All Posts in "Venture Partners"

Differences between general partners and venture partners in VC firms

General Partners (GPs) and Venture Partners (VPs) are both senior-level roles within a venture capital (VC) firm, but they have distinct responsibilities, levels of commitment, and compensation structures. While GPs are the core, full-time leaders who make final investment decisions, VPs are typically part-time or project-based professionals who provide specialized expertise.

General Partner (GP)

A General Partner is a full-time, permanent member of the VC firm’s leadership team. They are the true decision-makers and carry the ultimate responsibility for the fund’s performance. Their role is comprehensive, spanning the entire lifecycle of a fund.

  • Fund Management: GPs are responsible for raising capital from limited partners (LPs), such as pension funds and endowments. They manage the fund’s capital, oversee operations, and are legally and financially liable for the fund’s actions.
  • Investment Decisions: They lead the investment committee, making final “yes or no” decisions on which startups to fund. They also determine follow-on investments and sit on the boards of portfolio companies to provide strategic direction.
  • Compensation: GPs earn a combination of an annual management fee (typically 2% of the fund’s assets) and a share of the fund’s profits, known as carried interest (often 20%). Their compensation is directly tied to the overall success of the fund.

Venture Partner (VP)

A Venture Partner is a more flexible, often part-time role. VPs are brought in for their specific expertise, network, or deal-sourcing abilities without the full-time commitment and responsibilities of a GP.

  • Deal Sourcing & Advising: A VP’s primary role is to find promising
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Ronnie Jackson by — April 24, 2025 in Venture Partners
How to Pitch Your Startup to Venture Partners Successfully

Pitching to venture capitalists (VCs) is a high-stakes event. It’s not just about presenting a business plan; it’s about convincing seasoned investors to believe in your vision, your team, and your ability to execute. While every VC firm has its own unique investment thesis, a successful pitch relies on a few core principles that resonate across the board.

Here is a guide to mastering the art of the VC pitch and making a lasting impression.

1. Start with a Compelling Story, Not Just Data

Before you dive into the numbers, grab their attention with a powerful narrative. VCs hear dozens of pitches a week, and the ones that stand out are those that connect on an emotional level.

  • Hook Them in the First 5 Minutes: Don’t bury the lede. Start with a vivid description of the problem you are solving, either through a relatable anecdote or a shocking statistic. Make them feel the pain point.
  • The “Why Now?” Moment: A great idea isn’t enough. Explain why the timing is perfect for your solution. Is there a new technology, a shift in market behavior, or a regulatory change that makes your company uniquely positioned to succeed today? This demonstrates your strategic foresight.
  • Show, Don’t Just Tell: Use a live demo or a video of your product in action. This makes your solution tangible and proves that you have a working prototype, not just a concept.

2. The Pitch Deck: Your Visual Narrative

Your pitch deck is the backbone of your presentation. … READ MORE ...

Ronnie Jackson by — March 22, 2025 in Venture Partners
Top Venture Partners and Firms for Early-Stage Tech Startups

When a startup seeks venture capital, it’s not just about the money; it’s about finding a venture partner who brings strategic value, network connections, and hands-on expertise. The right partner can be the difference between a company that merely survives and one that dominates its market. While the venture capital landscape is vast, certain partners and firms have established themselves as leaders in supporting early-stage tech startups. Here are some of the top venture partners and firms known for their success in this space.

These firms are known for identifying and nurturing innovative companies from their earliest stages, often with a deep focus on specific sectors like AI, SaaS, fintech, and more.

Andreessen Horowitz (a16z)

Andreessen Horowitz, or a16z, is a dominant force in Silicon Valley. The firm is known for its “all-in” approach, providing startups with extensive support beyond just capital, including operational advice, recruiting services, and a powerful network. They have a strong reputation for backing transformative companies in areas like AI, cryptocurrency, and enterprise software. A16z’s partners are often former founders and executives, bringing firsthand experience to the table.

Sequoia Capital

One of the most legendary names in venture capital, Sequoia Capital has an unparalleled track record of backing generation-defining companies from their infancy, including Apple, Google, and Airbnb. While a global firm, its early-stage teams are known for their founder-friendly approach and ability to spot high-potential startups before they become obvious successes. They focus on providing founders with the guidance and resources to build enduring … READ MORE ...

Ronnie Jackson by — February 20, 2025 in Venture Partners
The Evolving Role of Venture Partners in Startup Funding

The landscape of venture capital is constantly evolving, and a key figure that has become increasingly prominent in recent years is the venture partner. Unlike the traditional general partners (GPs) who are full-time, permanent members of a VC firm and are responsible for raising funds and making final investment decisions, venture partners often operate on a more flexible or project-based basis. Their role is a unique blend of a scout, advisor, and mentor, and their contribution to a startup’s success can be profound.

So, what exactly is the role of a venture partner in a startup funding round? Their responsibilities can be broken down into several key areas.

1. Sourcing Deals and Expanding Networks

Venture partners are often seasoned entrepreneurs, industry veterans, or former executives who bring a wealth of specialized knowledge and an extensive network to a VC firm. Their primary function is to leverage these assets to identify and source promising investment opportunities. They attend industry events, conduct market research, and build relationships with founders, often serving as the firm’s eyes and ears on the ground in a specific sector or geography. Their ability to find high-potential startups that might otherwise be overlooked gives the VC firm a significant competitive advantage.

2. Providing Strategic Guidance and Due Diligence

Once a potential deal is identified, the venture partner’s role shifts to a more advisory one. They are brought in to perform a deep dive into the startup, using their expertise to vet the business model, the technology, and the … READ MORE ...

Ronnie Jackson by — January 18, 2025 in Venture Partners
How Long Does It Take To Build a Website: Website Builder Timeline

Website is a reflection of what your business is in the online world. Therefore, it is essential to have a good website that captures your brand essence, engages visitors, and provides a seamless user experience.

How long does it take to build such a website? You must have heard many claims that with NZ website builder, you can do it within a few hours or a week. While some website domain hosts brag, the actual time can differ significantly depending on various factors. Let us understand the website builder timeline for a decent webpage.

What is a Website Builder?

Website builder is a user-friendly option to build a website. With a simple drag-and-drop interface and customizable pre-loaded template, one can easily create a webpage. You don’t need a knowledge of coding, making it a beginner-friendly and speediest web design option.

You can adjust different elements by choosing a web design template, tailoring it and adding your content. Further, you don’t have to worry about the technical jargon, especially when you choose a web designer in  NZ as your provider shall take care of it.

Timeline for Building a Website Using Website Builder

 StagesSingle-Page WebsiteSmall eCommerce SiteEnterprise Website
 Time to Create4 hours – 3 days1 – 7 days5 – 14 weeks
1Planning and Requirements1 hour – 1 day2 hours – 3 days1 – 4 weeks
2Design and Setup2 hours – 1 day4 hours – 2
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Ronnie Jackson by — April 3, 2024 in Venture Partners