From Start-Up to Grown-Up #105 Randy Komisar— Legendary Kleiner Perkins Investor Shares the 3 “Whys” Every Founder Must Answer (Encore)
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Nov 18, 2025 
Randy Komisar, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor at Kleiner Perkins, shares invaluable insights from his impressive career. He recounts transforming a challenging interview with Neil Young into a success by ditching the script. Randy also discusses the influence of his gambler father on his ability to read people, and highlights crucial signs to detect lies in entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and shares the three ‘whys’ every founder must answer: why this, why you, and why now. A must-listen for aspiring founders!
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Saying Yes To An Unknown Adventure
- Bill Campbell knocked on Randy's door and asked him to co-found a new venture without titles or comp details. Randy said yes immediately and called it the best decision of his life.
Character Made A Legendary Coach
- Bill Campbell became Silicon Valley's legendary coach because his character, grit, and team-first ethos resonated with tech founders who lacked that background. He evoked people's best selves and set a standard for relational leadership.
Design A Role Around Your Strengths
- Randy realized he preferred the creative 'dancing' parts of building companies over the managerial 'marching.' He designed a role as a virtual CEO to focus on innovation and talent development without full-time CEO burdens.
