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Obama hints at a future in VC
 In seven months, Barack Obama will leave the White House as president of the United States. He's going to need a job. In an interview with Bloomberg on June 13, he hinted at the possibility of joining entrepreneurs and venture capitalists in Silicon Valley.
Obama said "had I not gone into politics, I'd probably be starting some kind of business," said Obama. "The skill set of starting my presidential campaigns‐and building the kinds of teams that we did and marketing ideas‐I think would be the same kinds of skills that I would enjoy exercising in the private sector. … The conversations I have with Silicon Valley and with venture capital pull together my interests in science and organization in a way I find really satisfying."
On hearing the news, Valley investors were quick to save the president a spot on Sand Hill Road.
With Obama as investor-in-chief a possibility, we asked prominent venture capitalists if the president had what it takes to do well in the hyper-competitive venture world. Without exception, every firm said Obama would be a natural fit (several extended job offers and invites to "grab coffee"). A few gave some good-natured pointers on what Obama could to do to up his game before his first day.
Few can motivate and mobilize people better than Obama.
The Republic has rarely seen an orator like Obama.
| So true. But I note the distinct lack of adjectives in that sentence. |
Obama's first campaign raised an unprecedented coalition that powers the Democratic party to this day.
Startups demand those same skills to rally founders and employees. Obama's presidential experience building alliances and inspiring entrepreneurs could be invaluable, says Beebe at Obvious Ventures.
| I could also regain the body and energy I had at 25. It isn't likely, but that miracle might yet happen. |
"He's kind of perfect for the job," says Ari Bloom, an investor and CEO of the fashion technology firm Avametric. "He's got experience sitting through presentations that require a translator, he meets with people every day that nobody expects him to remember, and he's kissed a lot of crying babies, so he can definitely work well with founders."
| That is about the most impressive damning with faint praise I've ever seen. |
Pascal Finette at Singularity University also said Obama's decision to finally ditch the Blackberry in favor of a new smartphone was also a sign that he's ready for the Valley.
Posted by: KBK 2016-07-03 |
