Knowing whether or not to invest in a startup isn’t easy – it’s a skill that makes VCs like Zal Bilimoria extremely valuable. And Zal, the co-founder and solo GP of seed-stage VC firm Refactor Capital, is leveraging his knowledge to build a portfolio of human and planetary health-focused startups merging profits, sustainability, and technology.
Zal honed his skills and eye for the market working for tech industry giants like Microsoft and Google through pivotal moments in their history, and even created a new role for himself at Netflix, pioneering their dedicated mobile platform, before turning his hand to investing at a16z. It was there that he recognized his passion for health, biotech, and other impact-oriented industries, and in 2016, Zal struck out on his own to launch Refactor Capital. The firm has since invested in over 100 companies – four of which have gone on to reach unicorn status – and recently finished raising its fourth $50M fund.
Hear Zal share key insights from his time at tech and VC behemoths, the importance of believing in founders over ideas, and which startups and technologies could literally change the world for the better.
Episode Highlights:
- 00:00 Zal Bilimoria on super responsiveness
- 00:44 Conor Gaughan introduces Zal and Refactor Capital
- 07:03 Early passion for computers, UPenn, and Microsoft
- 11:36 Google, head of mobile at Netflix, and product management
- 18:05 Biotech and health, angel investing, and shifting investment strategy
- 21:49 Launching Refactor Capital, being a solo GP, and hard tech
- 28:47 Getting deals done, communication, and managing portfolios
- 36:20 Aligning profit and impact, exciting tech, and sci-fi vs science reality
- 42:53 Climate tech and human health, urgency, and Checkerspot
- 47:42 Aether Biomachines, founder dinners, and entrepreneurship
- 52:15 Leaving a legacy and defeating defeatism
- 56:01 Conclusion and end credits
If you liked this episode, listen next to Pavle Jeremic of Aether Biomachines on Rearranging Atoms, Scaling Deep Tech, and Defeating Scarcity
More on Refactor Capital and Zal Bilimoria:
Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone
Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference!
Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.
Popular Podcasts
Boysober
Have you ever wondered what life might be like if you stopped worrying about being wanted, and focused on understanding what you actually want? That was the question Hope Woodard asked herself after a string of situationships inspired her to take a break from sex and dating. She went "boysober," a personal concept that sparked a global movement among women looking to prioritize themselves over men. Now, Hope is looking to expand the ways we explore our relationship to relationships. Taking a bold, unfiltered look into modern love, romance, and self-discovery, Boysober will dive into messy stories about dating, sex, love, friendship, and breaking generational patterns—all with humor, vulnerability, and a fresh perspective.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com