Episode 136: Bill Liao insights from a Global Citizen's Approach to Purpose-Driven Investing and AI

Gaule's Question Time

In this insightful interview, Andrew Gaule, (linkedin.com/in/andrew-gaule-aimava), talks with Bill Liao, (https://www.linkedin.com/in/billliao/ ) a global citizen, entrepreneur, and investor with an impressive portfolio. As a general partner at venture firm SOSV and Ki Tua Fund. Bill shares his thoughtful, purpose-driven approach to building successful, sustainable ventures.
From emphasizing the importance of founder mindset and partnerships to leveraging emerging technologies like generative AI, Bill provides valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and investors alike. This interview offers a master class in aligning purpose, process, people, and performance metrics to drive meaningful change.
Purpose to Performance: Innovative New Value Chain book by Andrew mentioned by Bill is available at https://amzn.eu/d/eiTlreV
To book a meeting to discuss entrepreneurship, AI and other business change with Andrew - https://calendly.com/andrew-gaule/30min?
You can listen to this interview as a podcast on Gaule's Question Time on Apple, Spotify, Google and many other podcast channels. https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/gaulesqt
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See this and other video content at Aimava Purpose to Performance Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV9o-htFNIk9Yt7jp2XcdWw
Bill Liao has a nuanced perspective on the current wave of generative AI tools and technologies. He sees the significant advancements in the user interface and accessibility of these language models, noting that they allow the average person to easily harness powerful AI capabilities for a wide range of business tasks.
Overall, Bill is excited about the potential for AI to enhance human abilities, but cautions entrepreneurs and investors to approach it pragmatically, diving in to learn and experiment, while maintaining a clear-eyed focus on building successful, impactful ventures.
Bill's interests
www.SOSV.com - opportunities in early tech ventures
www.kituafund.com - backing health
www.WeForest.org - environment
www.sens.org - longevity
www.CoderDojo.org - all kinds of awesome
Here is a summary of the key points from the interview:
Purpose
Bill's overarching purpose is to create "a world that works for all living things, while civilization thrives"
His core values driving this purpose are kindness, curiosity, and getting things done
Process
Bill is selective about the startups he engages with, looking for those who have done their research and built relationships with relevant investors
He advises startups to connect with leaders of companies that have raised funding from target investors to get warm introductions
People
The founding team is the most important factor - they must be able to convince others to passionately follow them
Startups need a balance of technical/scientific expertise and business/execution skills on the team
Proper founder vesting agreements are critical to align incentives
Partners
Partnerships across the value chain are essential as no single company can do everything
Examples include finding the right manufacturing, sales, and distribution partners
Leveraging the network and expertise of investors as partners is also key
Performance Measures
Bill emphasizes the importance of tracking the right metrics, not just high-level financials
For impact-oriented funds, he looks at concrete outcomes like CO2 equivalent avoided/sequestered
Continuous monitoring of key operational metrics is critical for founders to effectively manage their business
To book a meeting https://calendly.com/andrew-gaule/30min?