We think one of the industries with the greatest room for improved use of technology is venture capital itself. Blue Future Partners, a fund of funds, and PEVCTech.com are now running what we believe is the first-ever large-scale survey of VC firms’ technology stacks. Filling out this survey should take you no more than 7...
[Continue Reading]How to scale support of portfolio companies
As I’ve worked to build out our portfolio acceleration platform, the #1 question I think about is: how do we scalably support our companies? Large private equity funds like KKR can afford to pursue a consulting model (Capstone), typically with associated fees, but that doesn’t normally make economic sense for a VC. We have lower AUM,...
[Continue Reading]How VCs structure a syndicate and recruit coinvestors
When I meet with other VCs, family offices, and other institutional investors, the most common question I get is a variation of: “What are the highest-potential companies in your portfolio which are raising now?” and “Which of your companies are raising now and are looking for coinvestors?” I thought it might be helpful to provide...
[Continue Reading]A trial balloon: How large corporates can coinvest with their employees’ angel investing
Many large corporations face three seemingly disconnected challenges; they want: – Better returns on their balance sheet and underfunded pensions; – Access to the innovation economy to stay on top of the early-stage companies attacking their business; and – Unique employee benefits to retain and excited senior talent. So, I have an idea which addresses...
[Continue Reading]New techniques for identifying macro themes and trade ideas
I recently presented at the AI and Data Science in Trading conference on new methods to identify macro trends (especially technology macro trends), and more narrowly trade ideas for public market investors. I’m drawing from my research on origination for private equity/VC funds; how large corporates can identify the most relevant disruptive companies; and elicitation....
[Continue Reading]Artificial intelligence in financial services
I’ve presented at a few conferences lately on AI in financial services, particularly on how investors are using AI. I’ve posted here an expanded version of my slides. I provide an overview of why AI is a tool that so many people are exploring; what I think increases the odds of success for companies using AI;...
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