StarZero All shows Try the podcast clipper →

Mar 1, 2022 · 45m · news

How I Built a Twitter Audience of 500K+ in 18 Months | Sahil Bloom Full Interview · 20VC with Harry Stebbings

Sahil Bloom · 32m spoken Harry Stebbings · 9m spoken
0:00 / 0:00
▶ Watch on YouTube →

gold bands on the timeline = statements, start to end. Hover to read, click to jump. CC turns on captions

In this interview on the 20VC podcast, host Harry Stebbings speaks with Sahil Bloom about his rapid rise as a content creator, the launch of his $10 million venture fund SRB Ventures, and his unique philosophy on engineering luck, media distribution, and modern venture capital.

How this conversation actually went

Every chapter scored 0–10 on four independent dynamics. Hover any point for the reasoning behind the score. Harry holds 23.1% of the talking time here. How this is scored →

Harry as informed peer 3.4 Guest teaching 3.0 Guest disagreement 1.6 Harry pushing back 2.6
05100:0015:0030:0045:000:10–3:07 · Harry as informed peer 1/10 Origins, Private Equity, and Career Advice Harry opens with warm rapport and asks Sahil about his transition from private equity to online writing. Sahil outlines his background and offers career advice on finding one's 'zone of genius'. The dynamic is friendly and conversational with no disagreement.3:07–5:35 · Harry as informed peer 2/10 Twitter Audience Growth and Content Strategy Sahil explains his content strategy and audience compounding dynamics on Twitter. Harry agrees and relates to the experience of cringing at past work as a podcaster. The exchange remains highly collaborative and supportive.5:35–11:45 · Harry as informed peer 5/10 Announcing SRB Ventures and Investment Strategy Sahil announces SRB Ventures, and Harry probes into fund mechanics including legal LP caps, check sizing, and managing founder expectations. Harry demonstrates strong industry knowledge around micro-funds while pressing Sahil on how he will handle portfolio deployment.11:45–18:44 · Harry as informed peer 7/10 The Changing Venture Capital Landscape and Solo Capitalist Strategy Harry demonstrates deep venture expertise by dissecting VC ownership stakes and challenging traditional firm content strategies. Harry directly pushes back on Sahil's claim that he wants to stay small, though Sahil maintains his stance on small check sizing.18:44–25:09 · Harry as informed peer 3/10 Work Ethic, Highs & Lows, and Engineering Luck Harry asks Sahil about his internal drive, handling emotional swings, and engineering luck. Sahil shares personal stories about his background, his chip on his shoulder, and meeting Tim Cook at the gym.25:09–33:04 · Harry as informed peer 3/10 Lessons from Tim Cook and the Twitter Writing Process Harry and Sahil discuss writing workflows and Twitter analytics rules. Sahil details his Notion-based content engine and how he copes with negative online feedback, maintaining a reflective and friendly tone.33:04–45:31 · Harry as informed peer 3/10 Life, Ambition, Parenting, and the Quick-Fire Finale Harry asks whether family life reduces ambition, prompting Sahil to reframe hard work around holistic self-care. They conclude with a lighthearted quick-fire round on books, fitness routines, and investment choices.0:10–3:07 · Guest teaching 2/10 Origins, Private Equity, and Career Advice Harry opens with warm rapport and asks Sahil about his transition from private equity to online writing. Sahil outlines his background and offers career advice on finding one's 'zone of genius'. The dynamic is friendly and conversational with no disagreement.3:07–5:35 · Guest teaching 3/10 Twitter Audience Growth and Content Strategy Sahil explains his content strategy and audience compounding dynamics on Twitter. Harry agrees and relates to the experience of cringing at past work as a podcaster. The exchange remains highly collaborative and supportive.5:35–11:45 · Guest teaching 3/10 Announcing SRB Ventures and Investment Strategy Sahil announces SRB Ventures, and Harry probes into fund mechanics including legal LP caps, check sizing, and managing founder expectations. Harry demonstrates strong industry knowledge around micro-funds while pressing Sahil on how he will handle portfolio deployment.11:45–18:44 · Guest teaching 4/10 The Changing Venture Capital Landscape and Solo Capitalist Strategy Harry demonstrates deep venture expertise by dissecting VC ownership stakes and challenging traditional firm content strategies. Harry directly pushes back on Sahil's claim that he wants to stay small, though Sahil maintains his stance on small check sizing.18:44–25:09 · Guest teaching 3/10 Work Ethic, Highs & Lows, and Engineering Luck Harry asks Sahil about his internal drive, handling emotional swings, and engineering luck. Sahil shares personal stories about his background, his chip on his shoulder, and meeting Tim Cook at the gym.25:09–33:04 · Guest teaching 3/10 Lessons from Tim Cook and the Twitter Writing Process Harry and Sahil discuss writing workflows and Twitter analytics rules. Sahil details his Notion-based content engine and how he copes with negative online feedback, maintaining a reflective and friendly tone.33:04–45:31 · Guest teaching 3/10 Life, Ambition, Parenting, and the Quick-Fire Finale Harry asks whether family life reduces ambition, prompting Sahil to reframe hard work around holistic self-care. They conclude with a lighthearted quick-fire round on books, fitness routines, and investment choices.0:10–3:07 · Guest disagreement 1/10 Origins, Private Equity, and Career Advice Harry opens with warm rapport and asks Sahil about his transition from private equity to online writing. Sahil outlines his background and offers career advice on finding one's 'zone of genius'. The dynamic is friendly and conversational with no disagreement.3:07–5:35 · Guest disagreement 1/10 Twitter Audience Growth and Content Strategy Sahil explains his content strategy and audience compounding dynamics on Twitter. Harry agrees and relates to the experience of cringing at past work as a podcaster. The exchange remains highly collaborative and supportive.5:35–11:45 · Guest disagreement 2/10 Announcing SRB Ventures and Investment Strategy Sahil announces SRB Ventures, and Harry probes into fund mechanics including legal LP caps, check sizing, and managing founder expectations. Harry demonstrates strong industry knowledge around micro-funds while pressing Sahil on how he will handle portfolio deployment.11:45–18:44 · Guest disagreement 3/10 The Changing Venture Capital Landscape and Solo Capitalist Strategy Harry demonstrates deep venture expertise by dissecting VC ownership stakes and challenging traditional firm content strategies. Harry directly pushes back on Sahil's claim that he wants to stay small, though Sahil maintains his stance on small check sizing.18:44–25:09 · Guest disagreement 1/10 Work Ethic, Highs & Lows, and Engineering Luck Harry asks Sahil about his internal drive, handling emotional swings, and engineering luck. Sahil shares personal stories about his background, his chip on his shoulder, and meeting Tim Cook at the gym.25:09–33:04 · Guest disagreement 1/10 Lessons from Tim Cook and the Twitter Writing Process Harry and Sahil discuss writing workflows and Twitter analytics rules. Sahil details his Notion-based content engine and how he copes with negative online feedback, maintaining a reflective and friendly tone.33:04–45:31 · Guest disagreement 2/10 Life, Ambition, Parenting, and the Quick-Fire Finale Harry asks whether family life reduces ambition, prompting Sahil to reframe hard work around holistic self-care. They conclude with a lighthearted quick-fire round on books, fitness routines, and investment choices.0:10–3:07 · Harry pushing back 1/10 Origins, Private Equity, and Career Advice Harry opens with warm rapport and asks Sahil about his transition from private equity to online writing. Sahil outlines his background and offers career advice on finding one's 'zone of genius'. The dynamic is friendly and conversational with no disagreement.3:07–5:35 · Harry pushing back 1/10 Twitter Audience Growth and Content Strategy Sahil explains his content strategy and audience compounding dynamics on Twitter. Harry agrees and relates to the experience of cringing at past work as a podcaster. The exchange remains highly collaborative and supportive.5:35–11:45 · Harry pushing back 3/10 Announcing SRB Ventures and Investment Strategy Sahil announces SRB Ventures, and Harry probes into fund mechanics including legal LP caps, check sizing, and managing founder expectations. Harry demonstrates strong industry knowledge around micro-funds while pressing Sahil on how he will handle portfolio deployment.11:45–18:44 · Harry pushing back 6/10 The Changing Venture Capital Landscape and Solo Capitalist Strategy Harry demonstrates deep venture expertise by dissecting VC ownership stakes and challenging traditional firm content strategies. Harry directly pushes back on Sahil's claim that he wants to stay small, though Sahil maintains his stance on small check sizing.18:44–25:09 · Harry pushing back 2/10 Work Ethic, Highs & Lows, and Engineering Luck Harry asks Sahil about his internal drive, handling emotional swings, and engineering luck. Sahil shares personal stories about his background, his chip on his shoulder, and meeting Tim Cook at the gym.25:09–33:04 · Harry pushing back 2/10 Lessons from Tim Cook and the Twitter Writing Process Harry and Sahil discuss writing workflows and Twitter analytics rules. Sahil details his Notion-based content engine and how he copes with negative online feedback, maintaining a reflective and friendly tone.33:04–45:31 · Harry pushing back 3/10 Life, Ambition, Parenting, and the Quick-Fire Finale Harry asks whether family life reduces ambition, prompting Sahil to reframe hard work around holistic self-care. They conclude with a lighthearted quick-fire round on books, fitness routines, and investment choices.

speaking balance: gold is Harry, purple is the guest (3 minute bins)

0:00 · Harry 28.4% · guest 71.6%0:00 · Harry 28.4% · guest 71.6%3:00 · Harry 19.2% · guest 80.8%3:00 · Harry 19.2% · guest 80.8%6:00 · Harry 21.7% · guest 78.3%6:00 · Harry 21.7% · guest 78.3%9:00 · Harry 21.1% · guest 78.9%9:00 · Harry 21.1% · guest 78.9%12:00 · Harry 13.7% · guest 86.3%12:00 · Harry 13.7% · guest 86.3%15:00 · Harry 34% · guest 66%15:00 · Harry 34% · guest 66%18:00 · Harry 10.7% · guest 89.3%18:00 · Harry 10.7% · guest 89.3%21:00 · Harry 27.7% · guest 72.3%21:00 · Harry 27.7% · guest 72.3%24:00 · Harry 21.4% · guest 78.6%24:00 · Harry 21.4% · guest 78.6%27:00 · Harry 26.3% · guest 73.7%27:00 · Harry 26.3% · guest 73.7%30:00 · Harry 13.2% · guest 86.8%30:00 · Harry 13.2% · guest 86.8%33:00 · Harry 35.1% · guest 64.9%33:00 · Harry 35.1% · guest 64.9%36:00 · Harry 13.7% · guest 86.3%36:00 · Harry 13.7% · guest 86.3%39:00 · Harry 30% · guest 70%39:00 · Harry 30% · guest 70%42:00 · Harry 29.5% · guest 70.5%42:00 · Harry 29.5% · guest 70.5%45:00 · Harry 30.7% · guest 69.3%45:00 · Harry 30.7% · guest 69.3%
Sharpest disagreement ▶ 17:14 Rejection of fund scaling premise

When Harry insists that Sahil secretly wants to raise larger funds and lead rounds, Sahil firmly rejects the premise, asserting he will remain focused on small checks and collaborative strategy.

 Hardest push from Harry ▶ 17:14 Challenging the 'staying small' narrative

Harry explicitly refuses Sahil's claim of wanting to stay small, calling out his competitive drive and pushing him to reveal his actual grand plans.

 Biggest teaching moment ▶ 16:08 Venture landscape reframe

Sahil corrects Harry's summary about traditional VC decline, reframing the trend as capital decentralization across a distributed ecosystem rather than the death of traditional funds.

 Harry holds his own ▶ 15:24 Detailed VC ownership breakdown

Harry showcases deep industry domain knowledge by articulating ownership compression from 15% down to 7.5% and explaining the division of post-investment support duties between legacy VCs and solo GPs.
the scores for every segment, with the reasoning behind each
ChapterTopicHarry as informed peerGuest teachingGuest disagreementHarry pushing backWhy
Origins, Private Equity, and Career Advice 1211 Harry opens with warm rapport and asks Sahil about his transition from private equity to online writing. Sahil outlines his background and offers career advice on finding one's 'zone of genius'. The dynamic is friendly and conversational with no disagreement.
Twitter Audience Growth and Content Strategy 2311 Sahil explains his content strategy and audience compounding dynamics on Twitter. Harry agrees and relates to the experience of cringing at past work as a podcaster. The exchange remains highly collaborative and supportive.
Announcing SRB Ventures and Investment Strategy 5323 Sahil announces SRB Ventures, and Harry probes into fund mechanics including legal LP caps, check sizing, and managing founder expectations. Harry demonstrates strong industry knowledge around micro-funds while pressing Sahil on how he will handle portfolio deployment.
The Changing Venture Capital Landscape and Solo Capitalist Strategy 7436 Harry demonstrates deep venture expertise by dissecting VC ownership stakes and challenging traditional firm content strategies. Harry directly pushes back on Sahil's claim that he wants to stay small, though Sahil maintains his stance on small check sizing.
Work Ethic, Highs & Lows, and Engineering Luck 3312 Harry asks Sahil about his internal drive, handling emotional swings, and engineering luck. Sahil shares personal stories about his background, his chip on his shoulder, and meeting Tim Cook at the gym.
Lessons from Tim Cook and the Twitter Writing Process 3312 Harry and Sahil discuss writing workflows and Twitter analytics rules. Sahil details his Notion-based content engine and how he copes with negative online feedback, maintaining a reflective and friendly tone.
Life, Ambition, Parenting, and the Quick-Fire Finale 3323 Harry asks whether family life reduces ambition, prompting Sahil to reframe hard work around holistic self-care. They conclude with a lighthearted quick-fire round on books, fitness routines, and investment choices.

Statements from this episode (10)

Assertion Supported
Sahil Bloom started posting on Twitter in May 2020
“It's actually twenty-twenty. I didn't start sharing things on Twitter until May of twenty-twenty. I had like a few hundred followers at the time”
Sahil Bloom Mar 1, 2022 ▶ 0:47
Assertion Partly supported
Sahil Bloom gained his second 100K Twitter followers in just 45 days
“The first 100,000 took, I don't know, eight, nine months. And then I think I've grown a 100,000 in the last. 45 days or 50 days.”
Sahil Bloom Mar 1, 2022 ▶ 4:46
Disclosure
Sahil Bloom announces his debut $10 million fund, SRB Ventures
“I'll be announcing my first venture fund. It's called SRB Ventures. SRB are my initials, Sahil Ready Bloom, a ten million dollar debut fund anchored by some amazing people and with participation from a bunch of people that I really really, really admire and ha…”
Sahil Bloom Mar 1, 2022 ▶ 5:45
Prediction Held up
SRB Ventures will write checks between $50,000 and $250,000
“50 will be the smallest I would do. I, you know, I think everything will probably fall into the 50 to two 50 range with, you know, two 50 coming at probably like series B type rounds and smaller checks into earlier higher risk things. But I think 50 will end u…”
Sahil Bloom Mar 1, 2022 ▶ 7:57
Disclosure
SRB Ventures made an early investment in short-term rental platform Wander
“One of the companies, one of the first investments out of the fund is this business wander. QED and red point were leading the series a very cool short-term rental vertically integrated platform.”
Sahil Bloom Mar 1, 2022 ▶ 10:01
Prediction Not checkable as stated
Sahil Bloom predicts mid-sized venture funds will face severe survival pressure
“The middle of this landscape that exists here is going to be challenged. And I think what it leads to is maybe not the death of the middle. It's going to be a survival of the fittest though, where they have to, and will be forced to figure out what their true …”
Sahil Bloom Mar 1, 2022 ▶ 13:16
Opinion
Sahil Bloom calls Andreessen Horowitz the benchmark for venture media strategy
“I think Andreessen is probably the best example of a firm who has done this well. Well, you know, they created Future, which is almost like a standalone media entity, and they're trying to really, think thoughtfully about having that as a real media platform”
Sahil Bloom Mar 1, 2022 ▶ 15:07
Prediction Didn’t hold up
Harry Stebbings predicts traditional VC round ownership will drop to 7.5%
“The days where they could take 15% are gone. It will be a new generation where they take seven and a half percent. Bluntly, alongside people like me and you taking seven and a half percent.”
Harry Stebbings Mar 1, 2022 ▶ 15:34
Disclosure
Sahil Bloom reveals Apple CEO Tim Cook is a financial backer
“He's become an amazing mentor. He's a backer of mine has taught me a lot”
Sahil Bloom Mar 1, 2022 ▶ 24:46
Insight
Harry Stebbings advises new creators to target a narrow Twitter niche
“I also think like focus on a niche in the early days, like find a hundred people who love it and it could be building cohesion between product design teams and customer support teams and just tweet about that, but make them love you.”
Harry Stebbings Mar 1, 2022 ▶ 44:28

Shorts cut from this episode

▶ How Sahil Bloom's parents shaped his life 👨‍👩‍👦 #shorts · (@19:14) ▶ Sahil Bloom's Biggest Insecurity · 20VC with Harry Stebbings (@20:05) ▶ What makes Tim Cook special · 20VC with Harry Stebbings (@25:25) ▶ How to know you found THE ONE - Sahil Bloom · 20VC with Harr (@36:09)
Made with StarZero

Turn any episode into a week of clips.

This entire site, over 1,200 episodes transcribed, diarized, checked and made playable, runs on the StarZero media pipeline. Drop in your own episode and the podcast clipper finds the moments worth sharing, cuts them, captions them, and reframes them for every feed.

Try the podcast clipper Learn more