Transcript
A (0:00)
You've been a big part of so many companies. Which one was your favorite?
B (0:04)
Biggest outcome I was involved with is, you know, not, not just because of the size of the investment return, but the impact on the planet.
A (0:14)
You know, more people and more people at the top than anybody I know. Bill Gurley has spent nearly three decades in Silicon Valley investing in and serving on the boards of companies like Twitter and Uber. Bill has become Silicon Valley royalty, known as known for his razor sharp instincts and a talent for spotting breakout companies early on. If you've ever wondered how the best investors play the game, pay attention. All right, guys, welcome back to the Mellow Millionaire. Today it's an honor to have Bill Gurley on the podcast. He's a partner at Benchmark and he's coming out with a book that's a must read. Running down a dream, how to thrive in a career that you actually love. Currently, he's a partner at Benchmark, one of Silicon Valley most elite VC firms and has become frequently cited voice in unit economics, network effects and marketplace dynamics. Bill, it truly is an honor to have you on today. Thank you for taking the time to do this.
B (1:12)
I'm thrilled to be here. Tommy, thanks. Thanks for you having me on.
A (1:15)
So let's just start out, you know, tell us a little bit about you, your career, and what made you want to write a book.
B (1:22)
One day I got invited to come speak to the MBA class at the University of Texas, where I went and where I got an MBA. The video got posted on YouTube. It started to get noticed. People like James Clear, who wrote Atomic Habits, noticed it and some people started poking me to turn it into a book. It wasn't until I really began to hang up my boots as a VC that I had the time and attention to really turn to something and do the type of work I would want to do if I was going to make a book. But here's the cool thing. I got really excited about writing this book. It was when I went to New York and met with publishers. They all wanted me to write about investing or venture capital or, or Uber or some of, you know, the experiences that I've had. And I was what? I didn't really feel a calling to do that. You know, I don't know that helping VCs be better is going to change the world all that much.
A (2:18)
You know, one of the things you talk about is Danny Meyer, restaurant icon, owner in New York, setting the table. I think that was one of your inspirations and one of the guys you really follow. He took a Huge pay cut to follow his dreams. And I believe it was either his
