Tim Draper

Tim is one of the most prominent VC's in the world, founding DFJ (now Threshold), Draper Associates, and the Draper Venture Network, a global network of VC funds.

Tim’s investments include Twitter, Tesla, SpaceX, Tumblr, Coinbase, Patreon, Box, Robinhood, Skype, and Cruise.

On morning workouts.

I wake up at 6 and immediately get in a 45-minute workout, either hoops, elliptical, or swimming. I really like unheated pools for swimming, which makes the workout terrifying and invigorating.

In terms of motivating myself to work out every morning, it’s just become a habit, and I know I’ll be grumpy if I don’t work out.

On weekend mornings, I’ll dive into email catch up right away.

On compounding networks.

Build awareness of the industry and companies around you. They might be your competition, but they might also be your partner, your customer, or your next great feature.

When I was first starting out, I built awareness in the venture industry because I was willing to get out there and speak. Marketing is the art of trying a lot of different things. It’s hard work.

On his investment criteria.

The two core founder traits I look for are love and drive for what they’re doing. To get to the root of love for their business, I just start by asking them why they’re doing it.

If they don’t burst out of their chairs, they just aren’t into it enough. In terms of advice, I always tell founders to make it so that your customers love you so much that they become your best sales force.

On his life’s work.

I really don’t take days off. I’m on a mission.

If I had a mission statement, it’s to spread venture and entrepreneurship around the world. It’s evolved from there, of course, but that evolved mission is still in development.

In terms of disconnecting, I might catch the sun once in a while, but I’m only offline when I fly. And when the day is done, I feel good about my progress and sleep like a baby.

On his keystone habits.

Exercise in the morning! And just do what you say you will do. Also, consistently think about what long-term effects result from your decisions.

When prioritizing short and long-term decisions, long-term choices always win out. They’re almost always the harder path.

On Sci-Fi before bed.

It varies because I often go through time change. I try my best to always think, “What time is it here?” Never, “What time is it back home.”

Before going to sleep, I read a lot of Sci-Fi and a variety of classics. Of course, I also recommend my own book The Startup Hero.