Explore the murky world of venture capital with Jon and Peter as they discuss bad moves made by VCs. From last-minute deal changes to delaying investments for lower valuations, they provide valuable insights on the dynamics between VCs and founders. The debate on ethical practices like bribing founders and the importance of incentivizing the founding team adds depth to this engaging conversation.
VCs prioritizing personal gain over the best interests of the company highlights an ethical dilemma in venture capital.
Introducing new terms at the last minute in a deal negotiation is considered unethical and can compromise the company's future.
Deep dives
Bad VC Move: Threatening to Veto a Deal for Higher Returns
In one example, a VC threatened to veto a company's exit deal unless their class of shares received a large dividend. The VC's motivation was to secure a better return, disregarding the potential negative consequences for the company and its stakeholders. While the frustration of the VC can be understood, it highlights the ethical dilemma of prioritizing personal gain over the best interests of the company.
Shady VC Move: Last-Minute Demand for Extra Terms
Another VC move involves waiting until the final agreement is about to be signed and then introducing new terms to the deal. This tactic is seen as shady and unethical, as the VC should have disclosed their concerns earlier in the negotiation process. This last-minute maneuver leaves the founder in a difficult position, potentially compromising the company's future and its ability to secure funding in the future.
VC Bribes: Court-side Tickets and Other Perks
VCs often use various incentives to persuade founders to accept their deals, ranging from invitations to exclusive events to buying out a portion of the founder's secondaries. While these perks can serve as networking opportunities or relationship-building tools, they can also be seen as bribes, as they offer founders personal benefits that other shareholders do not receive. The ethics of this practice can be subjective, depending on whether the benefits are shared broadly or create an unfair advantage for the decision-maker.
Join hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris as they dive into the world of venture capital with a candid discussion on the "Bad Moves VCs Make." In this episode, they share war stories and shed light on questionable tactics employed by some venture capitalists.
From last-minute deal changes to questionable negotiating strategies, Jon and Peter explore scenarios where VCs may not always have the best interests of founders and startups at heart.
Throughout the episode, Jon and Peter provide valuable insights into the dynamics between VCs and founders, offering perspectives on when certain actions cross the line and become detrimental to the startup ecosystem.
With a mix of real-world examples and thought-provoking analysis, they aim to empower listeners with the knowledge to navigate the sometimes murky waters of venture capital.
Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring founder, or simply curious about the inner workings of the VC world, "Bad Moves VCs Make" offers engaging discussions and practical takeaways to help you better understand the complexities of startup funding and investment.
Tune in for an insightful conversation that explores the nuances of VC decision-making and the impact it can have on the success of startups.