Investing In FinTech, Crypto & Emerging Markets with Zeynep Yavuz, Partner at General Catalyst

“If you have the passion to solve a problem, you will find a way to solve it, no matter what comes in your way.”

Next up in our VC feature series, we’re joined by Zeynep Yavuz, Partner at General Catalyst.

General Catalyst is a top-tier VC that invests from early stage through to growth equity stages, having backed some of the world's biggest tech companies, including Airbnb, Warby Parker and Stripe.

Having grown up in Turkey with entrepreneur parents, Zeynep saw first-hand that a more mature VC ecosystem in the country could have been really transformational for Founders in the area.

To be a part of that change, she now focuses on FinTech and Crypto investments on a global scale, and particularly with a focus on emerging markets.

In today’s episode, we dive more into Zeynep’s journey, her advice for Founders and the future of VC, including:

➡️ VCs unlocking ambitious risks [04:41]

➡️ Building products from 0-1 as an Operator [07:52]

➡️ The importance of diversity of thought in VC [09:26]

➡️ Why venture should be recession proof [11:30]

➡️ Advice on getting into VC [13:42]

➡️ How to stand out when interviewing with General Catalyst [16:03]

➡️ Why emerging markets [17:18]

➡️ Why Founders need to know and convey their ‘Why’ in pitches [19:59]

➡️ Investment process at GC [21:15]

➡️ Changes in the market [22:24]

➡️ Common mistakes Founders are making [24:49]

⛳ Helpful links:

➡️ Connect with Zeynep: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeynep-yavuz-72362379/

➡️ More about General Catalyst: https://www.generalcatalyst.com/

➡️ The Finstack Newsletter: https://finstack.substack.com/

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Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review.