David Schneider, General Partner @Coatue: Why the Worst VCs are "Seagull VCs" & VC Value Add - Is it Real?

David Schneider is a General Partner @ Coatue and one of the great operators of the last 20 years. Prior to Coatue, David was instrumental in ServiceNow’s growth to over $100B+ public market value. David led the growth of the company from $100M to $5BN in revenue. Before joining ServiceNow, David held senior positions at Data Domain, the company he joined at $0 in revenue and scaled to $1BN in revenue and an IPO and acquisition.

In Today’s Episode with David Schneider We Discuss:

1. ServiceNow: Secrets to Scaling to $5BN in ARR:

• What are David’s biggest lessons from scaling ServiceNow to $5BN ARR?

• What worked? What did not work?

• What are the most common reasons companies plateau?

• How did ServiceNow roll out so many different products so effectively?

• How did David hire and ramp 180 people in 90 days?

2. From OG Operator to Newbie Investor:

• What have been the single most challenging elements of making the transition to VC?

• What advice did David get from the biggest names on entering venture?

• How long did it take David to do his first deal? What advice does he give other operators entering?

• How does doing deals in 2024 compare to when David started doing deals in 2021?

3. VC Value: Do 90% of VCs Really Damage Companies:

• Does David agree that 90% of VCs actually detract value?

• What does David mean when he says that the worst VCs are “seagull VCs”?

• What are David’s biggest tips to founders on how to get the most out of their board?

• What is enough ownership for David to really give the time needed to a company?

4. Lessons from the Greats: Doug Leone, Bill McDermott, Frank Slootman:

• Doug Leone: What has David learned from Doug on what it takes to be a great investor and board member?

• Frank Slootman: What has David learned from Bill on how to be the best leader of a mega company?

• Bill McDermott: What has David learned from Frank about decision making and execution: