The Full Ratchet (TFR): Venture Capital and Startup Investing Demystified Investor Stories 450. How to Succeed Early in VC: Slow Down, Commit to Relationships, and Become an Active Listener (Niehenke, York, Hilaly)
Jan 1, 2026
This segment features Aaref Hilaly, a General Partner at Bain Capital Ventures, who emphasizes the power of active listening in venture capital. Alongside him, Alexander Niehenke of Scale Venture Partners advises new investors to slow down and truly enjoy the process. They discuss how building strong relationships and contributing non-obvious insights can significantly enhance a young investor's career. Valuable tips are shared that highlight the importance of engagement and appreciation in the world of venture capital.
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Slow Down And Count Your Deals
- Slow down and savor the work because venture investing is long and rare.
- Understand the math of deal capacity so you allocate your limited career deals intentionally.
Compare Progress, Not Peers
- Comparing yourself to peers wastes energy because luck and talent vary widely.
- Consistent hard work compounds into meaningful outcomes over a decade, so measure progress personally.
Silent For Two Years, Then A Standout
- A junior investor stayed silent in partner meetings for two years but then spoke with high-impact insights.
- Aaref Hilaly highlights that this investor is now very successful because listening improved their contributions.