Angel investor Immad Akhund passed on investing in Scale AI, now worth $14 billion, because he underestimated the founders' potential due to their young age.
This experience made Akhund reconsider his bias against young founders and taught him to value the unique perspective and determination that youth can bring to entrepreneurship.
Akhund, who has backed over 350 startups, emphasized the importance of leaving ego aside while investing and supporting founders' visions rather than imposing his own ideas.
He also highlighted the significance of making diversified investments and preferring serial founders with a resilient attitude for long-term success in the startup ecosystem.