VC founder says he doesn't invest based on FOMO. Here are the 4 traits he looks for instead in founders.

Nicolas Sauvage, founder and president of TDK Ventures, has stated that he does not invest based on FOMO. Instead, he looks for four key traits in entrepreneurs. First, Sauvage emphasizes the importance of first-principles thinking. This trait involves recognizing one's own knowledge and ignorance, following evidence instead of consensus, and continuously learning to understand the problem thoroughly before taking action. Sauvage believes this approach is even more critical in today's rapidly changing work environment.

Second, Sauvage values a founder's magnetic quality. He describes it as the ability to attract people to join a venture during uncertain and risky times, while still managing to rally them around the project. This magnetism is crucial as it enables entrepreneurs to win over both investors and customers before a product is even ready. Sauvage emphasizes that no entrepreneur can succeed alone, and being magnetic is a vital superpower for founders.

The third trait Sauvage looks for in founders is having a unique superpower. This could be deep knowledge of a specific area, specialized skills, industry insight, or access to opportunities that others might not be aware of. Sauvage likens it to a superhero movie, where each hero brings distinct strengths to the group. Lastly, Sauvage stresses the importance of strong writing skills in addition to verbal communication.

He believes that clear written communication is essential for scaling a business and building relationships with customers, partners, and investors. As a startup grows, the need for effective written communication becomes increasingly apparent, potentially becoming a bottleneck when the company reaches 100 employees.