give-to-get

Definition

The VC expectation that founders will make introductions, provide advice, and help other portfolio companies in exchange for investment and support. Networking as a contractual obligation.

Example Usage

Our lead investor has a strong give-to-get culture, which is why I spend 10 hours a week helping their other founders instead of building my company.

Origin

Venture capital community norms, formalized in 2000s with rise of value-add investing

Fun Fact

Some VC firms track give-to-get participation as a metric, creating a startup founder popularity contest nobody asked for.

Source: Venture capital ecosystem and portfolio management practices

Related Terms

Beginner

investor

Someone who gives you money in exchange for a piece of your company, future profits, or the thrill of watching their capital evaporate. They're either your best friend or worst nightmare, depending on whether your quarterly numbers are trending upward. In startup land, they're the people whose calls you always take.

🚀 Startup / VC

Intermediate

anchor investor

The first major investor who commits to a fund or round, giving others confidence to follow. Like the first person to dance at a party—everyone was waiting for someone brave (or drunk) enough to start.

🚀 Startup / VC

Beginner

Incubator

A program that nurtures early-stage startups by providing office space, mentorship, and a false sense of security. It's called an incubator because, much like the medical device, it keeps fragile things alive that probably wouldn't survive in the real world.

🚀 Startup / VC

Advanced

zombie fund

A venture fund that's technically alive but has stopped making new investments, usually because performance is so bad that raising a follow-on fund is impossible. It shambles along, managing existing investments until the limited partnership agreement expires.

🚀 Startup / VC

Advanced

tag-along rights

Provisions allowing minority shareholders to join a sale if majority shareholders exit—the friendlier sibling of drag-along rights. It's protection ensuring you can't get abandoned while insiders cash out.

🚀 Startup / VC

Beginner

bridge round

Emergency funding meant to tide a startup over until the 'real' funding round happens, often at desperate terms. Named after a bridge because you're hoping it doesn't collapse before you reach the other side.

🚀 Startup / VC

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