Simon Wu brings hands-on M&A and strategy experience from VMware and UBS investment banking to venture investing, giving him a more complete view of how companies are bought, sold, and scaled than many career VCs. He focuses specifically on AI-native fintech companies that own critical infrastructure rather than relying on third parties, and emphasizes distribution and embedded business models as the key differentiators for fintech winners.

• Focused on the practical business implications of artificial intelligence rather than just the hype. Pays close attention to public market comparables and exit multiples, noting a recent shift where markets are rewarding actual fundamentals instead of just AI narratives. This includes analyzing the heavy costs of AI and software tools when building a company today, though expecting those specific expenses to eventually decrease compared to traditional payroll. For instance, when looking at massive aerospace data engine investments, the focus remains squarely on the underlying strategic financial choices and acquisition rights rather than just the technology itself.
• Emphasis on the human element of company building and pragmatic hiring strategies, viewing venture capital fundamentally as a relationship business. Deep interest in how founders build their teams and execute on their vision, specifically advising startups not to wait endlessly for a perfect candidate if it means losing valuable time to opportunity cost. Recommends hiring the right person for the company current stage while continuously leveling up the team skills, noting that dedication and loyalty can take multiple forms as a startup scales.
• Deep interest in customer retention and organic growth strategies for retail and consumer brands facing difficult acquisition markets. Actively advises founders to prioritize their existing user base by offering exclusive subscriptions or membership programs to increase repeat purchasing, pointing to specific successful wellness brands that treat subscriptions like exclusive clubs. Highlights the importance of tracking customer data to understand churn and conversion rates, drawing parallels to successful portfolio investments in the consumer finance space that built exceptional mobile experiences and strong word of mouth communities.