How to invest in infrastructure companies since inception stage? Chat with Elliot at Boldstart VC

This episode explores the intricacies of inception-stage investing in infrastructure technology, specifically focusing on the unique approach of Bold Start Ventures. Against the backdrop of evolving technological waves—from on-premise infrastructure to SaaS, cloud, and now AI—the discussion centers on identifying consistent investment criteria. More significantly, the core focus shifts to identifying exceptional founders who possess an intimate understanding of a specific pain point and can rapidly iterate and ship solutions. For instance, the podcast highlights the investment in Snyk, a company that initially presented a contrarian approach to developer security workflows. As the discussion pivoted to challenges in the infrastructure investment landscape, the importance of patience, understanding the long-term J-curve of infrastructure development, and the ability to identify founders who can adapt quickly were emphasized. In contrast to generalist funds, the episode underscores the need for specialized expertise and a long-term perspective to succeed in this space. Ultimately, the conversation concludes with a look at the "spicy future" of AI-native infrastructure and the potential for both incumbents and new entrants to thrive, highlighting the importance of identifying founders who can leverage AI to create transformative services and products.