Short Description: One can increase dealflow and ability to win deals by becoming famous. You can be “really actually famous” (like a sports or movie star) or you can be “VC famous” by being known among investors and founders. You can become famous among investors and founders by being involved with a legendary company or […]
Read the postShort Description. A scout makes small investments on behalf of a VC fund without requiring much involvement from the rest of the team. The check size is smaller and the companies are at an earlier stage than the main fund. The goal is that the scout investments will grow to become investments for the main […]
Read the postYou’re practicing social distancing. And doing your best to come to terms with the speed of the Covid-19 pandemic. Are you wondering what to do to help others during the Covid-19 pandemic and its resulting economic and humanitarian impact? First, make sure you and your loved ones are cared for and following appropriate national and […]
Read the postWhat’s your approach to questions like: Was the decision to allocate capital to privates a good one? Did we select good managers? Within our private investments, did we make good allocations? As Cambridge Associates says: “[there is no] single “right” measure for private investment performance”. I have #AFewQuestionsAbout venture capital returns and performance measurement. Do […]
Read the postDescription A pattern where a firm or a GP has a specific sector or theme focus. While this impacts sourcing, staffing, and many other items, in the area of winning, the pitch is one of expertise, focus, and relevant network. For companies that affiliate with a focused venture fund, the brand can signal the best […]
Read the postDescription Setting a tight timeline for a founder to decide on a term sheet is another strategy for winning. While term sheets typically expire at some point, this strategy is one of setting a quick timeline and making that relevant and salient for the founder. It may be coupled with the message that once the […]
Read the postDescription A personal connection based on rapport, trust, shared experiences or other factors can be useful in winning a deal. The relationship can be long-standing dating back to pre-founder or pre-VC days. Or the relationship can be built in the course of discussing the startup. Benefits Increased Information – by spending time with the founder […]
Read the postDescription Moving quickly through the decision process to an investment decision to issue a termsheet to a company can help win more deals. The termsheet can either be the end of a decision process or issued part-way through. Benefits Founders Feel Appreciated – By providing a termsheet quickly, the VC can signal a recognition of […]
Read the postDescription Venture funds have long sold themselves to founders and LPs as having the experience, insight and networks to increase the chances of a successful company and investment. As the industry has evolved, some firms have added team members (often called the “platform” team). No longer are these firms relying on GPs to provide the […]
Read the postThe interest in running a debit card, robust payments program, or being a full-fledged neobank has exploded. For example note the growth, fundraising, and headlines for neobanks or fintechs like Chime, Varo Money, Good Money, Dave, and Aspiration. The opportunity is huge and many big banks are not doing themselves any favors with the slow […]
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