In 30 seconds
Petersen explains why he considers founders with difficult histories while emphasizing investigation of potential ethical failures.
- 1MotivationPetersen values a founder’s drive.
- 2Due diligenceHe says ethical conduct requires scrutiny.
- 3ExampleHe gives his interpretation of a founder’s history.
Takeaways
- He sees comeback motivation as valuable.
- Other investors may overlook some founders.
- He says ethical history needs scrutiny.
Read the edited text by chapter
A comeback motivation
Investor Ryan Petersen says he looks at founders with difficult histories because a desire for a comeback can be a powerful motivation.
Investor Ryan Petersen says he looks at founders with difficult histories because a desire for a comeback can be a powerful motivation.
Investigating the history
He argues that founders overlooked by other investors may offer a contrarian opportunity, but says investors should examine whether a serious ethical failure harmed others.
He argues that founders overlooked by other investors may offer a contrarian opportunity, but says investors should examine whether a serious ethical failure harmed others.
Petersen says a talented founder who is overlooked can be compelling if the investor understands the circumstances and is comfortable with them.
He cites Parker Conrad as an example and offers his own favorable interpretation of Conrad’s departure from Zenefits and later work at Rippling. This is Petersen’s perspective on a contested history.
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