One of the easiest ways for startups to raise money to further their objectives is through venture capital. A venture capitalist’s role is to find companies that are both in need of such funding and have the talents essential to succeed to the fullest in the long term.
As a result, becoming a venture capitalist requires more than having enough financial resources. It requires having the right skills to determine whether to invest in a company or not. It also requires knowing when to cut your losses and if you need to raise your investment beyond the first financial commitment.
Ryan Hoggan, a well-known NFT and real estate mogul will join us for this discussion and offer helpful advice on how a beginning venture capitalist can navigate the risky world of venture capitalism.
What piece of advice do you feel is most crucial for those just getting started in venture capital?
Being a venture capitalist comes with its benefits and drawbacks. While there is a great opportunity of making millions, there is also the risk of losing all of your money.
My advice to newbies is to have good co-investors who would share in any losses and provide insightful advice when deciding which potential business venture to choose.
How can investors determine if a startup is likely to succeed or fail prior to making an investment?
The probability that a startup will succeed or fail depends on various circumstances, many of which might not have been recognized at the time of the initial investment. My years of experience have shown me that having scalable products will help a company evolve with time and not become irrelevant and fold after facing stiff competition.
A startup’s key performance indicators (KPI) will also help show the owner’s passion for the company’s success. When enough money has been invested in the business, a startup that has designed its products to be readily and easily scalable and has the correct balance of KPIs is more likely to succeed in the long run.
Would you advise a venture capitalist to make a long-term or short-term investment?
Over time, only a few startups I have invested in yielded sufficient profit during the first few years, regardless of how prepared they were for the market. Based on this, investors looking for maximum gain should stay for the long haul if they are very sure about the venture’s potential.
What factors should venture capitalists consider before investing more money in a FinTech firm?
One of the main variables that my partners and I consider is how well customers have welcomed the firm’s product. If there are minimal negative reviews, it is only logical to increase our investment and strengthen our stakes.
I would also advise venture capitalists to carefully examine how the firms they are invested in used the funds from the first investment. Any sign of ineffective management should be seen as a signal to dissolve the association before it worsens.
In conclusion, Ryan, does one need a license to be a venture capitalist?
Joining the world of venture capitalism does not require any license. However, it would help if you had a lot of financial industry expertise, preferably in investment banking or private equity.
An MBA or a degree in finance can also tremendously assist you in adapting to the financial lingo utilized in the field and making the right decisions.
