What Makes a Startup Investable? with Professor Pochi Wu

In this episode of Tiny Dragon, Professor Pochi Wu, Venture Advisor of SkyDeck, shares his insights on entrepreneurship, venture capitalism, and product-market fit. With years of experience as both a venture capitalist and a professor, Wu delves into the opportunities and challenges faced by entrepreneurs, particularly those who are venturing into tech startups. He sheds light on factors that determine startup investability, such as traction, perceived risk, third-party validation, and revenue. Wu also discusses how entrepreneurs should approach market needs and why the mindset to continuously learn and evolve are key traits for success.

 

Highlights:

 

02:12 Venture Capital Journey and Transition

03:56 Investment Verticals and Generalist Approach

05:51 Cross-Cultural Entrepreneurship: Asia vs. North America

06:06 Education and Entrepreneurial Mindset

13:54 Entrepreneurship in Asia: A Different Flavor

22:37 Investor Perspective and Making a Startup Investable

30:56 Understanding Product Market Fit

31:31 The Pitfalls of Tech Startups

32:12 The Importance of Understanding Customer Needs

34:19 Common Missteps in Startup Ideas

37:26 The Role of a CEO in a Startup

41:03 The Challenges of Scaling a Startup

46:37 The Impact of COVID-19 on Startups

53:45 The Importance of Continuous Learning in Entrepreneurship

56:05 The Role of Courage and Conviction in Entrepreneurship

58:55 Closing Remarks and Contact Information