Trends in Gaming and Social Platforms with Elias Can of Grishin Robotics

I am thrilled to have Elias Can, a principal at Grishin Robotics. Grishin Robotics is a Silicon Valley-based VC fund focused on investing in early-stage companies in broader consumer categories. In this episode, Elias Can, Principal at Grishin Robotics, shares his journey from public equity to venture capital and his role in investing in early-stage consumer-focused startups. Elias discusses the differences between Silicon Valley and New York startup cultures, the shift from in-person to virtual deal-making post-COVID, and his investment thesis in gaming and social platforms. He provides insights into valuations, leveraging board members, navigating challenging fundraising environments, and aligning with founders' visions, and much more! Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on YouTube Subscribe on iTunes Learn * How does doing deals in 2024 compare to doing them in 2020-21? * What are the core areas where VCs and founders are typically misaligned? * What are the biggest tips for founders on how to get the most out of the board? * What is your favourite business book? –Hooked, how to win friends * What is your favourite online tool? –LinkedIn * If you could go back to when you started working, what is the one thing you would have focused on? – In-person networking Timestamps Elias’ Entry into Venture Capital - Transition from public equity to venture capital (00:01:01 - 00:05:30) New York vs. Silicon Valley Startup Cultures - Differences in ecosystems and lifestyles (00:05:31 - 00:09:30) Impact of COVID on Deal-Making - Shift from in-person to virtual processes (00:09:31 - 00:12:45) Future of Remote Work - Thoughts on in-person, remote, and hybrid work setups (00:12:46 - 00:15:20) Trends in Gaming Investments - Elias’ investments in Midwest Games and Super Jump (00:15:21 - 00:21:00) Gaming Industry Insights - Trends in indie and triple-A studios (00:19:31 - 00:21:30) IPO Market Outlook - Predictions for liquidity in the next year (00:26:01 - 00:28:40) SPAC Market Challenges - Rise and fall of SPACs as an IPO alternative (00:27:01 - 00:28:30) Valuation Pitfalls for Founders - Risks of overvaluation and liquidation preferences (00:28:41 - 00:31:50) Leveraging Board Members - Tips for founders to maximize value from their board (00:31:51 - 00:33:40) Lessons from Elias’ Career - Importance of networking and starting broad in VC (00:35:31 - 00:39:30) Engaging Founders on LinkedIn - Elias’ approach to outreach (00:41:01 - 00:42:20) Elias’ Networking Tips - Attending more meetups and events pre-pandemic (00:36:31 - 00:37:50) Grishin Robotics’ Focus Areas - Broad consumer categories including fintech and edtech (00:37:51 - 00:38:50) Elias’s Links  LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/elias-can/ Website – https://www.grishinrobotics.com/ My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com