Investor Stories 450. How to Succeed Early in VC: Slow Down, Commit to Relationships, and Become an Active Listener (Niehenke, York, Hilaly)

What It Covers

Three venture capital investors share essential career advice for early-stage VCs: slow down and appreciate limited deal opportunities, commit to long-term relationships, and practice active listening.

Key Questions Answered

• •Career Math: A VC investing at 42 writing 1.5-2 deals annually has only 20-40 deals remaining before retirement at 62-72, making each investment decision critically important and worth savoring.
• •Relationship Strategy: Play the long game in venture capital by maintaining loyalty and commitment to relationships rather than chasing short-term wins, titles, or comparing yourself to peers at other firms.
• •Active Listening: Stay silent in partner meetings until you can contribute non-obvious insights that broaden understanding. Challenge yourself internally by questioning what you would do differently before speaking up publicly.