Fear and Greed....the way of Venture capitalist


I have some sympathy for the VC community and the difficulty off the role they play ..but not much….they could do a lot better…I have worked with VC’s from North America / Asia and Europe…and I have met some good and some bad…some I still work with at times …some are friends…others I would only venture near as a last resort..and even then I would have to be dragged kicking and screaming…



Some thoughts on how to improve the VC / Start up relationship and performance.

• As a leader always be looking ahead and predicting your cash requirments ..and make sure you get the neccessary cash in ahead off when you need it..if you can...
• The VC needs to understand the damage that is done to an organisation when it is cash starved ..the impact on moral and motivation...(WRT Maslow's Hyierarchy of Needs) You will start to see the good people pick up there tools and walk...and once that happens it is hard to replace them, the jungle telegraph starts working...company x is having trouble with Investor y....etc....I could expand but enough said..
• Companies need to been open and honest with the VC's they are dealing with....it allows the VC to plan for further investment if required or..worst case draw out...but at least you know what the future will hold for you and you can plan for it
• The VC has it's own agenda...get a board with a couple off Independant members...it will help to filter out the VC agenda and make the correct choices for the company...and not only the VC...
• Communicate to the VC on your terms...and not just at board meetings..have one on one meetings / Tele conferences with the VC reps that sit on your board..
• Make sure there are no supprises on both sides...

Slainte

Keltie

Passion...Vision....Value...


I am maybe alone in my thoughts but ...some off the conditions I take a new role on are that I need from my job is to be engaged fully..engaged with the goals and objectives of project....There needs to by synergy amongst the management team...there needs to be a project worth my time and life..


Now you can team build…but there needs to be a desire in the raw materials first….there needs to be a common agreement and alignment with the objective off the company…and then you can team build…

One thing I look for in recruitment of the management team.. whether it is the Executive team or the Operations team is a good fit culturally …ok they have to meet your Job spec in experience…..but will they fit into the team…not that you want to have a team full off clones…but you need your team to have the same passion and similar motivation….and that motivation is not cash..or the big payout …..it is a passion and vision for building a company….


Tomorrow: are you prepared for the Winter ?



Slainte

Keltie