The ones I really like are in bold. Kind of a nice list of the superset of behaviors that venture people undertake.
Deal Sourcing
- Develop a framework for identifying high-potential startups in emerging industries using AI-driven tools.
- Create a checklist for evaluating inbound pitch decks to quickly assess viability and alignment with fund focus. Plus a tool for processing the inbound flow of decks and email (e.g. export to NotebookLM using Google App Scripts)
- Draft a script for cold outreach to founders of promising startups, emphasizing mutual value.
- Design a system for tracking and prioritizing warm introductions from your network. Plus build the “do it” part (e.g. Bardeem or your own browser-integrated local LLM.)
- Develop a strategy for leveraging LinkedIn to identify and connect with founders in specific sectors.
- Create a guide for attending startup events and conferences to maximize deal flow opportunities.
- Draft a template for a follow-up email after meeting a founder at a networking event.
- Develop a process for analyzing Crunchbase or PitchBook data to identify startups raising soon.
- Create a playbook for collaborating with accelerators and incubators to source deals.
- Design a scoring system for evaluating startups based on team, market, traction, and technology.
Due Diligence
- Develop a comprehensive due diligence checklist for evaluating seed-stage startups.
- Create a framework for analyzing a startup’s competitive landscape and market positioning. First draft of this is exceedingly well done by generalist LLMs.
- Draft a guide for conducting reference calls with a founder’s previous colleagues or investors. Plus how about a tool for recording the actual meeting and summarizing (there are infinitely many.)
- Design a process for evaluating a startup’s financial projections and unit economics.
- Develop a template for summarizing key findings from technical due diligence.
- Create a system for tracking and comparing term sheets from competing VC firms. Comparing legal docs for differences, a form of thoughtful redlining, is also default and great.
- Draft a script for asking insightful questions during founder interviews.
- Develop a methodology for assessing a startup’s scalability and potential exit opportunities.
- Create a guide for evaluating the strength and defensibility of a startup’s intellectual property.
- Design a framework for assessing a startup’s cultural fit with your fund’s portfolio.
Portfolio Support
- Develop a strategy for helping portfolio companies with hiring key executives.
- Create a template for quarterly portfolio updates, including KPIs and milestones.
- Draft a guide for facilitating introductions between portfolio companies and potential customers.
- Design a system for tracking and reporting on portfolio company performance to LPs.
- Develop a playbook for assisting portfolio companies with follow-on fundraising.
- Create a framework for organizing portfolio-wide events to foster collaboration.
- Draft a script for delivering constructive feedback to founders during board meetings.
- Develop a methodology for identifying synergies between portfolio companies.
- Create a guide for helping portfolio companies navigate pivots or strategic shifts.
- Design a process for conducting post-mortem analyses on underperforming investments.
Bonus: Personal Branding and Thought Leadership Prompts
- Content Creation
- Develop a content calendar for sharing insights on emerging trends, startup advice, and investment theses on LinkedIn and Twitter.
- Draft a blog post template for analyzing industry trends and their implications for startups and investors.
- Networking and Visibility
- Create a strategy for building relationships with influential founders, investors, and journalists in the tech ecosystem.
- Draft a script for reaching out to podcast hosts or event organizers to secure speaking opportunities.
- Social Media Strategy
- Design a framework for consistently engaging with your audience on LinkedIn (e.g., commenting on posts, sharing insights, and posting original content).
- Develop a guide for using Twitter to share quick takes on startup news, funding rounds, and market trends.
- Thought Leadership
- Write a template for publishing a monthly newsletter summarizing key insights from your deal flow, portfolio updates, and industry observations.
- Create a framework for hosting webinars or AMAs (Ask Me Anything) to share your expertise with founders and aspiring VCs.
- Personal Branding
- Develop a personal branding statement that clearly communicates your unique value proposition as a VC Associate.
- Draft a guide for creating a personal website or portfolio showcasing your investment thesis, portfolio contributions, and thought leadership content.
- Public Speaking
- Create a checklist for preparing and delivering impactful presentations at industry events or panels.
- Draft a pitch for why you should be invited to speak at a specific conference or event.
- Writing and Publishing
- Develop a process for co-authoring articles with portfolio founders or other investors to amplify your reach.
- Draft a template for submitting op-eds or guest articles to tech publications like TechCrunch, Forbes, or VentureBeat.
- Community Building
- Design a strategy for building and engaging with a community of founders, operators, and investors (e.g., Slack groups, Twitter communities, or local meetups).
- Create a guide for hosting virtual or in-person events to foster connections within your network.
- Mentorship and Giving Back
- Draft a script for offering mentorship to aspiring VCs or early-stage founders.
- Develop a framework for sharing lessons learned from your VC journey through mentorship programs or online forums.
- Metrics and Tracking
- Create a system for tracking the impact of your thought leadership efforts (e.g., engagement metrics, follower growth, or inbound deal flow).
- Draft a template for setting and reviewing quarterly goals for personal brand growth.