When evaluating startup founders, Max Mullen, the cofounder of Instacart and a notable seed investor, has a unique approach that involves a simple glance downward.
In a recent episode of the “Uncapped with Jack Altman” podcast, Mullen discussed his unconventional method for assessing entrepreneurs. With over 100 startups backed, his insights carry weight in the investment community.
Mullen admits that differentiating genuine innovators from the rest can be challenging during the seed stage. He shared, “If you’re looking at a founder and they got dirty white sneakers, you’re a real builder.”
According to Mullen, those who prioritize work over appearance are often found tirelessly building their businesses, to the point of sleeping in their offices.
“They don’t have time to buy nice sneakers,” Mullen explained. “They just put on the same pair of sneakers, and they get dirty.”
His investment in the AI automation platform Gumloop serves as a testament to his theory. One of Gumloop’s founders had shoes that were noticeably worn out, leading Mullen to purchase him a new pair.
“My cofounder Rahul [Behal] does not see the purpose of buying new shoes or shirts, so Max bought him a new pair,” Gumloop’s Max Brodeur-Urbas commented to Business Insider.
Max Brodeur-Urbas
In contrast, Mullen notes that a founder with a perfectly curated appearance might be more focused on projecting an image rather than dedicating their efforts to building their company. In an April blog post, Mullen elaborated, “I’ve just found that the real builders, they look the part.”
