Why are more US VCs investing in international startups? Take a look at The Fortune Unicorn List: of the top 100 most valuable unicorns in 2016, 39 are currently based outside of the United States. While fundraising of US VCs has dropped slowly as a percentage of global limited partner allocations over the last decade,...
[Continue Reading]Limited partner due diligence on VC and private equity funds
As a VC, I have a standard due diligence list for companies I’m reviewing. Similarly, limited partner investors have their own due diligence standards. To summarize, as an allocator I’m looking to “Give ‘PEAS’ a Chance”: People, Execution, Alignment & Strategy. To raise capital from allocators, you first need a compelling cover email, to motivate...
[Continue Reading]How to scale a VC (or private equity) fund
Managers of VC funds typically want to grow their business aggressively, just like the founders we back. But, we normally have a clear ceiling on how high we can grow AUM, before hitting practical limits to deploying capital within the traditional VC model. My Partners at HOF Capital are younger than I am, which means...
[Continue Reading]How to get superior returns in venture capital
A friend of mine interviewed for a job with massively successful hedge fund manager Steven A. Cohen. My friend sat in the conference room, and Cohen walked in. He looked at his resume, and asked just one question: “What’s your edge?” My friend got the job because his answer was differentiated, credible, and backed up...
[Continue Reading]Venture capitalists eating their own dog food: How private equity investors are using technology and analytics
I just published a guest essay in AlleyWatch on Venture capitalists eating their own dog food: How private equity investors are using technology and analytics (as of Sep. 2017). As of Dec. 2019, I posted an updated version here....
[Continue Reading]How to Join a VC or Private Equity Firm as a Partner, or Recruit a Partner
This is part of a series on building your career in venture capital: Reading list for working in private equity/venture capital, including all of the major online communities, programs, and educational options for people studying VC How to win consulting, board, operating, and investment roles with private equity and venture capital funds (video) How to...
[Continue Reading]