Handling Calls from Associates at VC Firms

Earlier today I was talking with an entrepreneur and he was excited that an associate at a well known VC firm kept reaching out to talk with him. As a first time entrepreneur, the siren’s VC call is alluring, regardless of the VC’s job title. Quickly, I reminded the entrepreneur that associates at top VC funds are the best paid Ivy League educated junior cold callers out there.

Here are a few tips on handling calls from associates at VC firms:

• Remember that the associate has much more time than you do
• Consider setting aside one afternoon a month to do any VC calls back-to-back as opposed to handling them whenever
• Clarify before any calls whether it will be the associate or a partner — specifically request a partner on the call to get more info
• Start building a relationship with VCs before you need/want money
• Develop a list of questions in advance to gather industry info and introductions (the best VCs show value well in advance of investing)

Calls from associates at VC firms are part of life in startups. If you’re going to engage with them, make good use of your time.

What else? How do you handle calls from associates at VC firms?