Startup Dad

Nikunj Kothari is a former investor with Khosla Ventures and a product and growth leader from companies like Opendoor, Shyp, and LinkedIn. He’s now out on his own advising, investing and spending time as a husband and a father of two, including a brand new son! We discussed:

* The false dichotomy between ambition and parenting and the support structures needed to achieve it

* The work it takes to prioritize your partner after the arrival of a new baby

* How execution as a Dad is only part of the problem set

* Big mistakes he’s made as a Dad

* How the relationship with his own parents changed since becoming a father

* Top tips for international flights with young kids

Where to find Nikunj Kothari

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikunjk/

* X: https://x.com/nikunj

* Website: https://www.nikunjk.com/

Where to find Adam Fishman

* FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/

* Instagram: https://ww.instagram.com/startupdadpod/

—

In this episode, we cover:

[2:00] Welcome

[2:17] What Nikunj is up to these days

[3:08] Four generations in the home/dad feedback

[3:58] Childhood

[5:25] Family now

[8:33] Decision to start a family

[10:35] Ambition and parent dichotomy

[13:22] Would you rewind the clock?

[17:33] Who needs help in the newborn stage

[21:36] Paying attention to invisible labor

[23:45] Mistakes as a dad/prioritize making time for partner

[26:39] Funny story of his daughter sleeping through the night

[30:07] Traveling with young children

[34:26] Relationship to own parents in fatherhood

[38:20] How parenting changed from kid to kid

[40:28] Go-to activity

[41:46] Aligning with partner

[45;05] Kid’s relationship with tech

[49:34] Favorite books to read to kids

[50:44] Follow along

[51:37] Lightning round

[58:03] Thank you

—

Show references:

Khosla Ventures: https://www.khoslaventures.com/

Opendoor: https://www.opendoor.com/

SIDS: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20352800

Children’s Creativity Museum: https://creativity.org/

Ms. Rachel: https://www.youtube.com/@msrachel

Coco Melon: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbCmjCuTUZos6Inko4u57UQ

Spring is here (Bear and Mole Series) by Will Hillenbrand: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/spring-is-here-will-hillenbrand/1103442878

Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit: https://www.magicsleepsuit.com/

Home Alone: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099785/

Home Alone: 2: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104431/

Dunston Checks In: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116151/

Moana: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3521164/

Kal Ho Naa Ho:

Blow up flight bed: https://www.flyawaydesigns.com/products/flyaway-kids-bed

—

For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.com.

For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

Production support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at

http://www.armaziproductions.com/



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupdadpod.substack.com

What is Startup Dad?

Adam Fishman (author of a top business newsletter on Substack with 11K+ subscribers) interviews executives, entrepreneurs, and company leaders in technology companies who are also fathers. They discuss the tough aspects of work, parenting, family, the mistakes made and lessons learned along the way. All episodes at www.startupdadpod.com.