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

Investors should maintain a supportive role, helping founders navigate challenges rather than prioritizing their own interests, which can lead to detrimental outcomes for the startup.

Watching entrepreneurs mature rapidly as they manage growing companies is one of the most satisfying aspects of being an investor.

I find more energy and enjoyment in my role as a public company CEO than I did as a startup founder. The team I work with now allows us to create and innovate together, free from corporate bureaucracy.

Investors often have different incentives than founders, which can lead to misalignment in priorities.

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.

It's important for investors to challenge founders on their decisions, as this can lead to better outcomes and improvements in the startup's direction.

Investing out of pity for founders rarely yields returns; focus on strong, capable founders instead.

Young founders often prioritize what investors want over solving problems they genuinely care about, which can hinder their potential.