34: Hem Suri (Spark Growth Ventures)

Hem Suri is Founder & Managing Partner of Spark Growth Ventures, a community-driven venture capital firm. For the past two decades, Hem has been an operator, executive, board member, investor, and advisor. While we talk about startups and venture capital, we also reflect on living a meaningful life and supporting those around you.

In this episode, we cover Hem's background, his introduction to startups, working at large companies and funds, starting his own unique fund, betting on yourself, and advice to young entrepreneurs. Hem has been a trusted advisor to me personally, so I want to thank him for his guidance throughout the years.

GUEST

Hem Suri LinkedIn
Hem Suri Crunchbase
Spark GV Website
Spark GV LinkedIn

PODCAST

Safa Mahzari
Patreon
Alluxo Website

HEM'S FAVORITE READS

"The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" by Robin Sharma
"Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell
"Illiad" and "Odyssey" by Homer
"Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand
"Sapiens" by Yuval Noah Harari
"The Almanack of Naval Ravikant" by Eric Jorgenson

RESOURCES

The Paradox of Hedonism

TERMS

M&A = mergers and acquisitions
PE = private equity
KKR = Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
EVP = executive vice president
VC = venture capital
LP = limited partner
GP = general partner
CAC = customer acquisition cost
LTV = lifetime value
Churn = the number people who stop using your product

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Episode intro
1:18 - Hem's background
16:06 - Doing more with your life
35:33 - What makes Spark unique?
56:14 - Who should raise VC money?
1:08:32 - Wrap up and final thoughts