5 Things I’ve Learned from My Friend, Anthony Lee

My friend Anthony Lee is incredible, and he’s had quite the week. He makes me proud. Let me tell you why.

Most investors dream of one massive exit in their careers. Anthony and his firm, Altos Ventures, have had two (Roblox and Coupang) — in the past two DAYS. After this week, I suspect the NYSE will have a plaque in his honor.

There are so many lessons to learn from Anthony and Altos Ventures. I picked five to start.

1. Character matters

Good, humble people can “own the podium.” Despite what the “Midas List” thinks, Anthony is one of the best investors on the planet. He’s also one of the most caring, thoughtful humans I know. Now, more than ever, it is time to live by the “No Asshole Rule.”

2. Choose your partners wisely

Great, enduring companies take time to build. The road is long, bumpy, and winding. It’s best to avoid fair-weather sailors and select patient partners that are on your side of the table. Do your homework and gather multiple references. If you want to know what a partner is really like, then talk to founders and CEOs that sailed with them in stormy weather.

3. Tune out the noise

The armchair critics are quick to judge, often with little to no context or facts. Building a business is ridiculously hard; bouncing back time and time again from seemingly fatal setbacks requires an insane amount of resilience. Those on the outside have little idea about the tradeoff that leaders make and the courage necessary to keep fighting in the face of long odds.

4. Global mindset

It’s possible to build companies anywhere. Anthony and Altos bet early and aggressively on Korea (heck, I remember Anthony taking Korean lessons at one point). Talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not. This is slowly starting to change, and capital is finding the best founders and opportunities worldwide.

5. Investing is a team sport

Anthony plays for the front of the jersey. He’s also a generous partner who knows that success and failure happen as a team. Finding ways to expand the proverbial pie and enjoying your fair share is crucial for playing the infinite game.

Congrats, Anthony and Altos Ventures! And also to the incredible teams at Roblox and Coupang who worked so hard and long to make this week’s milestones happen.