Andy Rachleff, co-founder of Benchmark Capital

Having backed everything from eBay and AOL to Jamba Juice and 1-800-Flowers, Andy is one of the world's most successful venture capitalists.


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Hi and welcome to our first podcast! To listen, just click the play button above.

In our first episode we are fortunate to interview famous venture capitalist Andy Rachleff. Andy is the co-founder of the Silicon Valley venture capital firm Benchmark Capital, the legendary Silicon Valley firm which backed such huge successes as AOL, Juniper Networks, 1-800-Flowers, JambaJuice, Webvan, Ofoto, Friendster and eBay. The formation of Benchmark is famously chronicled in the bestselling book EBoys.

Andy's insights will be of interest to any (aspiring) entrepreneur or venture capitalist. Some choice quotes:

• On getting in the door: "We never meet with companies that aren't referred or where we don't know the entrepreneurs."
• On which type of people to back: "You can always hire execution, you can never hire vision."
• On teaching entrepreneurship: "I don't believe entrepreneurs are created, I believe that they are born."
• On Venture Capital: "It doesn’t matter how many losers you have, all that matters is how big your winners are."
• On _______: "The world's greatest venture capitalist." (You'll have to listen!)

Please let us know what you think by leaving a comment. Thanks for listening! (Next episode will feature Mark Leslie, founding CEO of Veritas.)

Update! Check out the transcript

- Matt

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iinnovate

Before our first episode, we thought we'd give a little blurb on the idea behind the podcast.

iinnovate is about innovation and entrepreneurship. We're looking to bring you exclusive interviews with some of the world’s foremost innovators, and to have them share their unique experience, advice and outlook. We seek to feature leading entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and designers.

We're hoping you enjoy the shows and encourage any and all feedback. Stay tuned for episode 1, with renowned venture capitalist Andy Rachleff.

Julio and Matt

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