This Week in Startups Praying For Exits: the satirist of venture capital | E1348
Dec 17, 2021
Praying for Exits, a witty and insightful commentator on venture capital, dives into the absurdities of startup culture. They humorously critique the obsession with brand-building among VCs and discuss the entitlement prevalent in tech circles. The conversation covers the importance of assessing founders beyond just metrics, sharing crazy stories from the VC world. They also emphasize the need for authenticity in an industry often driven by ego and superficial success, advocating for genuine relationships and accountability in investing.
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Inspiration for Praying for Exits
- Mr. Exits was inspired by Jason Calacanis's early internet persona, Cyber Surfer Silicon Alley.
- This pseudonym allowed Calacanis to comment on the tech industry, similar to Mr. Exits's goal.
The Shift to VC Branding
- VCs were not brands 20 years ago; personal branding was not a focus.
- The rise of social media has shifted priorities; brand building often overshadows investing.
The Ego Arms Race in VC
- Newer VCs rely on self-promotion to compete for LP dollars, lacking established track records.
- This behavior creates an arms race of ego, potentially unsustainable for the ecosystem.