What 25 years in venture capital teaches you about building billion-dollar startups that founders wish they knew earlier...

David Hornik, founding partner at Lobby Capital and former August Capital partner, breaks down the real dynamics between VCs and founders that most entrepreneurs completely misunderstand.

From his $50M+ exits including Splunk, GitLab, and Bill.com, David shares why venture capital success isn't about the money - it's about finding the right partnership.

In this conversation, you'll discover why the best investors act as collaborators, not gatekeepers, and how startup culture matters as much as your product-market fit.

David reveals the misconceptions founders have about what VCs actually look for, the importance of long-term vision alignment, and why building supportive communities around entrepreneurs drives real innovation.

Key takeaways for founders:

Trust and alignment matter more than just growth metrics
Your company culture determines long-term success
The best VCs become mentors, not just money providers
Staying true to your mission while adapting is crucial for survival

David's unique background spans Stanford Computer Music to Harvard Law, plus he created the first VC blog and podcast. He's been honored on Forbes' Midas List and teaches at both Stanford Business School and Harvard Law School.

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VC Secrets: 25-Year Partner Reveals Startup Truth | The Liftoff with Keith Newman

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