What principle helps you stay committed in volatile markets?

Josh Kopelman

Founder and Partner · First Round Capital

Focus on known data points

Josh Kopelman says he maintains conviction by focusing on the few data points that are known, since startups begin with more unknowns than knowns, and adds that he still thinks it's important to identify the risks you are taking.

David Weisburd

Founder · Weisburd Capital

Stay in the game

David Weisburd says rule one is to stay in the game and rule two is don't break rule one, since giving up a little of your turn is good for you, your investors and your brand, which compounds.

The answer starts at 41:50.

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Bilal Zuberi

Founder and Managing Partner · Red Glass Ventures

Missionary conviction

Bilal Zuberi says he relies on being missionary and having conviction, a principle he had to find in himself before starting, because he feels he is on a mission.

The answer starts at 1:11:26.

Shardul Shah

Partner · Index Ventures

Intuition

Shardul Shah says he relies on intuition—a gut feeling—though he tries to rationalize it to pressure-test and feel it, because he’s often in his head.

The answer starts at 16:46.

Marlon C. Nichols

Co-Founder & Managing General Partner · Mac Venture Capital

Invest in what you understand

Marlon C. Nichols says probably his number one rule is to invest in things you understand and stay away from hype cycles, because you have to do your own work and gain your own conviction before writing a check.

The answer starts at 31:54.

Guy Katsovich

Co-Founder & Partner · Fusion Vc

Stay true to your initial analysis

Guy Katsovich says you need to stay true to yourself and your initial analysis, asking whether the deal is really good for you, because herd mentality can lead people to follow others despite their own reservations.

Justin Smith-Lorenzetti

Founder & Managing Director · Intact Private Capital

Discipline

Justin Smith-Lorenzetti says discipline is the element that matters most for VCs in these times, since you have to look at long-term averages and historical precedents rather than the current narrative.

Andrea Hippeau

Partner · Lerer Hippeau

Patience

Andrea Hippeau says patience is especially important in this market: don't feel pressured to do a deal, and wait for the absolute right founder.

Mark Peter Davis

Managing Partner · Interplay

Barriers

Mark Peter Davis says he leans on barriers as a concept, noting that even if companies don't start with them at day one, they layer them in over time.

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Dr. Andre Retterath

General Partner · Earlybird Venture Capital

Freeing up capacity

Dr. Andre Retterath says that once you have your reps, it becomes about freeing up capacity and getting into a prepared mind so you're ready to shoot when you see something great.