Thread by @ericbahn

1/ I see a lot of advice for founders on how to behave toward VCs, but let’s talk about how VCs should behave toward founders. Call it ‘VC Etiquette 101’.

The following advice is drawn from real founders I know who reported this bad VC behavior to me recently:

2/ VCs should respond to e-mail.

Even if it is to apologies that they will be slow to respond, just confirm receipt with the sender. Try to respond within 48 hours with a real response.

3/ When rejecting a founder, NEVER ghost the founder. If all you have time for is a one-sentence reason, providing that is better than nothing.

Remember: Your reputation as a VC is built from how you say ‘no’, not how you say ‘yes’.

4/ When a founder presents to a VC partnership meeting, PAY ATTENTION. You can use your computer if you are taking notes, but don’t shop online/go on social media/watch videos.

5/ If there are two co-founders who are pitching where one is a man and the other is a woman, don’t just direct all questions and attention to the man.

6/ Stop asking founders how they will manage running a startup while also having a family.

7/ Give the founder most of the floor and speaking time. Try to ask questions and be quiet. Don’t talk over people just to show off how smart you are.

You probably aren’t that smart anyway.

8/ Don’t string along founders. Too many founders don’t receive a clear yes or no from a VC, but a vague, ‘let’s stay in touch!’

Not cool. Be clear on the next step.

9/ Always thank the founder for the opportunity to learn about their company--at the beginning and at the end of the engagement. The founder’s time is a huge gift.

10/ I’m sure I’m missing a lot on this list above, any other etiquette advice for VCs?

And full disclosure: I’m guilty of some of this rude behavior above from time to time. I am trying to get better!