"Great founders look five years ahead and work backwards."
Conviction beats consensus when the market is still forming. The best founders describe a future state in present tense — and then make it boring to get there.
VDVandon DuongPartner · DCVC"Great founders look five years ahead and work backwards."
Conviction beats consensus when the market is still forming. The best founders describe a future state in present tense — and then make it boring to get there.
VDVandon DuongPartner · DCVCFrom the event
Stanford Founders Demo Day · May 7, 2026 · Hosted by Sophie Ren
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