Sometimes you get a masterclass about VC – and about life – in the most unexpected places.
Like I did this past week.
The scene? A yearly fall startup + VC event in NYC—an event with a lot of hamburgers and milk shakes involved.
But first we should rewind just a bit, to earlier that day. I saw a LinkedIn post with one of my B-school mentors tagged in it. As it turned out, they were visiting NYC to speak at a GP/LP conference.
I don’t see them much these days, so I shot them a text and suggested they stop by the event for a burger since they were leaving the next day.
When we met up, they did something that seems so trivial when I write it out … but if you were there it would have made a big impression on you. I promise.
As we started talking … they grabbed a chair.
But the chair wasn’t for themselves.
The chair was for me.
You know how it goes at events. A lot of folks are looking to figure out how to move on to the next person, or conversation, or deal. They’re checking their phone, or looking over your shoulder for someone else. And I’m not perfect … I’ve also done those things myself.
On paper, this “chair thing” may seem like such a small gesture.
But I experienced it as presence, intentionality, and genuine care. Three things which are pretty rare in the circles you and I travel in.
Yet here was someone at the top of an industry built entirely on relationships, demonstrating exactly why he belonged there.
And after our conversation, you wouldn’t be surprised to hear they sent me a text that referred back to LinkedIn DMs we had 15+ years ago when I was asking (OK, maybe it was begging …) for introductions to other VCs while I was trying to land my 1st VC gig.
This is how you build a great reputation in the startup and VC world.
Each small, thoughtful interaction that says: “I see you.”
Each ‘pass’ email you write to a founder where you say: “Hey, I can’t get there, but here’s the honest truth as to why.”
And yes, each chair that you pull up … for someone else.
