Growth: Matt McCall - Storytelling in Pitching Startups | E31

How can you improve your pitch to get more funds? In episode 31, co-hosts Bennie Fowler and Ryan Harris dive deep into the world of venture capital with Matt McCall. With 28 years of experience backing over 80 companies and generating over 70 billion in exit enterprise value, Matt shares his perspective on what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. He reveals his struggles and triumphs, offering insights into the importance of resilience, storytelling, and coachability. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the significance of living a life of service and continuously striving for personal growth. This episode is a must-listen if you are looking to thrive in the entrepreneurial world.

[00:00 - 06:25] The Accidental Venture Capitalist: Matt McCall's Journey

• Matt shares his unexpected path into venture capital
• The importance of karma and authentic relationships in his success
• The universe always has your back 

[06:26 - 10:52] Building Authentic Connections

• Matt explains the difference between transactional and authentic networking
• Identifying and connecting with "supernodes" in any ecosystem
• The importance of outflow, not inflow, in forming genuine relationships

[10:53 - 21:47] Why is it Important to have Resilience and Coachability

• Matt shares his personal struggles and moments of doubt
• The key traits he looks for in entrepreneurs: resilience, action-orientation, and coachability
• The danger of uncoachable founders and the importance of humility
• Questions to ask yourself if you want to know your purpose in life

[21:48 - 31:36] Ways to Determine a Good Deal

• Identify a problem in society 
• Use storytelling in business
• The importance of finding partners that are coachable 

[31:37 - 36:18] How to Find Resilient People in the Business World 

• The importance of taking action
• Listening and staying curious about things 
• Having a beginner mentality 

[36:19 - 41:45] The Challenges of Diversity in Venture Capital

• Matt addresses the lack of funding for underrepresented groups in venture capital
• The importance of role models and mentors in breaking limiting beliefs
• The power of alumni networks and storytelling in building thriving ecosystems

[41:46 - 49:09] The Future of Disruptive Technologies: Opportunities and Challenges

• The cyclical nature of technological revolutions
• Identifying next-generation technologies that solve previous problems
• Matt emphasizes the importance of living a life in service to others

Key Quotes:

 "The universe always has your back." - Matt McCall

 "Fate favors the prepared mind." - Matt McCall

"Just find the people who are the best of the best at doing what you do. Get curious, say, 'Hey, how did you do this?'.” - Matt McCall

Connect with Matt McCall:

LinkedIn: Matt McCall

X: @mbmccall

Reach out to Bennie Fowler!

Instagram: @benniefowler1

Twitter: @BennieFowler123

Reach out to Ryan Harris! 

Instagram: @ryanharris_68

Twitter: @ryanharris_68

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

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