The Real Eisman Playbook

Venture Capital Revealed: Behind the Schemes They Haven’t Told You

9 snips
Aug 4, 2025
Stu Ellman, Co-founder of RRE Ventures, shares insights on the evolving landscape of venture capital since 1994. He discusses the rise and fall of tech valuations, revealing the impact of the 2008 financial crisis and the emergence of 'zombie unicorns'. They explore the necessity for resilience in navigating market cycles and reflect on the transformative challenges post-COVID, including how AI and asset tokenization are reshaping investment strategies. This inside look highlights the critical need for adaptability in today's fast-paced venture ecosystem.
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ADVICE

Invest Through All Market Cycles

  • Invest in great companies through all market cycles.
  • Avoid waiting for perfect timing; consistent investing is key.
ANECDOTE

Outsourced Diligence Gamble

  • Some venture capital firms in 2017-2020 outsourced diligence for deals, putting in term sheets after just one day.
  • Those firms accepted very high valuations without deep vetting, driven by the hope of landing the unicorn deal.
INSIGHT

The Law of Thirds in VC Returns

  • About one-third of startups lose all investor money and another third fail to return capital.
  • The remaining third must generate enough return to make the entire fund profitable.
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