Category: Apprentice VC

Time Management

~ michael_msft ~ 1 Comment

Wrote this the other day since I always think about time :: https://seedvc.blog/2017/07/17/productivity/

Obviously that was driven more from a tech angle but it was this article that really had me thinking :: https://bothsidesofthetable.com/i-only-have-7-trips-left-on-managing-work-life-balance-love-family-1c48737a3471

My first son was born the day before my 35th birthday so the decade that followed was very heavy and consequential. Life mattered for more than my pure enjoyment — I had to be responsible for the futures of these two lovable, little boys. I still worked hard and the balance of my time and energy went into family. My relationships narrowed to a smaller set of people who really mattered to me, my number of frivolous hobbies dwindled to only the most valuable and time became my scarcest commodity. If you’ve lived a decade with young children you know that it’s both unbelievably rewarding and also physically and emotionally exhausting.

Having kids hits everyone in the jaw when it comes to time management. You really cannot burn a candle at both ends and there are only 24 hours in a day. I also need about 7 hours of sleep to feel good. If you work and have a family then something has to be cut. For me I stopped going to most evening events, tech industry is too hung up on evening events as well but guess that works for some, and I stopped doing silly side projects.

I get up, workout, get the kids out, get to work, and come home. Pretty much every damn day besides the weekends. My legacy will be my family and hopefully colleagues I have worked with over the years will say good things. I also aim to leave my mark as a VC.

I also love reading the Prof and this is from one of his letters:

Brunch with friends, tv, and sleeping in were great, but there’s a comfort in having the same answer to most of life’s questions: whatever is best for the kids. People without kids bask in the same light when they’re kind and caring to others.

It’s so spot on. Basically kids rule the schedule. Yes – kids also have to be provided for which means one has to work. My point is there is sometimes little time left for other things but I think that is okay since it forces better time management and focus.

I am struggling to find the balance as well so if anyone has any great tips. Do share!

Productivity

~ michael_msft ~ 1 Comment

One of our views is that automation will eat the world – like it or not. For me personally, I try to figure out ways to get more productive and manage my own time better. As a VC, I take a lot of meetings. Which means being heavily into my calendar. I have pretty much always relied on Fantastical. They have a new update :: http://flexibits.com/blog/2017/07/fantastical-2-4-for-mac-midsummer-edition/.

Which is killer but I must say that I use it less and less. Why?

Cause my calendar is largely automated via email using Evie.ai.

They have just launched their new product and rebranding.

Full disclosure – SeedPlus is an investor but I was using it before that happened.

Anyways. Check it out. You will love it.

Context

~ michael_msft ~ Leave a comment

This was posted today :: https://www.dealstreetasia.com/stories/future-early-stage-funding-asean-exciting-seedplus-77307/

Which is great – I appreciate good press.

However I want to clarify the first paragraph:

Michael Smith of early-stage venture fund SeedPlus, an affiliate of Jungle Ventures, is uncertain about the trajectory of early-stage funding in Singapore and the wider region but believes that deep technology as a segment will emerge a winner in the long run.

This was the question that this answer was lifted from:

From your current perspective in the ecosystem, what’s the general trajectory for early-stage funding (i.e. pre-seed to Series A) and its evolution since 2015? What is the future?

My answer:

The future is something we can’t predict but we feel that deep tech will emerge as a winner in the Singapore ecosystem and that across the region there will be startups raising substantial money at the pre-A level for regional or APAC wide business ideas that need institutional money on their way to their Series A. The future looks pretty exciting in our opinion.

I don’t think what I said was I am uncertain. What I said is I can’t predict the future. I don’t have a crystal ball, startup opportunity, and I don’t think it ever makes sense to try and predict the future.

I am just honest in saying no one knows what will happen but I am confident the ecosystem has a very promising future.

Interpol Panel – public invited

~ michael_msft ~ 1 Comment

Interpol is having their yearly conference in Singapore and normally their is very little public interaction but this year I am moderating a panel that will bring Interpol, the private sector, the startup sector and the VC community together to discuss the future of AI, IOT, and how Interpol will work with the goverment and the private sector to help ensure public safety in a world where automation machines and autonomous cars will become the norm.

Going to be interesting.

For more info and the the email to RSVP – go here :: https://www.interpol-world.com/seedplus

Any questions? Ping me.