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Network of ‘Scouts’ Spreads Money Through Silicon Valley

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Re: Network of ‘Scouts’ Spreads Money Through Silicon Valley

#5
I'm not sure if or why this is news? Everywhere you read, VCs say- don't cold call- come through a warm introduction which makes it clear that there are insider groups and people that carry weight. Not necessary that their scout circle has insight into every great idea/company.

Re: Network of ‘Scouts’ Spreads Money Through Silicon Valley

#7
As a former CS50 student and Mark's classmate, I personally find it depressing that Harvard's current CS50 professor, who is widely praised, is secretly on Sequoia's payroll via a shell company so that they can have the inside track on the "next Zuckerberg."

If professors want to teach, they should teach. If they want to invest, they should invest. But they shouldn't be doing both without making it clear to students what they've actually signed up for.

Actually, all of it is deceptive (to entrepreneurs, to students, to the public, to other investors) and depressing. But that part is particularly disturbing.

Re: Network of ‘Scouts’ Spreads Money Through Silicon Valley

#9
post #5

I'm not sure if or why this is news? Everywhere you read, VCs say- don't cold call- come through a warm introduction which makes it clear that there are insider groups and people that carry weight. Not necessary that their scout circle has insight into every great idea/company.

There's a pretty significant difference between a warm referral and a kickback, and especially a kickback that makes use of a shell company that disguises from entrepreneurs and other investors the kickback's existence and the origin of the funds used.

If it's not illegal, it should be. Investments typically involve disclosure for good reason.

Re: Network of ‘Scouts’ Spreads Money Through Silicon Valley

#10
post #5

I'm not sure if or why this is news? Everywhere you read, VCs say- don't cold call- come through a warm introduction which makes it clear that there are insider groups and people that carry weight. Not necessary that their scout circle has insight into every great idea/company.

There's a pretty significant difference between a warm referral and a kickback, and especially a kickback that makes use of a shell company that disguises from entrepreneurs and other investors the kickback's existence and the origin of the funds used. If it's not illegal, it should be. Investments typically involve disclosure for good reason.

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