I love the very earliest phases of a start-up. I'm happiest when an entrepreneur comes in with the germ of an idea that catches my imagination. I particularly like the problem-solving phase of deciding where to begin. I'm a technologist so I like building things, but I also have a financial mind, so I like figuring out the size and scope of the market, and validating it with first-hand customer research, so we know we are building something that matters. When these things come together, it's magical for me. I like the thrill of new things, and working together with really smart people to make it happen. What could be better?