What Makes a Successful Venture Capitalist?

Abstract

In 1998-1999, 145 venture capital investors participated in a survey designed to illuminate the circumstances and personal characteristics that contribute to the success of a venture capitalist. Not only did the survey ask how and why these professionals entered the field, but it probed for the skill sets and experiences considered most critical to thriving in this cutting-edge business, a business that is intensely dependent on interpersonal relationships. Additionally, the article results reveal some surprises about what is not necessarily an integral part of the VC profile.