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The irony here is that a lot VCs break these rules with either LPs or entrepreneurs: #1 can't see the future (herd behaviour), running VC as a lifestyle busines

The irony here is that a lot VCs break these rules with either LPs or entrepreneurs: #1 can't see the future (herd behaviour), running VC as a lifestyle business rather than building a platform like a16z, NEA, YC, 500; #5 lack of understanding of the competition (or where they sit in the pecking order); #6 I wouldn't want to work for you (arrogant, or just not that sharp); #7 too slow/too late (slow or non responsive); #9 party round (I don't lead); #10 you pay your 1% on AUM with your 2% management fee; #14 on a fishing expedition with entrepreneurs without being upfront about it; #20 not being aggressive enough -- sitting around waiting for your network to drop deals in your lap #22 VC as a lifestyle business, living fat off your 2% management fee (>$100m funds).

cocktailpeanuts 10y ago
The truth to the "irony" is that those are the actual deals that investors want to invest in. This post is for the rest. If you are the hottest company on the market, none of this post applies to you. But 99.9% of the startups out there are not. I see a lot of people on this thread saying this guy is arrogant, etc., but I think that's taking it the wrong way. He's just providing his point of view, and it's not just his. Any investor would feel that way and this guy is just verbalizing it so the founders can get a better sense of how to interact with investors. But like I said, if you're hot, then you're the one who says "22 reasons why I won't raise money from you".
- rdlecler1 10y ago
  That goes both ways. The best VCs I've met are also the ones working the hardest and are the most professional. They're also the least likely to be following the herd and the ones you most want on your captable. As an LP they are also the hardest funds to get into. Still those funds represent 5-10% of the funds out there, so the other 90% are falling into the mediocre or worse category. Still most entrepreneurs will take their money because most entrepreurs don't have the track record or traction to be choosey. It's still a buyers market.

cocktailpeanuts 10y ago

The truth to the "irony" is that those are the actual deals that investors want to invest in. This post is for the rest. If you are the hottest company on the market, none of this post applies to you. But 99.9% of the startups out there are not. I see a lot of people on this thread saying this guy is arrogant, etc., but I think that's taking it the wrong way. He's just providing his point of view, and it's not just his. Any investor would feel that way and this guy is just verbalizing it so the founders can get a better sense of how to interact with investors. But like I said, if you're hot, then you're the one who says "22 reasons why I won't raise money from you".

rdlecler1 10y ago
That goes both ways. The best VCs I've met are also the ones working the hardest and are the most professional. They're also the least likely to be following the herd and the ones you most want on your captable. As an LP they are also the hardest funds to get into. Still those funds represent 5-10% of the funds out there, so the other 90% are falling into the mediocre or worse category. Still most entrepreneurs will take their money because most entrepreurs don't have the track record or traction to be choosey. It's still a buyers market.