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Last month, we had the opportunity to hear from Zach Cohen (Stern), an Investor at the esteemed venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). Known for its investments in some of the most transformative tech companies, a16z sets a high bar in the VC world. Zach provided insights on how he broke into venture capital right out of college and invaluable advice for aspiring investors and entrepreneurs at NYU.
Zach’s journey into the VC world began soon after graduating, an impressive achievement given the industry's competitive landscape. His first piece of advice? Read. Study. Learn. He emphasized the importance of becoming an expert in niche topics, explaining that this knowledge serves as a critical differentiator in the VC world. The more you know about a particular market or industry, the more value you can bring to conversations with founders. Zach encouraged attendees to immerse themselves in the subjects that fascinate them, ultimately becoming a living, breathing encyclopedia of their chosen field.
For young founders, when it comes to engaging with VC firms, Zach underscored the importance of offsetting what he refers to as "hacker energy." While passion for technology and innovative curiosity can work in one’s favor to a degree, investors can be wary of overzealous founders who are unfocused or highly unpredictable. Zach’s advice was clear: learn how to communicate effectively with VCs by offering a focused, structured and polished presentation of your ideas. This builds trust and makes it easier for investors to see the value in your vision.
To maintain an edge in the constantly evolving venture capital landscape, Zach stressed the importance of speaking to a wide range of people. "I talk to all kinds of people all the time," he revealed, noting that this approach not only keeps him informed about the latest trends but also helps in understanding different perspectives and market dynamics. For him, this continuous flow of information is a crucial part of making informed investment decisions.
For those aspiring to follow in his footsteps in VC, Zach advises students to “grow a network of technical founders." Building relationships with innovators can open doors to unique opportunities and provide early access to groundbreaking ideas. A strong network of technically skilled entrepreneurs can serve as a launchpad for a successful career in venture capital, where early-stage investments often determine long-term success.
Zach Cohen’s insights offer an ambitious roadmap for anyone looking to break into venture capital or seeking startup funding, especially those eager to start their journey while still at NYU. From cultivating deep knowledge in niche areas to refining the way you engage with the VC community, his guidance serves as a valuable primer on what it takes to succeed in one of the most dynamic industries in the world.
If you missed Zach’s talk, you can RSVP for an upcoming Startup School Workshop here.
