This article is a critique of the current state of venture capital (VC) in the US, particularly among Gen Z investors. The author, Andrew Chan, argues that many young VC investors are prioritizing their online personas and social media followings over actual investing experience and skills. He contends that this trend is damaging to the industry as a whole.
Chan argues that being a "Gen Z VC" has become more about projecting a certain image or persona on social media rather than developing real expertise in investing. He criticizes young investors for relying on groupthink, trends, and youth rather than hard work and experience.
Chan also suggests that this trend is contributing to nepotism and biases in the industry, as younger investors often rely on their personal connections and networks rather than their actual skills. He argues that true value and experience are being replaced by superficial qualities like a strong social media presence or an NFT collection.
The author concludes that he refuses to identify himself as a "Gen Z VC" because it would mean prioritizing his online image over his actual investment track record. He believes that this trend is unsustainable and will ultimately harm the industry’s credibility.
Key points:
- The article argues that many young VC investors prioritize their social media personas over actual investing experience.
- Chan criticizes groupthink, trends, and youth as substitutes for hard work and experience in the industry.
- He suggests that nepotism and biases are contributing to this trend.
- Chan believes that true value and experience are being replaced by superficial qualities like a strong social media presence or an NFT collection.
- The author concludes that he refuses to identify himself as a "Gen Z VC" because it would mean prioritizing his online image over his actual investment track record.
