture capitalists analyze large amounts of data and make more informed investment decisions. ChatGPT, for example, can help investors quickly analyze large volumes of text-based data, such as news articles, social media posts, and earnings reports, to identify trends and patt ..read more

What is the effect of ChatGPT on startups? Though ChatGPT can have a positive impact, it will also shake up many industries.  Here is a quick summary of the areas we think ChatGPT will affect/change the soonest.  Customer Support: Startups can use ChatGPT to provide 24/7 customer support to their users. ChatGPT can handle a large volume of customer queries and provide quick and accurate responses, which can lead to higher customer satisfaction and retention rates. Product Recommendations: ChatGPT can analyze customer data and provide personalized product recommendations. This can he ..read more

The "Who is a Founder?" podcast explores the various aspects of what it means to be a founder in the modern startup world.  Jon and Peter debate who deserves the title and who doesn't. They discuss what it means to be a founder and how the role of a founder has evolved over time. They also explore the various characteristics that make a successful founder and share their insights on what it takes to build a successful company. Overall, "Who is a Founder?" provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and the challenges faced by those who are building their own co ..read more

Is Venture Capital a Good job? Peter Harris is an industry veteran with almost 20 years of experience. If you're a student and want to get into VC, interning with Peter could give you a massive leg up.  Here's a quick summary: Peter shares his personal experience about the benefits and downsides of the job Pros and Cons of being a partner Succession planning and your long-term viability in the industry  Is venture capital lucrative Who is Venture Capital not for Follow Peter Harris Twitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudent LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1 Instagra ..read more

Here are the potential pros and cons of venture capital for small businesses: Pros: Access to significant funding that can help fuel growth and scale operations Exposure to experienced investors and their networks, which can provide valuable guidance, mentorship, and business connections Potential for significant returns on investment for both the company and the investors Can help attract other investors and partners in the future due to the credibility associated with receiving venture capital funding Cons: Highly competitive process to secure funding, with many companies vying for limite ..read more