In the latest episode of the 10X Capital Podcast, we had a fascinating conversation with Hunter Somerville of StepStone. He shared some unique insights into the world of direct investing and the crucial role of Venture Capitalists. He pointed out how they get to see firsthand how VC's interact with founders and how they can be of help, beyond what you would learn from a reference call. They observe the tangible aspects, the real proof points - something that's often overlooked.
From recruitment assistance to customer introductions, he provided an inside look at the often opaque world of VC interactions. But the real question is - is the value add they say they bring actually true and actionable? Or is it just a part of their marketing spiel? Hunter's insights certainly shed some light on this, and it's a perspective that's worth pondering over.
We all know that the VC-Founder relationship is crucial for the success of any startup. But how often do we genuinely evaluate the value add from the VC's end? It's high time we start asking the tough questions and demanding more transparency.