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Saved February 14, 2026
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This article critiques the venture capital model, arguing that it increasingly favors large firms at the expense of smaller ones. It highlights how this trend limits opportunities for many companies and leads to poorer exit outcomes. The author suggests that venture capital should split into distinct small and large funds to improve the ecosystem.
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Venture capital operates like a pyramid, where funding starts small with Seed rounds and escalates through consecutive Series rounds, culminating in significant institutional investments as companies approach an exit. This structure differs from the barbell distribution seen in other asset classes, primarily due to the need for various fund sizes, the interdependence of boutique firms on larger firms for follow-on capital, and the relationship dynamics between limited partners (LPs) and fund managers. Many small firms become reliant on large firms for capital, leading to a concentration of power and resources at the top of the pyramid.
The article highlights that as venture capital funds increase in size, the expectation for larger exits grows. Many emerging companies are pushed to achieve unrealistic growth targets to satisfy the demands of these larger funds. This shift has significant consequences: companies that might have thrived with modest exits are often denied the chance to go public, limiting their growth potential. The narrative that private markets foster better growth is misleading; in fact, many companies could perform well in public markets with less private capital than they currently receive.
The current trend of keeping companies private longer to maximize returns for large funds results in worse exit outcomes for all parties involved. Founders face challenges, innovation suffers, and the market becomes less dynamic. The author argues for a split in venture capital between small and large funds, allowing for a more competitive environment that could better serve diverse companies. This change could pave the way toward a healthier investment ecosystem, benefiting a broader range of startups and fostering genuine innovation.
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