William Hockey: How I Founded Plaid; The Ultimate Cold Email Tip; Hiring Lessons | 20VC #955

The conversation centers on building financial infrastructure, contrasting approaches inside and outside regulatory perimeters. Will, who previously co-founded Plaid, discusses his current venture, Column, a bank offering direct APIs for developers to innovate within the regulated financial system. He argues that Silicon Valley often favors abstractions over fundamental problem-solving, advocating for building from the "bare metal" to truly fix systemic issues. Will also shares insights on leadership, high performance, and the importance of patience and long-term vision in company building. He critiques the US financial system's implementation rather than its underlying protocols, suggesting it can function like a protocol, enabling faster, safer financial products. The discussion touches on the future of fintech, predicting the rise of specialized financial brands deeply embedded in niche markets.