Venture Passport
The show is co-hosted by two VCs, Jack Richardson, and Richard Armstrong, exploring the inner workings behind the creation of thriving tech unicorns, showcasing conversations with leading pioneers and visionaries in the global startup arena.
Chris Tottman, Founding Partner @ Notion Capital
In this episode, Jack Richardson sits down with Chris Tottman to explore his remarkable journey from entrepreneur to investor. They discuss the founding and growth of MessageLabs, its market leadership, and the impact of the 2008 financial crisis on the company. Chris shares insights into founding Notion Capital and its investment strategy, emphasizing the importance of assessing founder resilience and experience. The conversation delves into finding the right balance in founder traits and lessons learned from 15 years in venture capital. Chris reflects on influential board members and shares his personal inspirations. The episode wraps up with a quick-fire round and social media connections.
Key Points
- MessageLabs' early realization of the magnitude of email-borne threats led to the creation of a pioneering cloud security business that achieved rapid growth and a successful exit.
- Notion Capital's strategy is built on a deep belief in the transition from traditional IT spend to B2B SaaS, requiring a long-term, multi-generational approach to investing and supporting founders.
- Success in venture capital and startup growth hinges on the adaptive nature of founders, who must continuously elevate their skills and strategies to navigate the complex and evolving business landscape.
Chapters
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| 16:00 | |
| 24:49 | |
| 31:00 | |
| 33:07 | |
| 34:57 | |
| 37:17 | |
| 41:02 |
Transcript
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