Gen Alpha founders are already pitching VCs. Here's what investors want them to know.
Five venture capitalists told Business Insider their tips for Gen Alpha founders. They discussed AI, social media, and college.
Venture capitalists have shared their insights for the new generation of founders, known as Gen Alpha, who are aged between 12 and 16 years old. These young entrepreneurs are already pitching venture capitalists (VCs) with their ideas, often focusing on AI, social media, and college. The oldest members of Gen Alpha, who were born between 2010 and 2024, have grown up with AI tools, such as ChatGPT, since middle school, using them for various purposes including academic work and product development.
Claire Zau, a partner at Lightspeed, expressed concern about potential cognitive decline in Gen Alpha due to their over-reliance on AI tools. Jake Jolis, a partner at Zeno, believes that the low barriers to entry in the startup world, coupled with their familiarity with AI, will give Gen Alpha a significant advantage. Jolis also encourages young founders to drop out of college if they have a clear plan and existing customers.
However, some VCs advocate for the value of a college education, particularly from prestigious institutions like Stanford, as it provides an environment for cross-pollination of ideas and understanding of diverse perspectives. Sarah Catanzaro, a general partner at Amplify, noted that Gen Alpha founders tend to have a strong work ethic and an advantage in markets where execution matters more than experience.
Jake Jolis suggested that instead of focusing on social media for clout, young founders should prioritize building a strong product.
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