Jason Calacanis: Greatest Angel Investor
Quick Facts:
- Advisor to Elon Musk, Executive at Twitter. Greatest Angel Investor & Bestselling Author. Host of This Week In Startups
- Jason Calacanis is a member of the trusted inner circle for Elon Musk and possibly the next CEO of Twitter.
- Jason authored the best-selling book Angel: How to Invest in Technology Startups: Timeless Advice from an Angel Investor Who Turned $100,000 into $100,000,000.
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- **Fee range: $75,001 - $100,000
Keynote Topics
COLD HARD LESSONS FROM SILICON VALLEY
- What does it take to create a successful tech company?
- And how do you know if a tech company is worth investing in?
From the dot.com boom to his top podcast This Week in Startups, Jason has been an observer of what it takes to succeed in Silicon Valley.
He has invested in over 300 companies, with several of them being valued at over 1 billion dollars.
In this talk based on his career as an angel investor, Jason will share the cold hard lessons of Silicon Valley: what works, what doesn’t, when to dive in, and when to cut your losses.
AN EVENING WITH JASON CALACANIS
In this fireside chat with Jason Calacanis, audiences will dive deep into the world of Silicon Valley, tech companies, and angel investing.
Jason shares stories about his journey from tech company creator to tech company angel investor. Learn the secrets of Silicon Valley and the process Jason uses to evaluate tech companies and their founders when investing.
Read Full Bio
Jason Calacanis is a prominent figure in the technology and startup ecosystem, renowned for his success as an angel investor, entrepreneur, and thought leader in the tech industry. His influence as a top business speaker and tech visionary has made a substantial impact on the world of startups and venture capital.
Jason Calacanis is a top business speaker and tech thought leader known as the “greatest angel investor.” His book Angel: How to Invest in Technology Startups: Timeless Advice from an Angel Investor Who Turned $100,000 into $100,000,000 was an Audible bestseller. And his podcast This Week in Startups was featured in the Fortune article “The Ultimate Guide to the Best Business Podcasts.”
Proclaimed “arguably the world’s greatest angel investor” by The Twenty Minute VC, Calacanis has invested in over 300 early-stage startups. Several have achieved billion-dollar evaluations, such as Uber, Robinhood, Trello, and Calm (the meditation app).
Jason got his start in angel investing with the top-tier, venture-capital firm Sequoia Capital. While working as a scout, Jason’s invested $25,000 in Travis Kalanick’s company, Uber, which is now worth around $100 million.
Jason Calacanis is perhaps best known for co-founding Weblogs, Inc. in 2003, a company that would later become a major player in the blogging and online media landscape. Weblogs, Inc. was one of the first companies to create a network of professionally edited blogs covering a wide range of topics. The company’s success and eventual acquisition by AOL in 2005 marked a significant milestone in the evolution of digital media.
Calacanis is often referred to as the “greatest angel investor” due to his early investments in a number of now-iconic startups. Some of his notable investments include:
- Uber: Calacanis was an early investor in Uber, the ride-sharing giant that has revolutionized the transportation industry.
- Thumbtack: He invested in Thumbtack, an online marketplace that connects consumers with local service professionals.
- Robinhood: Calacanis also backed Robinhood, the fintech company that popularized commission-free stock trading.
- Trello: He was an early investor in Trello, a project management tool that was later acquired by Atlassian.
- Calm: Calacanis invested in Calm, a meditation and sleep app that has gained immense popularity.
- Inside.com: He founded Inside.com, a news aggregation service that aims to provide concise and informative news briefs.
Jason Calacanis knack for identifying and supporting successful startups has earned him a reputation as an astute angel investor. His investments have not only been financially rewarding but have also contributed to the growth of innovative companies that have reshaped industries.
In addition to his accomplishments as an entrepreneur and investor, Jason Calacanis has established himself as a sought-after business speaker and tech thought leader. He frequently shares his insights and expertise at conferences, webinars, and podcasts. His thought leadership covers a wide range of topics, including entrepreneurship, angel investing, the tech industry, and startup strategies.
Jason Calacanis is known for his candid and sometimes controversial style. He doesn’t shy away from expressing strong opinions and engaging in debates, making him a polarizing figure in the tech and business communities. His willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and provoke discussion has contributed to his influence as a thought leader.
Jason Calacanis’s journey from a young entrepreneur to a top business speaker and angel investor underscores the dynamic nature of the tech industry. His contributions to the world of startups, digital media, and angel investing have left an indelible mark. Calacanis continues to be a prominent voice in the tech and business world, offering insights, investing in promising startups, and sharing his experiences with audiences eager to learn from one of the industry’s most influential figures.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
Jason Calacanis | Greatest Angel Investor
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
View further speakers
- (10)
Jim Knight is a renowned keynote speaker, author, and training and development expert known for his expertise in helping organizations of all sizes achieve excellence and what he often refers to as “rock star” status. With a background in education and a passion for helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential, Jim Knight has […]
- Travels from: Winter Garden, FL
- Motivational Speakers
- (5)
Sean Bott, specializing in keynote speaking, corporate training, and comedy mentalism, with his unparalleled ability to fuse humor, psychology, and entertainment, Sean brings forth a transformative experience that resonates deeply with audiences across the corporate landscape. His magnetic presence and profound insights have graced esteemed platforms, including those of 20th Century Fox, Disney, and Pacific […]
- Travels from: Salt Lake City, UT
- Magicians
- (9)
Mark Mathews is a world-class big wave surfer, Red Bull athlete, and internationally sought-after keynote speaker who has built his career at the edge of human performance. Renowned for conquering some of the most dangerous waves on the planet, Mark brings a powerful perspective on resilience, mindset, and thriving under pressure. A three-time consecutive winner […]
- Travels from: Sydney, NSW
- Motivational Speakers
- (81)
A powerhouse of positivity, resilience, and personal development, Lisa Nichols has carved a niche for herself as a transformative force, captivating audiences worldwide with her dynamic presence and life-changing messages. Lisa’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of the human spirit. Born in Los Angeles, she faced numerous challenges in her early life, […]
- Travels from: Carlsbad, CA
- Motivational Speakers
- (8)
Shayla Rivera is a remarkable fusion of intellect, humor, and inspiration. Transitioning from a successful career as a NASA aerospace engineer to becoming an international keynote speaker, comedian, and educator, she exemplifies the power of adaptability and passion. Her journey from the technical corridors of NASA to the dynamic stages of motivational speaking and comedy […]
- Travels from: Austin, TX
- STEM Speakers
- (13)
Emmitt Smith is more than a football legend; he’s a multifaceted entrepreneur, bestselling author, and sought-after motivational speaker. With a career that spans beyond the gridiron, Smith has cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in both sports and business. Emmitt Smith | Football Legend From his record-breaking achievements on the football […]
- Travels from: Dallas, TX
- Sporting Speakers
- (95)
Tristan Harris is a globally recognized thought leader and advocate for ethical technology design. As the co-founder and executive director of the Center for Humane Technology, he has dedicated his career to addressing the pervasive influence of technology on human behavior and society. Frequently referred to as the “closest thing Silicon Valley has to a […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Digital Speakers
- (21)
- (6)
Juan Bendana is the best-selling author of Confident By Choice, a highly sought-after speaker, and a trusted advisor to the world’s top performers—from Olympic athletes and Grammy-winning artists to top CEOs and Fortune 100 leaders. Over his 10+ year career advising top performers across every industry, Juan’s work has been featured by Harvard Business Review, […]
- Travels from: Miami, FL
- Leadership Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.