“F*** the VCs.” – John Casasanta
While I wouldn’t go as far as John in denouncing venture capitalists, the startup ecosystem needs a little shakeup.
Today, venture capitalists give entrepreneurs funds to hire a team and launch their business. In short, VCs give startups money to help them succeed.
Money, though, isn’t always the main ingredient for success. Fledgling firms also need exposure and endorsements to help their products gain traction. What if we created a new breed of startup catalysts who provided influence instead of money?
Call them Venture Influencers.
The Venture Influencer’s job would be relatively simple – shout the company’s virtues from the rooftops, help it secure strategic partnerships and leverage your audience as a broadcast mechanism. The Influencer would receive equity in the company as payment, and perhaps a seat on the board if their contribution was essential to success.
A Venture Influencer could also help the startup recruit a team of star players and make introductions to other influential people.
Venture Capitalists provide financial resources. Venture Influencers provide human resources.
Seems like an awfully good way to invest in a company for the Influencer, right? None of their cash is on the line. And the entrepreneur retains his/her independence, because they aren’t dependent on the Influencer’s checkbook.
If you are a consultant, freelancer or self-employed expert of any kind, what if you had an influential “partner” with a small stake in your business who helped turbo-charge your growth?
Seems like an ideal arrangement for all parties.
Viibrant is now accepting proposals from Venture Influencers.
