The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch 20VC: Shervin Pishevar on The Epic Uber War and What Really Happened in the Firing of Travis Kalanick | Raising $15BN to Win China | Why The Traditional Venture Capital Model is Dead | The Future of Quantum and How We Will Cure All Diseases in 10 Years
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Jan 13, 2025 
Shervin Pishevar, a serial entrepreneur and early investor in Uber and Warby Parker, shares captivating insights about the tumultuous journey of Uber. He discusses his pivotal role in securing billion-dollar deals and the fierce rivalry with Lyft. Pishevar delves into the $15 billion raise that fueled Uber's expansion in China and the internal chaos leading to leadership changes. He also speculates on the future of quantum computing and its potential to revolutionize healthcare and eradicate diseases, painting an optimistic vision for humanity.
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Kalanick's Ousting and Lawsuit
- Benchmark and other early investors pressured Kalanick to resign following his mother's death.
- Pishevar countersued Benchmark to protect Kalanick's board seats, winning the case.
Smear Campaign and Investigation
- Pishevar spent millions investigating the smear campaign against him, uncovering Fusion GPS's involvement.
- They fabricated a police report to damage his reputation during the MeToo movement.
Shift in Silicon Valley Culture
- The influx of political operatives and private equity into Silicon Valley post-2015 disrupted the meritocratic culture.
- This led to a "drunken period" of overvaluation and unsustainable business models.