Timing is everything when building a startup. It can make the difference between a billion dollar exit and utter failure. Its why one of the most important questions a venture capital investor will ask startups is "why now". What changed about the market that allows you to create significant value and build a hyperscale business NOW. Michael Durance of xiVentures joins me to discuss his successful career in big tech, building successful startups, and VC investor. A theme that runs through our discussion is how market timing impacted his decisions, and how it made building a successful business relatively easy. And how poor timing almost destroyed another. In 1 case, good timing resulted in a +$1 billion exit. And in another case, poor timing resulted in disaster. Michael shares important lessons in how to manage some of the market forces, developments in tech external to your business, and macro conditions are outside our control BUT have a substantial impact on our business. We also discuss his decision to become a VC, how he invests as a former operator, and his investment criteria. This is a truly special episode with a lot of learnings for aspiring entrepreneurs. You won't want to miss it! Michael's LinkedIn xiVentures