SZ 181: Better Doesn't Matter ft. Mike Maples
🔥 What makes a startup truly great? It's not about being better—it's about being different.
On June 3, we're hosting a live Silicon Zombies show at the Park James Hotel with legendary investor Mike Maples Jr. of Floodgate VC—early backer of Twitter, Twitch, Okta, Rappi, and so many more; FLOODGATE VC is a firm believer in betting on "Thunder Lizards" long before anyone else sees them.
We’ll dive into:
⚡️ What makes a startup a grand slam, not just a base hit
⚡️ How to avoid building a Frankendeck
⚡️ How 85% of VC bets fail—and why that’s okay
⚡️ Pattern recognition vs. pattern breaking
⚡️ Most people shouldn’t like your idea (and why that’s a good thing)
⚡️ What the future of VC might look like: RIA models? AI-informed investing?
🎣 Expect lessons from fishing, baseball, Buffett, Jobs, and Socrates—all woven into a bold conversation about the art and science of venture.
Whether you're a founder, investor, or someone fascinated by the future, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Agenda:
5-6pm - Checkin, Mixer & Food
6-7pm - Speaker Series
7-9pm - Mixer
Space is limited — RSVP now to reserve your seat
More information:
Menlo Park Caltrain is a short walk to the Park James Hotel(0.3 Miles). Free street parking is available and valet for an extra cost.
For additional food/drink options, there's a full service bar and the Oak & Violet Restaurant is open for Happy Hour 3-5pm/Dinner 5-9pm.
Brought to you by The Park James Hotel, Oak & Violet Restaurant, Necodex, Banc of California and Career Pathway Institute!