Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Part I Introduction
Introduction
My Background
Who Is This Book For?
The Framework's Origin
Endnote
Part II The Venture Capital Investment Framework
Chapter 1 The Venture Capital Investment Framework
Startup Investing
Chapter 2 Who = Team
Different Paths to Success
Curiosity Is a Must-Have for Founding Teams
Individual or Company Growth?
The CEO and Team Challenges
Curiosity and. . .?
Failure Is a Valued Asset
In-Person Data
Team Dynamics that Work
The Team That Over-Delivers
The Team That is Strong Top-Down, Bottom-Up
Chapter 3 What = Problem
Deep Questions, First Principles
Common Sense and Bias
You Don't Have to Solve Your Own Problem
Finding a Problem
Chapter 4 When = Timing
Timing = Environment
Specialization Leads to Success, Leading to Optionality
Generational Timing
Timing and Disruption
The Rise and Fall of Companies
Chapter 5 Where = Market
How VCs Look at TAM
Strategy for VCs Based on the Size of the Firm
Calculating TAM and What Does It Imply?
Chapter 6 Why = Solution
Solving One Problem Really Well
Building the Right Solution
Building a Sustainable Business
Chapter 7 How = Scale
The Sales Organization
Sales Organization and Customer Alignment
The Technology Organization
Chapter 8 How to Use the VCIF
The VCIF in Action: An Investment We Made
Who
What
When
Where
Why
How
An Investment We Didn't Make
Who
What
When
What
Where
Why
How
Stages
Part III Notes to Stakeholders
Chapter 9 The Venture Capital Role
The Basics of a Venture Capital Firm
Winners Lose a Lot
Metrics
My First Trial by Fire
Chapter 10 Notes for Students
Three Entry-Level Career Paths in Venture
Chapter 11 Notes for Current VCs
VC Career Paths
VC Career Myths
Chapter 12 Notes for Entrepreneurs: Some Thoughts
Chapter 13 Notes for Startup Customers
14 Notes for LPs: Characteristics of Some of the Best VCs
Sector Knowledge
Chapter 15 Long-Term Planning: Venture Capital Cycles, Optionality, Starting a VC firm
Venture Capital Cycles
Optionality
Could You Start Your Own VC Firm?
Conclusion
Afterword
Glossary
Index
EULA