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]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;...
[Continue Reading]How to run your company based on metrics: what, why, how, who, and when
I review a lot of board decks with a beautifully hand-crafted page with metrics for the company. That makes me nervous. I prefer to see a screenshot of an internal dashboard, not something created for the board, and I prefer to see that same dashboard in the same format at every meeting. The reason...
[Continue Reading]How Star Wars will help you raise capital for your company
When you’re raising money, you’re telling a story. So who are some of the best stories and storytellers? Greek mythology, the Bible, and in modern times, George Lucas and the Wachowski siblings. Star Wars and the Matrix are both modeled on Joseph Campbell’s wildly influential book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces. In The...
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