39: Andrew Reed - Don't Flinch

Andrew Reed, a growth investor at Sequoia Capital, discusses his investment style, emphasizing curiosity, identifying exceptional founders, and the importance of people over spreadsheets. He recounts Sequoia's culture of high performance and teamwork, sharing anecdotes about legendary figures like Jim Goetz and Doug Leone. Reed reflects on his early career, the formative experience of investing in Robinhood during the COVID crisis, and the lessons learned from navigating high-stress situations. He also touches on the importance of continuous learning, adapting to market changes, and the artistic nature of business, highlighting the non-linearity and the need for taste and craftsmanship. The conversation explores Sequoia's team-oriented approach, the value of apprenticeship, and the firm's commitment to long-term value creation.