Hi,
Welcome (back) to MWAVC for my 548th post on finance, investing, venture capital and all that jazz. My name is Ato (more about me here and here) and I try to write every single day, inspired by Seth Godin (Seth’s Blog) and Fred Wilson (AVC) but the schedule got crazier and I had to pull back a bit. So please set a reminder to read these newsletters on Mondays, Wednedsays, Fridays and Sundays 😬
In case you’re new here, quick introduction: I’ve been investing in some way shape or form for the last 12+ years and now work with one of the pre-eminent VC firms in Africa - Microtraction, and the family office that acts as the GP - Pave Investments. Read more on us here and here. Much of the writing I’ll share here are based on things I find interesting that I’d like to share and hear your thoughts on. This is also an outlet for my thoughts, lessons, asks etc. and I think you’d find most of it valuable if you’re remotely interested in learning about venture capital.
I’ll be developing the content further, including things I think will be helpful and would appreciate any feedback on what’s working vs. not, and what could be helpful for you over the long term. If you’d like to sign up, you can do so here. Or just read on.
Last night, I noticed something. Two smart founders included me in their investor updates! Knowing how much I wrote about investor updated a few days ago, I’m intrigued by this approach to get my attention - especially when the company is killing it 🔥🔥. To those folks, keep it up and I will be reaching out soon!
The Sundaylies 🗞️
Still not sure about “The Sundaylies” vs “The Sundailies”. I just thought about “The Sun[dailies] as well. Or Sunday Weeklies? Let me just ask Chat GPT / Copilot/ Gemini sha. Let’s see what they come up with. Will share next week. Below are my 6 top articles/ podcasts from this past week.
Again, another podcast that breaks down this thing called BTC. For your own good, please listen. Shoutout OP for putting me on
The Deepfake Election has Arrived
This is one of the things I feared most about deepfakes - their impact on important national conversations. At least, the US Congress understands enough about the impact on AI, and enough people are educated. Now, not to be bad mind, but imagine what something like this could do in Africa…and with the kinds of stuff I see folks forwarding in WhatsApp groups, I’m quite fearful of what this will mean for us.
Morgan Stanley Evaluating Spot Bitcoin ETFs for Its Giant Brokerage Platform: Sources
Yeaaa this thing is about to hit $100k before end of Q2. All your favourite pension funds are about to be buying BTC. Basic economics tells us that when demand outstrips supply, prices will rise. Throw in inflation which was 3.4% in 2023 and 6.5% in 2022, but 1.6% in America 10 years ago, and you see where this story ends. Not a crypto-evangelist, but buy something sha. A ton of pension and insurance money about to be entering through the ETFs.
Saw read this poem in a newsletter and I just had to share.
I can barely do anything today without mentioning my love for art. I listened to the Founder’s podcast based on this article and I just had to read it for myself. I’m entirely fascinated by the business of art and seeing that Gagosian modelled himself after Duveen, I’m wondering who’s modelling their self after Gagosian. 🤔
How Larry Gagosian Reshaped the Art World
And while we’re here talking about, read this other spectacular article by the New Yorker on Larry G.
I hope this is helpful to some founders out there. I’m happy to speak more on this with anyone looking to build a company and wants feedback. Thinking of bringing my Office Hours back for founders to book 30 minutes to tell me about themselves, their businesses and ask for feedback, but haven’t made a full decision yet. Thanks to everyone who voted. It looks like it’s a big YES. Will share more soon.
***New to MWAVC***
Might just keep this for the Sundaylies (or whatever other name we end up on). Anyone who knows me knows how much I love memes. They crack me up so much- especially the finance related ones This is one of my favorites from this past week. Enjoy.
Remember: “Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter.”
Please share and subscribe as well.
Till next time,
AB