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Be Honest on VC Reference Calls

This is going to be BIG.

A friend of mine running a very successful company found himself conflicted over an upcoming reference call. It was from a top college endowment that was taking a look at the next fund of a widely known VC who had backed him. The truth of the matter is that their experience with this VC hadn't lived up to the hype.

VC 177
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Why it’s Critical That you Reference Check Your VC

Both Sides of the Table

They had received a term sheet from a VC and were wondering whether to work with this firm. You’re tied at the hip to your VC. Get to know VCs over a long period of time so that when you’re ready to get engaged you feel you know their character. Good recruiters never stop at the official list and neither do VCs.

VC 298
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How Do You Reference Check a VC?

Both Sides of the Table

You’re tied at the hip to your VC. Get to know VCs over a long period of time so that when you’re ready to get engaged you feel you know their character. How do you then reference check your VC to be sure that you’ve chosen a good firm and partner? For some reason most entrepreneurs do.

VC 288
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How to Find a Job as a VC Scout: Compensation and Which Firms Are Recruiting

David Teten VC

The easiest way to work with and for VC funds is to become a part-time scout, getting paid for sourcing investments. How to find a job as a VC scout. VC recruiters list and compensation data. How to negotiate a partner role at a VC or private equity firm. Syllabus for how to launch, manage, and invest a VC fund.

VC 128
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Outbound VC Dialing Programs – Total Disrespect for Entrepreneurs

Both Sides of the Table

I recently got an email from a friend who had been approached by a well known VC. “Hi [entrepreneur], I hope all is well. I’m an investor at [Big Name, Large Fund VC] and recently came across [Your Company]. I know the firm well and I know the entrepreneur & his business well. He’s on a fishing trip.

VC 294
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What I Would Look for When Choosing a VC – Knowing What I Know Now?

Both Sides of the Table

Picking a VC is hard. So I thought I’d write about out with what I would look for in a VC knowing what I know now and why. Most VCs are book smart. VCs should be more of a coach than proscriptively telling you what to do. You want a VC who will spar with you but then STFU and let you get on with things.

VC 364
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Some Reflections on VC Investment Decisions

Both Sides of the Table

Of course these are great places to network with other investors, meet great entrepreneurs and keep your connections strong with senior execs at larger companies like Yahoo!, I know I can’t be in every deal and I know that the easy part of being a VC is writing the first check in a deal. And there’s conferences. Web Summit.

VC 374