Geoff Yang preparing to ring the bell at NASDAQ.
(Photo by Johnny Nunez via GettyImages)
With the Paris 2024 Olympics here, billions of passionate sports fans are tuning into the games—none more passionate than Geoff Yang. As Chairman of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation, the Co-Founder of the venture capital firm Redpoint Ventures celebrates podium finishes for Team USA as much as the latest unicorn. I recently spoke with Geoff to discuss his passion for the Olympics, growing Redpoint into a venture capital giant, and more.
Since co-founding Redpoint in 1999, Yang has emerged as one of America’s leading venture capitalists, backing companies like Arista, Juniper Networks, Mistral AI, Netflix, Poolside, Ramp, Snowflake, Stripe and Twilio. When he’s not making his next big investment or appearing on CNBC, Yang still finds time to watch a game or play a round of golf.
Dominic Ng: As a Redpoint co-founder and partner, what do you look for in the companies you back? Is there an underlying investment philosophy?
Geoff Yang: There are obviously many different factors to consider—not only in terms of the broader macroeconomic context, but also differences between industries. The artificial intelligence space is very different from online commerce or telecommunications, and so on. However, we generally look for three things: A bold, broad vision; a relevant, large market; and a visionary entrepreneur with passion and credibility in that market. If we trust the entrepreneur to build a strong team that can execute his or her vision for the company, we are more likely to invest.
Dominic Ng: Are you still optimistic about America’s economic potential?
Geoff Yang: While I always try to look at the positives, I am particularly positive on opportunities for start-up technologies in the U.S. We have the strongest, most resilient economy of any major country in the world. We have a culture of entrepreneurship and a bold frontier mentality to change the world for the better. And we have the deepest, most innovative thinkers in the technologies that matter, namely AI, computing, communications, bio sciences, space, mobile devices and autonomous systems. Our prospects have never been better.
Dominic Ng: Do any particular industries stand out today?
Geoff Yang: Artificial intelligence is top of mind right now. AI provides a very large and vibrant opportunity for investors. AI is a defining wave that is arguably as big, if not bigger, than the Internet or mobile wave. It has the ability to disrupt virtually every industry that has an IP component. Ten or 15 years from now, I think we won’t remember life without AI as a major part of our daily lives. It is creating unprecedented opportunities, and young entrepreneurs are bringing really innovative ideas to the table.
Dominic Ng: Outside of Redpoint, what keeps you busy?
Geoff Yang: “Busy” is the best way to put it — I don’t have much down time. I serve on various boards in a variety of industries, including Redpoint portfolio companies, plus Warner Brothers Discovery, Franklin Templeton Investments, Apeiron.Life, Esquel Group, and SakeOno.
We all have opportunities to make a positive impact based on our passions, and I have been very fortunate in that regard. As someone who loves to play and watch sports, I am so blessed to Chair the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation to support Team USA, while also serving on the Advisory Board for McLaren Racing. I’ve also worked with the United States Golf Association and U.S. Ski and Snowboarding. It’s a lot of fun to be around some of the world’s best athletes who want to achieve their dreams to play at the Masters or win Olympic gold for the first time.
Geoff Yang and LL Cool J ringing the bell at NASDAQ.
(Photo by Johnny Nunez via GettyImages)
Dominic Ng: You mentioned Rock the Bells. Can you explain what that is?
Geoff Yang: It’s a Los Angeles-based company that I co-founded with hip-hop legend, LL Cool J. Hip-hop is an incredible mainstream culture, which goes way beyond music. We are trying to honor that culture, especially the contributions from early hip-hop artists like LL Cool J. It is also important to break down silos for the next generation of musicians who want to have a voice in the mainstream, so Rock the Bells hopes to carry on a legacy of inclusion. Last year, LL Cool J and I actually rang the NASDAQ opening bell in honor of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, which was a very unique experience and shows just how culturally significant the hip-hop genre has become.
Dominic Ng: Going back to sports, what are you most passionate about?
Geoff Yang: Sports are basically my first love, and they still bring out the inner child. Watching Steph Curry change the game as a shooter and win championships in-person, cheering on the New York Giants, analyzing a McLaren pit stop, playing U.S. Open venues—athletic competition is a key part of my identity.
Golf is a fascinating microcosm of life: The ups and downs, the importance of focus and patience, the ability to look ahead to the next challenge. If you just missed a putt and need to read the green better or you eagled your last hole, you’re starting from scratch at the next tee box. And there’s a lesson to be learned: Whether you’re considering a new investment, trying to break 70, or sprinting 100 meters in Paris, we should all look forward to the next frontier.