Sir Michael Moritz on ‘Auslander,’ Identity and Life as an Outsider
Summary
Kara Swisher interviews Sir Michael Moritz, the legendary Sequoia investor and former Time journalist, about his new memoir, Auslander. They discuss his unconventional path into venture capital, including his early investments in Google and Yahoo, and how his background as a journalist shaped his perspective. The conversation delves into Moritz’s family history of escaping Nazi Germany, the trauma passed down through generations, and the parallels he draws between historical authoritarianism and the current political climate in the US. They also address the complex dynamics of Silicon Valle…
Topics discussed
Introduction: Michael Moritz's career and new book
Sponsorships and show intros (Odu, Happy Hour, Bird Is The Word)
Early journalism career and entry into Silicon Valley
Investing in Google and the free service model
Researching family history and the Holocaust
Grandfather's faith in institutions and betrayal
The concept of the 'Auslander' or outsider
Sponsorships and political commentary (Gen Z, 11 Labs, Built)
Trump's rise and the hollowing of institutions
Tech leaders, collusion, and political accountability
Lessons from the book: passports and minority status
Shifting views on Israel and the Gaza conflict
Silicon Valley's aggression and personal psyche
Sponsorships (Grounes, AI safety, Monday Music Club)
San Francisco: staying, giving back, and the competition
Responsibility of the wealthy and holding sector accountable
The state of venture capital and the establishment
Legacy, insignificance, and closing credits
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