Having been a founder myself helps me as an investor because I understand the challenges and can identify kindred spirits among entrepreneurs.

I invest because I love meeting great founders and helping them succeed, not just for the money. I find it incredibly satisfying to give advice to founders like Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Page in their early years and then watch their companies take off, knowing I contributed to their success.

Startups are inherently difficult, and every founder will face moments of self-doubt. It's better to work on something significant, even if it feels daunting.

I have a particular love for startups that are trying to achieve something that may not be technically possible, but if they succeed, it changes the world.

Starting a startup can be lonely, but having 2,000 alumni who will come to your aid makes a significant difference.

I still feel like I know very little about startups, and having a community of motivated people around me is incredibly valuable.

Having worked with hundreds of startups, I can quickly assess problems and reassure founders that many issues are just normal growing pains.

While many startups may not succeed, they are often just one decision away from significant breakthroughs, unlike working on projects in large companies that may never see the light of day.

When assessing a startup, I look for the founder's passion and resilience, as these traits are crucial for overcoming challenges in building a company.