When it comes to investing in startups, experience can be a tough teacher. Just ask Immad Akhund, the founder and CEO of Mercury, who has placed his bets on over 350 startups. Despite his seasoned background, passing on Scale AI, now valued at $14 billion, due to the founders' youth taught him a valuable lesson.
Embracing Humility: A Key to Success
Immad Akhund realized that one of the pivotal lessons in his investment journey was shedding his ego. As an entrepreneur, he was accustomed to sharing his insights with startup founders. However, he discovered that true success lies in championing the founders' visions, not imposing his own.
Listening to Visionaries
Investing in startups is about more than just money; it's about belief. Akhund stresses the importance of backing founders for their ideas, emphasizing the need to listen and support rather than dictate. By leaving his ego at the door, Akhund learned that investing in people means being a supportive companion on their entrepreneurial voyage.
The Power of Second Chances: Serial Founders Shine
Akhund's preference for serial entrepreneurs stems from their resilience and determination. He admires those who, despite knowing the challenges, are eager to embark on the entrepreneurial journey again. This tenacity and drive set serial founders apart, signaling a genuine commitment to their ventures.
Diversification: The Key to Investment Success
For budding investors, Akhund recommends spreading your bets across multiple startups. With at least 20 to 30 investments, you truly enter the game and gain valuable insights. Diversification is essential in the unpredictable startup realm, ensuring that you have a varied portfolio to maximize returns.
Immad Akhund's story serves as a testament to the transformative power of humility, belief in visionary leaders, and strategic investment practices. By embracing these principles, you too can navigate the dynamic world of startups with confidence and wisdom.
Ready to dive deeper into the world of startup investments? Check out the original article on Business Insider for more insights.
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By: cmlee@insider.com (Lee Chong Ming)
Title: How a Startup Guru Learned the Value of Trusting Young Talent
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/investor-immad-akhund-startup-bias-mercury-scale-ai-seed-vc-2025-5
Published Date: Wed, 14 May 2025 07:25:03 +0000
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