Hello Reader, Today’s startups can reach customers anywhere in the world. But with AI and rapid tech adoption leveling the playing field, “technology advantage” has become an illusion. The real battleground is execution. Execution means ruthless focus on your niche, your target market, and nailing product–market fit. Yet the biggest threats to that focus aren’t always obvious. In a new podcast episode, my guest Jacques reveals how flattering inbound interest can quietly derail your market...
22 days ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, At Sure Ventures, our core mission is to empower individuals with peace of mind, and we believe true peace of mind begins with good health. Unfortunately, the current healthcare landscape is riddled with inefficiencies and challenges. It's time for innovative solutions to disrupt the status quo. The U.S. healthcare industry is a colossal force, reaching approximately $4.9 trillion in 2023 and accounting for a staggering 17.6% of our nation's GDP. It's one of the largest sectors...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, Ever wondered what happens when an early-stage VC spills the beans? Well, wonder no more! I recently sat down with the insightful Patrick Mork on his new podcast show, "Mork Unfiltered." We dove deep into my experiences with over 100 founders, covering everything from my own missteps in venture capital to actionable tips for founders to get the most out of working with VCs like me. Get ready for some honest reflections, hard-earned lessons, and a few personal stories that might...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, Small funds are crucial in shaping the future of venture capital. As a fellow micro VC fund manager, I appreciate highlighting the work of my peers. Brian at FTW, for instance, clearly defines his firm's role and its collaborative approach to supporting founders. I strongly resonate with his ethos in building a new venture capital firm, and his insights on innovation within the food system provide ample food for thought. – Gopi Rangan, Host of the The Sure Shot Entrepreneur...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, Human-centric technology will win. In a world flooded with shiny new innovations each day, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. One helpful way to cut through the noise is to revisit past innovation booms and look for patterns that stood the test of time. During the dot-com era, countless companies emerged, and most vanished. But a few exceptional ones endured: Amazon, Google, eBay. What set them apart? A deep commitment to user-centric design and trust. Amazon...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, I’ve been teaching entrepreneurship at INSEAD for 10 years. Around 1,000 students have gone through my courses, and one of them - Building Businesses in Silicon Valley - has become a top elective. My mission is simple: I want to show students that entrepreneurship isn’t just a dream, it’s a real, rewarding career path. There’s nothing better than working with bright, ambitious minds and helping them take their first steps toward building something meaningful. Lately, I’ve seen...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, I had a great time chatting with Prof. Claudia Zeisberger from INSEAD on her podcast recently. She asked some really thoughtful questions that got me reflecting on the state of venture capital today, the rise of AI, and why I’m still incredibly optimistic about the startup world. If you're curious, you can check out the episode here: Inside the Mind of a Top Tech Investor from San Francisco. On The Sure Shot Entrepreneur this week, I’m joined by my good friend and fellow INSEAD...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, We've published 164 episodes of The Sure Shot Entrepreneur Podcast, featuring conversations with some of the most thoughtful venture capital fund managers. I almost always ask them about their investment thesis and how they build conviction. Every now and then, the roles reverse and I find myself on the other side of the mic. In a recent episode of the Product Market Fit podcast with Pablo Srugo, I had the chance to share my own perspective on a question I often ask others: What...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, – Gopi Rangan, Host of the The Sure Shot Entrepreneur podcast Startup Corner: TaskHuman TaskHuman, a personalized coaching platform backed by Sure Ventures, spotlighted their most-loved webinars of 2024—ranging from leadership growth to holistic well-being. These sessions reflect TaskHuman’s mission to provide scalable, one-on-one coaching for employees across industries. Their success demonstrates how digital-first coaching can help individuals thrive personally and...
5 months ago • 1 min read