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Both Things Can Be True: Bias and Bad Fundraising Advice

This is going to be BIG.

The startup ecosystem is a terrific manufacturer of bad fundraising advice. Or that venture capital is a meritocracy? This doesn’t take into consideration, however, that venture capital is a financial product—a product that works for some people and doesn’t work for others. That adds risk.

advice 446
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The Problem with Startup Advice

This is going to be BIG.

I'm often the last one to leave an event, held back by the most persistant of entrepreneurs trying to squeeze as much advice as they can out of me. Often times, the advice is terrible or impractical. Venture capital is kind of like a knuckleball. I love public speaking, teaching and generally being helpful.

advice 416
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Venture Capital is About Human Capital

Both Sides of the Table

The number one advice I give is “stop trying to be too smart”. Most VCs did well academically and had enough career success that a venture firm was willing to give them an investment role or they were able to raise their own fund. Fundamentally venture capital is about human capital. Nothing fancier.

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The Quality You Never Hear Pitched When People Want in to Venture Capital

This is going to be BIG.

So I asked a few founders that I've worked with and they mentioned a word that struck me--because I've never heard any of the hordes of people in my inbox asking for internships, VC job recommendations and advice, etc. I think of venture capital as a service business. mention about themselves. Generosity.

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How come VCs are. jerks?

This is going to be BIG.

That was a question posed to me by a new analyst at a venture capital fund. While there are lots and lots of really kind, generous people working in venture capital--the recently retired Howard Morgan, Hunter Walk, Brad Feld, and Karin Klein for example--it's really tough to argue that there isn't widespread jerkery.

VC 399
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How to Win Consulting, Board, and Deal Roles with Private Equity and Venture Capital Funds

David Teten VC

Would you like to work with private equity and venture capital funds? There are relatively few jobs directly inside private equity and venture capital funds, and those jobs are highly competitive. Venture Capital. Asian Venture Capital Journal (free trial). Private Equity. Preqin (free demo).

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How to Be a VC: Being Open

This is going to be BIG.

In venture capital, you say "no" a lot. I'm concerned that some of the newer folks in venture capital haven't been kicked in the stomach enough. I'm not sure if they're in venture because they truly want to help someone change the world or because venture is simply the best exclusive club to get into post grad school.

VC 384