norwest venture partners’ lisa wu to teach founders how to think like a vc at tc early stage
The Parallels Between Top VCs and Successful Founders
Exceptional venture capitalists embrace ambitious, high-risk investments grounded in thorough due diligence. They provide consistent support to their portfolio companies, navigating both successes and challenges, and maintain a clear strategic direction amidst distractions.
A comparison of the qualities sought in leading founders reveals a remarkably similar profile. The key characteristics are almost identical, differing primarily in the scope of responsibility – founders lead teams, while VCs oversee portfolios.
Strategic Alignment Between Founders and VCs
This shared foundational philosophy creates numerous strategic synergies that both founders and venture capitalists can capitalize on. Understanding this alignment is crucial for effective collaboration.
We are pleased to announce that Lisa Wu, a partner at Norwest, will be joining us at TechCrunch Early Stage this July. She will share her expertise on tactics and how founders can adopt a venture capital mindset throughout their business operations.
Lisa Wu’s Expertise and Portfolio
Wu specializes in investments ranging from seed funding to late-stage rounds, with a particular focus on consumer internet, digital commerce, and innovative marketplaces.
Her investment portfolio boasts prominent companies such as Calm, Ritual, Plaid, and the publicly traded Opendoor. This experience provides her with unique insights into building and scaling successful businesses.
Leveraging the Language of Venture Capital
Drawing on her experience with these well-known companies, Wu will demonstrate how founders can effectively utilize the principles and terminology of venture capital, not only during the pitch process but also in all aspects of their company’s development.
The session aims to equip attendees with practical, immediately applicable strategies, enriched by real-world examples from Wu’s extensive career.
Early Bird Ticket Availability
Tickets for TC Early Stage: Marketing & Fundraising are currently available at a discounted early-bird rate, offering a $100 savings for bookings made before next week!
- Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a leading VC.
- Gain actionable insights to improve your fundraising strategy.
- Secure your ticket now to save $100.
Natasha Mascarenhas
Natasha Mascarenhas's Coverage at TechCrunch
Natasha Mascarenhas previously held the position of a senior reporter with TechCrunch. Her reporting focused specifically on companies in their initial phases of development and the associated movements within the venture capital landscape.
Focus on Early-Stage Startups
A significant portion of Mascarenhas’s work involved detailed coverage of early-stage startups. This included examining their business models, funding rounds, and overall progress.
Venture Capital Trend Analysis
Beyond individual companies, Mascarenhas also provided analysis of broader venture capital trends. She tracked investment patterns and identified emerging opportunities within the startup ecosystem.
Her insights were valuable for both entrepreneurs seeking funding and investors looking for promising ventures.
Reporting Role and Responsibilities
As a senior reporter, Mascarenhas was responsible for in-depth reporting, interviewing founders and investors, and delivering timely news and analysis to TechCrunch’s readership.
The scope of her work encompassed a wide range of industries and technologies, reflecting the dynamic nature of the startup world.