SZ 181: Better Doesn't Matter ft. Mike Maples

24/06/2025 1h 2min

Listen "SZ 181: Better Doesn't Matter ft. Mike Maples"

Episode Synopsis

🔥 What makes a startup truly great? It's not about being better—it's about being different.Join us for a live Silicon Zombies show at the Park James Hotel with legendary investor Mike Maples Jr. of Floodgate VC — early investor of Twitter, Twitch, Okta, Rappi, and so many more; FLOODGATE VC is a firm believer in betting on "Thunder Lizards" long before anyone else sees them.​We’ll dive into:​⚡️ What makes a startup a grand slam, not just a base hit​⚡️ How to avoid building a 'Frankendeck'​⚡️ How 85% of VC bets fail—and why that’s okay​⚡️ Pattern recognition vs. pattern breaking​⚡️ Most people shouldn’t like your idea (and why that’s a good thing)​⚡️ What the future of VC might look like: RIA models? AI-informed investing?​🎣 Expect lessons from fishing, baseball, Buffett, Jobs, and Socrates—all woven into a bold conversation about the art and science of venture.​Whether you're a founder, investor, or someone fascinated by the future, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.----​​​​​Brought to you by The Park James Hotel, Oak & Violet Restaurant, Necodex, Banc of California and Career Pathway Institute