Looking back at my January 2023 post about "The Great Reset," I'm struck by both what I got right and what none of us saw coming. Yes, I along with most everyone else predicted the return to fundamentals, the emphasis on unit economics, and the rationalization of valuations. What I didn't fully grasp was that we weren't just resetting - we were standing at the precipice of a complete reinvention. The "bumpy ride" I predicted turned out to be more of a violent shakeout followed by an explosive renaissance. The venture capital industry didn't just correct; it metamorphosed.

As we enter 2025, the venture capital landscape continues its reset, shaped by the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and the lessons learned from the market conditions of 2024. In this blog post, I examine the emerging trends and key takeaways that I believe will define the year ahead for both investors and startup founders.

In the fast-paced world of startups, a new era is upon us—a return to the "grinder" CEO. This is not the passive figurehead basking in the glory of on-camera media interviews, guided Ayahuasca trips and unicorn valuations - while letting teams handle the dirty work. No, this is the CEO who rolls up their sleeves, digs into the trenches, and hustles harder than anyone else on the team.