Unlocking Success: VC Sheel Mohnot Reveals Insights on Twitter Fame, Fintech Trends, and the Realities of AI Startups

In the rapidly evolving world of fintech, Sheel Mohnot, the co-founder and general partner of Better Tomorrow Ventures, stands out not only for his investment acumen but also for his impressive social media presence. With over 150,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter), Mohnot is a prominent figure in the fintech community, sharing insights and engaging with followers on a variety of topics beyond venture capital.

Who is Sheel Mohnot?

Sheel Mohnot began his entrepreneurial journey by co-founding several startups, including FeeFighters, which was acquired by Groupon in 2012. Following this success, he established Better Tomorrow Ventures (BTV), which now manages approximately $300 million. BTV primarily invests in early-stage fintech startups, focusing on pre-seed and seed rounds. Additionally, the firm operates an accelerator program called The Mint.

Investment Focus and Portfolio

Since its inception in November 2019, BTV has supported a range of innovative companies including:

• AngelList
• Charlie
• Coast
• Unit

Mohnot has also been an active angel investor for over a decade, backing companies such as Flexport, Ironclad, Ethos Insurance, and Apartment List.

Insights from the Equity Podcast Interview

In a recent episode of the Equity Podcast, Mohnot discussed his rise on social media and his views on the fintech landscape. Here are some highlights:

Understanding Fintech

Mohnot believes that the definition of fintech is broader than many perceive. He includes vertical SaaS and B2B marketplaces in the fintech category, pointing out that a significant portion of their revenues comes from financial services.

Social Media Strategy

Reflecting on his social media journey, Mohnot shared that he became more active during the pandemic. His participation in Clubhouse led to increased engagement on Twitter, where he began sharing ideas and gaining followers. He humorously noted that his most viral post involved a meme related to web3 founders.

Unique Experiences and Media Appearances

Beyond investing, Mohnot has gained attention for unique experiences such as:

• A Taco Bell-themed Metaverse wedding
• A cameo in a Justin Bieber music video

These experiences were born from his active social media presence and connections made through platforms like Clubhouse.

Current Trends in Fintech

As BTV continues to grow, Mohnot is optimistic about the fintech sector. He mentioned that they are currently investing from their second fund and are preparing to launch their third fund. He observes a resurgence in the fintech market, anticipating more exits and opportunities for growth.

Future Outlook

Mohnot is particularly excited about the evolving landscape of fintech, including:

• The integration of vertical SaaS into fintech
• Opportunities in accounting, driven by a shortage of accountants

Despite challenges faced by some startups in the space, Mohnot remains confident in the overall potential of fintech.

The Impact of AI on Fintech

Discussing recent developments in artificial intelligence, Mohnot noted that while hype exists around AI, true innovation is what drives value. He believes many companies claim to be AI-focused but may not genuinely utilize AI in their operations. He encourages transparency and honesty in how companies present themselves.

For more insights and updates on the fintech industry, consider subscribing to TechCrunch Fintech.

If you have tips or news, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or through Signal at 408.204.3036.