TLDR:
- Mike Maples Jr. invests in overlooked startups that challenge norms and adopt novel tactics
- He looks for potential ‘Thunder Lizards’ in their infancy, focusing on growth potential and market position
Mike Maples Jr. is a respected early-stage venture capitalist and angel investor who specializes in nurturing overlooked startups. Known for his unique investment approach, he has successfully backed companies like Twitter, Twitch, Lyft, and Bazaarvoice. Maples co-authored a book called “Pattern Breakers” which delves into his investment philosophy, focusing on identifying ‘Thunder Lizards’; companies that disrupt capitalist norms. Despite the challenges of spotting these potential winners, Maples uses his experience and business acumen to differentiate them from the pack. He believes that the most successful startups are those that break from the norm and adopt innovative strategies that drive industry change. Maples emphasizes the importance of an innovative spirit over funding for a startup’s success. While he has missed opportunities like Airbnb, Maples attributes his investment successes to factors like luck, intuition, timing, and technological advancements.
