Thu Apr 06 2023

Becoming a VC:

• Rob Lacher's interest in becoming a venture capitalist was sparked during university when he learned about the field and realized the opportunity to work with young, ambitious individuals building impactful ventures.
• He stumbled into venture capital through angel investing, which allowed him to discover his passion for supporting and working alongside entrepreneurs.

Building a Successful Fund:

• Balancing being an entrepreneur and a venture capitalist simultaneously is one of the biggest challenges in building a successful fund, according to Rob Lacher.
• Hiring the right team is crucial for success. Lacher prefers to bring on young, hungry, hyper-intelligent individuals who have not been exposed to traditional VC experience. This approach brings fresh perspectives and unbiased thinking.

European Venture Ecosystem:

• In discussing the European venture ecosystem, Rob Lacher acknowledges that while Series A funding may not be as strong compared to the US market, there are still excellent European boards available.
• Founders faced with the decision between a US multi-stage fund or a European offer should consider multiple factors such as market dynamics and board members before making their choice.
• Lacher envisions Europe's venture ecosystem resembling Google by leveraging domain knowledge and capital from family institutions.

Lessons on Investing:

• As an investor, Rob Lacher highlights misaligned expectations among VCs, founders, and boards.
• While price plays a central role in investment decisions, it must also be balanced with other factors such as assessing company potential and evaluating milestone achievements.
• Reserve management strategies can adapt based on market conditions and overall performance.

Visionaries Club and Future Goals:

• One of Rob Lacher's goals for Visionaries Club is to establish longevity over three or four decades by tapping into domain expertise from experienced family entrepreneurs.
• Furthermore, he aims to disrupt the traditional venture capital model by combining this specialized knowledge with capital support for B2B entrepreneurs.

Miscellaneous Points:

• The concept of signaling risk differs among different venture capitalists, with some considering it a significant factor while others may downplay its importance.
• Building strong partnerships is crucial for successful venture capital firms. Clear communication, alignment of purpose, and complementary strengths are key components in fostering such relationships.