Field Notes, a new video podcast series by a16z, explores the business models and behaviors that are changing consumer technology.
In this episode, host Connie Chan talks with Chris Schroeder, an entrepreneur and global investor who specializes in emerging markets. They discuss the developing markets that are often overlooked by Silicon Valley, the worldwide impact of AI, the local distinguishing factors that are most important to understand when exploring a new market, and how Schroeder develops "pattern recognition" to predict which founders and businesses will succeed.
0:00 Intro 2:40 Common themes in emerging markets 4:05 Effective go-to-market strategies 6:15 Momentum and scale 7:45 Is there such a thing as too much capital? 10:15 Standout founder traits 11:18 Expansion into new markets 14:45 The "Careem" effect 16:13 The "wrong" kind of angel investor 21:19 Interesting business models 23:15 Importance of fintech and payments 25:07 AI's global impact
