Prediction certainty 4/5 debate potential 2/5

a16z Growth uses 5-7 year horizons to absorb entry valuation errors

David George · 20VC: a16z's David George on Leading a16z's Growth Fund Today, The Biggest Misconceptions of Growth Investing, How a16z Think Through Portfolio Construction, Investment Decision-Making and Scenario Planning & How The Entrance of New Players Has Changed Th · Jul 19, 2021 · at 16:48

David George, General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), explains how extended holding periods mitigate high entry multiples in growth-stage investing.

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“So we think in five to seven year terms and try not to worry if we're off by a year or two on the valuation, like that's a risk that I'm willing to take.”

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Disclosure
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