459. Investing in "N-of-1" Companies, Focusing on Category Creators, How to Invest in AI While it’s at Peak Hype, and Using Recruiting as a Key Differentiator (Rusty Ralston and Jay Patil)

The Full Ratchet (TFR): Venture Capital and Startup Investing Demystified

Rusty Ralston and Jay Patil of Swell VC joins Nick to discuss Investing in "N-of-1" Companies, Focusing on Category Creators, How to Invest in AI While it’s at Peak Hype, and Using Recruiting as a Key Differentiator. In this episode we cover:

• Assessing Category Creation and Founder Caliber
• Sector Potential and Investment Strategy
• Syndicate Structure and Fund Size
• Talent Model and Sync Playbook
• Market Conditions and Future Outlook
• Investing in AI and Navigating Hype
• Defensibility in AI and Future Investments

Guest Links:

• Rusty’s LinkedIn
• Rusty’s X
• Jay’s X
• Jay’s LinkedIn
• Swell’s LinkedIn
• Swell’s Website

The host of The Full Ratchet is Nick Moran of New Stack Ventures, a venture capital firm committed to investing in founders outside of the Bay Area.

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