There seems to be a lot of commentary right now around how difficult the business of venture capital is. It’s a business driven by grand slams… which we all know, but I keep reading about how hard venture is on a returns basis, in order to perform. I get it. That’s the nerve wracking part of the business, ten years of “Am I any good at this?” anxiety —But a watched pot never boils.
Just for instance, to give a personal anecdote on this, Boost VC’s first real win was after nine years in business. Think about that for a second - 9 years… But we are still going and loving every minute of it.
I think the commentary is driven primarily by the fact that early stage venture has grown in population in the past five years and participants are realizing that it’s an endurance race, not a traders game. If you choose to be a part of this industry, just know:
Venture Capital is awesome. It’s so fun.
Everyday, I get to wake up to meetings with the smartest people on any given topic.
Everyday, I get told that the world will get better by the most dynamic humans.
Everyday, I get to try and be useful to portfolio companies and non-portfolio.
Everyday, I get a glimpse into the future, and some days I get to be a part of it.
Everyday, I wake up in order to find my next big partnership with a founder.
Everyday, I get to give someone a shot. And everyone deserves a shot.
Also you should read my book, Breakfast with Pops and you will see how great the business is, and how the endurance of Venture Capital is the fun part, not the struggle!
Venture Capital is an enduring quest. If you focus so hard on the difficulty of returns you will forget how fun the present is. We get to help someone fulfill their enduring mission, which helps us fulfill our enduring mission.
Been trying to fundraise recently and I must tell most VCs are not like this. Especially in EMEA. :(
do it for the love, not the money.
💪🏽❤️