Paige Finn DohertyFounding Partner, Behind Genius · Founding Partner at Behind Genius Ventures

which investors had a profound impact on Alda Leu Dennis's career?

30 Aug 2022 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

0:47

In this interview excerpt, the host asks Alda Leu Dennis which investors, founders, or past contacts have most profoundly impacted her investment style. Dennis highlights Peter Thiel as the primary influence, noting that she worked for him early in her career as general counsel at Founders Fund and also at his hedge fund. She explains that exposure to Thiel’s mindset instilled a contrarian approach, prompting her to seek out sectors that are overlooked or have "white space" where significant opportunities exist. The conversation underscores the importance of mentorship and philosophical alignment in shaping her investment philosophy.

Digging into your investment style in particular, who would you say are the people, whether investors, founders, people from your past, who have had the most profound impact on your investment approach?
Well, it would be hard to not point to Peter Thiel, who I worked for early on in my career, as you mentioned, the general counsel at Founders Fund. I also worked at his hedge fund. And, you know, everyone who worked for Peter sort of heard a lot about and I was sort of inundated with the concept of trying to be a little bit contrarian with our thinking. And you'll, you'll see allusions to that when I talk about sectors that are ignored. And because, you know, where there is white space, I think that there is often a lot of opportunity.
I love that. Anyone else that you want to mention in that, or specifically Peter?