197: From the Shadow of the Death Camps to Leading Sequoia: A Family’s Journey Through Peril & Possibility (With Sir Michael Moritz)

In this deeply personal and intellectually rich episode of the Money Maze Podcast, Sir Michael Moritz, legendary venture capitalist and co-founder of Sequoia Capital, reflects on his extraordinary journey from a Welsh childhood shaped by his family's escape from Nazi Germany to becoming one of the most influential figures in Silicon Valley. The conversation spans his pivotal role in backing transformative companies like Stripe, his philosophy on identifying brilliant entrepreneurs—emphasizing depth, clarity, and relentless hunger—and his insights into the structural challenges facing European venture capital, particularly the lack of a homogenous market and institutional support. Moritz also discusses his shift into philanthropy, including his landmark $150 million gift to the National Gallery and over $100 million to Oxford, driven by a desire to uplift those left behind. The centerpiece of the episode is his memoir, *Auslander*, a powerful, emotionally resonant account of his family’s Holocaust-era trauma, written during the pandemic as a way to process grief and identity. Through meticulous research and a rare blend of humor and pathos, Moritz confronts the enduring legacy of anti-Semitism, the moral complexity of survival, and the importance of historical memory. The episode closes with reflections on legacy, optimism, and the enduring power of art and education to inspire future generations.