E129: The Number #1 Predictor of Startup Success w/Ken Smythe

In this episode of How I Invest, I connect with Ken Smythe, founder of Next Round Capital, to discuss his journey in private markets, lessons from hedge fund management, and the future of thematic investing. Ken shares insightful stories about spotting talent, using key executive moves as signals for investment opportunities, and the rise of AI and defense technology. We also explore the challenges facing venture capital and private equity in today’s market, including liquidity bottlenecks and the hunt for alpha in a rapidly evolving landscape. Ken's personal story of resilience and his passion for innovation shine through in this inspiring conversation.