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Sure Shot Entrepreneur Newsletter

Lobby Capital, Engineering Capital, Joshin: The Sure Shot Entrepreneur Newsletter

Published 5 months ago • 2 min read

Hello Reader,

Last week, I had the privilege of leading a group of international executives on a tour of Silicon Valley. It’s always inspiring to see leaders in awe of cutting-edge technology and the transformative ideas shaping our future. This tour was part of INSEAD’s celebration of the 5th anniversary of its San Francisco campus—a milestone for a truly global institution.

While the main conference was insightful, the real magic often happens in the hallways, where side-bar conversations spark unexpected connections. David Hornik, a seasoned VC, understands this well. In 2007, he created Lobby, a conference designed entirely around meaningful, off-the-record discussions—no mainstage panels, just organic dialogue. Now, he’s taken that concept even further by launching Lobby Capital, a venture firm built on the same philosophy.

I recently sat down with David for a fascinating conversation on The Sure Shot Entrepreneur podcast. Tune in to hear his insights on the power of informal networks in venture capital.

– Gopi Rangan, Host of the The Sure Shot Entrepreneur podcast​

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Startup Corner: Joshin

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​Joshin, a leader in neurodivergent and disability support services, recently announced a collaboration with Aon, a global professional services firm, to enhance workplace neurodiversity initiatives.

This partnership provides employers with strategic insights, advanced analytics, and tailored resources to support employees, caregivers, and managers. Joshin's holistic approach consolidates fragmented services, empowering individuals while delivering measurable impact for organizations.

With its growing presence across industries, Joshin is pioneering new ways to promote inclusion and improve employee wellbeing and productivity.

Build Relationships with Investors to Create Game‑Changing Companies

​My guest in Episode #159 is David Hornik, founding partner at Lobby Capital. With over two decades in venture capital, David shares how he transitioned from law to investing and what he looks for in great founders.

David emphasizes that venture capital is fundamentally about relationships, not just transactions. He discusses the evolving nature of Series A funding, how Lobby Capital approaches investments, and why he prioritizes founders with deep expertise in the problems they’re solving.

We also explore his views on the changing landscape of venture capital, the need for secondary liquidity, and how he fosters meaningful connections through the Lobby conference.
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Connected Insights: Investing in Technical Risk: Why the Hardest Problems Lead to the Biggest Outcomes

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​In episode #26, my guest was Ashmeet Sidana, founder of Engineering Capital. Ashmeet has a unique investment philosophy: he backs startups taking on deep technical risk. He believes in supporting entrepreneurs who push boundaries to solve complex problems.

Ashmeet describes his investment approach as seeking the “maybe, maybe not” answers in technology—where success is uncertain but game-changing. This resonates with many VC’s perspectives on investing in founders who have done the homework and understand their

Community Involvement: ICA SF

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David Hornik is deeply passionate about the Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco (ICA SF), a dynamic, non-collecting art museum that provides a space for artists to experiment and take creative risks.

ICA SF is committed to exploring critical social, political, and cultural questions, ensuring contemporary art remains accessible and meaningful for all. True to its startup mindset, the museum remains “under construction,” constantly evolving to embrace new artistic perspectives.

Admission is always free, making it an inclusive space for all to experience groundbreaking art.

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Sure Shot Entrepreneur Newsletter

Gopi Rangan

Enable Peace of Mind for all. We believe in mission-driven entrepreneurs at the earliest stages before the rest of the world realizes the impact of their visionary ideas. This newsletter pairs well with our podcast that shares all the funders and founders' knowledge to startup and scale your ideas. All the best, Gopi

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