21 Nov 2025
1h 19m

20VC: Max Altman on The New Seed War: Can Anyone Compete with Sequoia and a16z | Leaving $2BN on the Table with Reddit | Lessons from Backing Rippling at $25M Post | Why Climate Tech is a Mirage and Disaster

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The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch

In this episode of 20VC, Harry Stebbings interviews Max Altman, co-founder and managing partner at Saga Ventures, discussing his background, investment strategies, and experiences in the venture capital world. Max shares insights from his early career at Zenefits, his experiences working with his brothers Sam and Jack Altman on previous funds like Hydrazine and Apollo, and the lessons he's learned along the way. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of focusing on winning, the challenges of climate tech investing, portfolio construction, the competitive landscape of seed investing, and the impact of his brother Sam's fame on his career. Max also provides advice for emerging managers and reflects on his investment philosophy, emphasizing the need to stay in one's lane and build a strong brand.

Outlines

Part 1: Background and Early Influences

Part 2: Hydrazine and Apollo Experiences

Part 3: Saga Ventures Strategy

Part 4: Fundraising and LP Dynamics

Part 5: Market Observations and Personal Reflections

Part 6: Advice and Closing

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