Executive forum: we know the saviour … and it is them: the future face(s) of venture capital

Venture capital has rebounded thanks to a handful of select venture capitalists. The venture capitalists leading this renaissance are returning to the venture capital model in its most traditional form as a real partner to start-ups, as a risk-taker and most importantly as an innovator and disruptor at the fund level. Less than stellar venture capitalists can only hope to replicate these innovative ways in a rapidly changing landscape where they will be forced to adapt or risk being exposed and shepherded out of the ecosystem. The age of easy fundraising has come and gone and with it goes the ability for poor venture capital funds to lurk in the background and ride the coattails of their more innovative counterparts to easy payouts. When taken in conjunction, visibility, disruptive leanings and hyperactivity are game changers, especially for the fittest venture capitalists. These innovators are doing something about the industry’s tarnished reputation. Investors, entrepreneurs and the “other venture capitalists” should take notice. This executive Forum paper introduces them and develops an understanding of what they do and how they do it.