This episode offers a deep dive into the world of venture capital and angel investing through the lens of Jana Messerschmidt's career. It explores the early days of online video streaming with Netflix, the formation and unique investment philosophy of #ANGELS, and critically examines the persistent issue of equitable equity distribution for women in tech. This is a crucial listen for founders seeking funding and anyone interested in the dynamics of tech investment and diversity.
Key takeaways
Jana Messerschmidt's journey highlights that diverse career experiences (DivX, Netflix, Twitter) can be a strong foundation for a successful transition into venture capital.
The #ANGELS collective demonstrates a model for angel investment that balances impact (supporting women in tech) with a broad investment thesis (not exclusively investing in women-led companies).
Netflix's success in online streaming underscores the importance of strategic market timing and adapting to evolving technological landscapes.
The discussion on equity distribution for women in tech startups emphasizes the need for founders and investors to actively advocate for and implement equitable ownership structures.
Understanding the distinctions between traditional VC and angel investing, particularly with groups like #ANGELS, can help founders better target their funding outreach.
Venture capitalist Jana Messerschmidt, talks with Recode's Kara Swisher about how she became a partner at Lightspeed and the co-founder of an all-female group of angel investors called #ANGELS. Messerschmidt previously worked at DivX, Netflix, and Twitter, and also discusses the early days of video streaming online and how Netflix timed the market perfectly. Plus: Why #ANGELS doesn't invest only in women, what made that collective different from traditional venture capital, and the urgent need to ensure that women have their fair share of equity in tech startups.
Read a full transcript of this interview here.
Featuring:
Jana Messerschmidt (@janamal), partner, Lightspeed Venture Partners (@Lightspeedvp) and co-founder, #ANGELS (@hashtagangels)
Hosts:
Kara Swisher (@karaswisher), Recode co-founder and editor-at-large
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What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
Jana Messerschmidt's journey highlights that diverse career experiences (DivX, Netflix, Twitter) can be a strong foundation for a successful transition into venture capital.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
The #ANGELS collective demonstrates a model for angel investment that balances impact (supporting women in tech) with a broad investment thesis (not exclusively investing in women-led companies).
What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
Netflix's success in online streaming underscores the importance of strategic market timing and adapting to evolving technological landscapes.
What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
The discussion on equity distribution for women in tech startups emphasizes the need for founders and investors to actively advocate for and implement equitable ownership structures.
What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
Understanding the distinctions between traditional VC and angel investing, particularly with groups like #ANGELS, can help founders better target their funding outreach.
