LIVE FROM VARDA: Delian Asparouhov, Founders Fund & Varda
Stranded Astronauts, Eric Schmidt, Varda, Hill & Valley Forum, Investing Strategy
Space Factories, Stranded Astronauts, Hill & Valley Forum, Delian’s Investing Strategy
SO excited to share our conversation with Delian Asparouhov, Co-Founder of Varda & Partner at Founders Fund. Live from Varda, this is not an ordinary conversation.. But we do discuss the stranded astronauts, Varda's recent space missions, space’s regulatory challenges, the broader impact of venture capital in aerospace & defense industries, Eric Schmidt’s new role, Delian’s 6-year anniversary at FF, and more..
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More specifically, Delian shares insights on the complexities of defense and space regulations, the relationship between Silicon Valley and Washington DC, and in particular, the context of The Hill and Valley Forum, which aims to bridge the gap between tech leaders and defense officials. He also shares his thoughts on the future of space exploration—from adapting to other gravitational environments like Jupiter's, to the rise of the “Space Club,” including Eric Schmidt’s new role as CEO of Relativity.
We also go deeper on Delian’s investment strategy as he just hit the 6 year mark at Founders Fund. Delian gives us the inside look at his pricing strategy, thesis, and early stage investments in companies like Ramp ($13B), Sword Health ($3B), Varda, Hadrian, and more. As well as, the more spicy side of VC.. sharing the importance of having an operational background in venture investing.. and why seed investing might just be more effective as a hobby.
Highlights
0:40 - Live From Varda’s Factory of Factories
02:36 Stranded Astronauts + Jupiter Olympics
13:10 Varda's Big Milestones
20:38 The Growing Space Club: Eric Schmidt, Relativity
23:11 The Role of Public Policy in Space Exploration
28:07 Defense Funding & Government Contracts
29:37 Friction in Venture Capital & Defense Tech
33:12 Hill & Valley Forum: Bridging Silicon Valley & DC
36:05 Challenges in Defense Tech Funding
40:17 Founders Fund Reflection & Investing Strategies
50:46 Is Seed Stage Investing Just a Hobby?
53:28 Lessons From Fatherhood