Doug Leone is widely regarded as one of the most influential investors in Silicon Valley and some even call him the godfather of venture capital.

In this interview at Italian Tech Week Doug shares 👇🏼

Overview of the Italian startup ecosystem and its challenges.
His insights on venture capital and international investment in Italy.
Discussion on the focus of Italian startups on local issues versus broader, pan-European problems.
Advice for Italian founders on scaling their companies and attracting international investors.
Key traits that Doug looks for in successful founders, including intelligence and grit.
The importance of firsthand experience with the problem being solved by founders.
The need for a systemic approach to nurturing technical talent in Italy.
Encouragement for networking beyond Italy to learn from other entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Comparison of risk-taking cultures in Silicon Valley and Italy.
Optimism for the future of the Italian startup ecosystem if founders adopt a broader vision.