John Henderson

John Henderson is Partner at Airtree. High degen score. Exploring by doing in Web3. Fan of founders.

I am obsessed with audiobooks and podcasts. Every free moment I get - commuting, running, cooking, cleaning - I’m listening. I’m always looking for recommendations. Come at me with science, technology, history, philosophy and society. Or, better, something that makes me uncomfortable.

As someone who used to run product for an AI company which was acquired in 2013, my mind is blown by the progression in the field of machine learning over the past decade. I’m trying to make sense of it and keep up to date. Want to pique my interest? Send me an “oh wow” example of recent developments or latest capabilities of AI systems.

Our political dialogue is mired by short-termism and misses the incredible potential of job creation via technology. We need a new narrative. I’m trying to help our industry tell our story better.

I swim four times per week, usually in the ocean - the joy of living in Sydney! I’m also a games-aholic. But sadly, I’m not great at any of them. If you’re into chess, squash, cycling, go, tennis, touch footy, golf, or mixed netball … I’m up for a game.

I realise it’s an unfashionable view to hold post-FTX, but I’m still a believer in the power of decentralisation and its role in the future of the web. I contribute to communities, participate in governance and actively use products and protocols myself.

People underestimate the pressure founders feel. Not only is their reputation and often their sense of self-worth tied up in their company, they are also responsible for the livelihoods of their team. That can be dozens or hundreds of people. And their families. Mental health matters.

Recruiting is really hard. I try to help founders by showing them what “great” looks like. If you know what you’re looking for, you make better hires.

At AirTree, we back founders for their strengths, not for their lack of weaknesses. I want to learn why you’ll win, not why you won’t lose.