20 Years of Gratitude

20 years ago, Phil Black and I sketched an idea on a napkin at a Peet’s coffee off 101. Like so many Founders, we had a dream: a new kind of venture firm.

That napkin means a lot to us, but far more important was the heart we wanted to bring to venture capital. We spent time first on considering and defining our values: curiosity, teamwork, optimism, a love of adventure and risk, purpose, kindness, generosity, and above all, faith in people.

We wanted to build a firm that believed in people.

Last Thursday in San Francisco, we gathered some of the people who made that dream possible. We called the evening “20 Years of Gratitude.” In the room were many of our longest-standing investors, Founders past, present and future, and so many of our family and friends who have created this adventure with us. We were incredibly touched by the turnout: at times the line to get into the event looked like opening day at a Blue Bottle Cafe.

We formed our culture along the way with a series of mantras — sayings that would remind us where we came from, where we hoped to go, and above all to stay on track with respect to the most important things.

We say, “people are everything,” because behind every big idea and new company is a team of people daring to dream of a different world. We believe, “the answer is in the room,” because over two decades we’ve learned the power of collaboration, teamwork and gathering. We know, “the time is now,” because there is an urgency to our work and our time, and we value presence with all others when we are together.

We are the “first to believe” in the dreams of creative Founders. Looking around the room, I was reminded of the moment we first believed in Amy Errett, John Foley, Tod Sacerdoti, Julie Bornstein and so many more.

Last Thursday, we were in a very special room, surrounded by many of the people who are our everything. It was a magical moment of “now” for all who have created True, and all of us are grateful for so many in the room who believed in us first. It also inspires us and drives us for the next many decades to come.

We are grateful to our steadfast investors who funded us when we had no more than an idea on a napkin, and the many who have stayed with us throughout and joined along the way.

We are thankful for the immensity of creativity, commitment, talent and sheer tenacity of our brilliant Founders. We build this firm for them, and we can’t wait to see where they take us next.

We are grateful for the True Team, past, present and future: we have lived life’s highest highs and lowest lows together. The together part means the most to me. Thank you for believing in each other and staying true to one another.

To our families and friends, we have the most gratitude and thanks. Behind every brave Founder are the people whose love helps them show up whole every day. None of this happens without our loved ones.

My late partner Om Malik once said to me, “Jon, your job is to make a Founder’s dream come true.”

Last Thursday evening, we at True were surrounded by those who made this dream come True.

Let’s keep dreaming together.