Learn how VCs can leverage their networks for better introductions and opportunities across various domains such as talent acquisition, sales, business development, and fundraising. Learn about the significance of proactive network management, strategic introductions, and the power of authentic connections.
"All business is a people business, right? No matter what industry you're in, at some point it comes down to who you know, because that's how you get things done."
-Chris SIsserian, Head of Platform (Manta Ray)
Most VCs recognize the power of their network, but few have systematically operationalized it. The spectrum ranges from funds that don't view their network as a strategic asset to those who have built custom software solutions to manage relationships.
.jpg)
Where does your fund fall on this spectrum?
The majority of funds sit in the middle of this curve - aware of their network's value but not fully capturing its potential. This represents a significant opportunity for competitive advantage.
"There are many people who'd be willing to pay a thousand bucks for that kind of exchange. Yet everyone recognizes in their interest to do it for free and see what happens."
The expert network industry charges significant fees - often $1,000+ per hour - for the same introductions a well-networked VC can facilitate naturally. This represents both tremendous value and a key differentiator in a crowded market.
When properly leveraged, your network creates a compounding return:
For a typical Series A fund with 20+ portfolio companies, an under-optimized network translates to:
REAL WORLD IMPACT:
"It is proven... if you do this well, you are more likely to get better returns on the fund, which is exactly what your investors and everyone else wants."
When VCs systematically leverage their networks, portfolio companies experience tangible growth acceleration:
CASE STUDY: PLAY VENTURES
This systematic approach creates a significant competitive advantage compared to funds relying on ad-hoc relationship management.
"I love to see these companies succeed and you can do that by making sometimes just one hire or sometimes just one incredibly powerful introduction."
The difference between a 3-month and 6-month executive search can be the difference between hitting growth targets and missing a market window.
TACTICAL APPROACH:
For mid-level roles, sharing curated lists allows founders to self-serve while focusing platform team resources on executive-level placements.
Cold outreach has historically low conversion rates (1-3%), while warm introductions dramatically increase response rates and meeting conversions.
NETWORK ACCELERATION METRICS:
IMPLEMENTATION TIP: Create a simple tracking system to measure introduction outcomes. Track:
This data becomes powerful evidence of your platform team's impact.
"Since January last year, I've been building out our talent network, which... lived in the brains of most of the people at Play Ventures. And so now I'm like, I want a structured list with notes."
The Play Ventures case study demonstrates the power of systematic talent network development:
STEP-BY-STEP PLAYBOOK:
This approach transformed an invisible asset (relationships in people's heads) into a tangible, actionable resource.
"I looked up the numbers and I spoke to about 200 of 250 of those last year on video calls, 30 minutes. And of that 250, I think I shared about 150 throughout the whole portfolio."
Not every connection merits the same level of investment. The data suggests a quality filter approach:
This filtering process ensures that when you make an introduction, it carries weight and delivers value.
The most sophisticated network management creates passive value through automation:
AUTOMATION WORKFLOW:
MEASUREMENT APPROACH: Track time saved by founders and hiring managers through pre-qualification. A typical executive search requires 40+ hours of screening time - systematic network management can reduce this by 50-75%.
"Less is more often... what if you just made one intro to the 100% right person who takes the call and invests and then your portfolio company's follow-on funding round is done and you can move on."
The data shows that introduction quality dramatically outperforms quantity:
QUANTIFYING INTRODUCTION VALUE:
The highest-performing platform teams focus on precision rather than volume.
"The way I use Getro and the network and so on is to find like the one person for that one moment in time and try to find the right thing for them. So it's not a favor."
A transformative approach to introductions frames them as mutual value rather than requested favors:
THE FRAMEWORK:
This approach dramatically increases response rates and productive outcomes.
Many platform teams track activity metrics (number of introductions made) rather than outcome metrics. This creates misaligned incentives:
BETTER METRICS:
Instead of tracking:
Track:
MPLEMENTATION TIP: Create a simple satisfaction survey for portfolio founders to rate the quality of introductions on a 1-5 scale, with comments. This provides valuable feedback for improving your introduction process.
"I can create lists of people and share them with founders... I share them with founders ultimately as an external link."
Network lists transform static contact information into dynamic, actionable assets:
LIST EXAMPLES:
These lists become invaluable resources that can be instantly activated when needs arise.
"I shared that list onto him and I was like, have a quick browse through there. I can intro you to all of them. Just let me know. And so he picked out three."
Network assets should be designed for founder self-service:
IMPLEMENTATION STEPS:
This approach empowers founders while maximizing the platform team's efficiency.
"I can see that someone's connected to someone else on my team. I'm like, 'Hey, a founder's interested in this person you're connected with.' And they're like, 'I have no idea who that is.'"
Even "weak ties" within your network can become valuable entry points:
ACTIVATION APPROACH:
SAMPLE OUTREACH:
"Hi [Name], I'm reaching out because you're connected with [Team Member] at [Fund]. One of our portfolio companies, [Company], is looking for [specific expertise]. Would you be open to a brief conversation about [specific topic]?"
"If next month we do a biotech deal in Austin, Texas, now I care about the Texas biotech scene... I get an email saying 'these are changes to that network.' And I can see people dropping in and out of that."
As your investment thesis evolves, your network needs evolve with it:
IMPLEMENTATION STEPS:
This approach ensures your network evolves in sync with your investment strategy.
Automated alerts transform passive connections into active opportunities:
ALERT TYPES:
These alerts create natural opportunities for timely, relevant outreach.
"Even if the connection there is not a very strong one or one that the person can really vouch for, there's still... some meat. It's like a way in."
Convert dormant connections into active relationships:
ACTIVATION FRAMEWORK:
MEASUREMENT: Track conversion rates from cold connections to active relationships. A well-structured outreach program should convert 15-25% of dormant connections into active relationships within 90 days.
"I think like a bit of the tough love initially saying, look, you're not relevant for that person... and then finding someone who is. I think is way more powerful."
Begin with comprehensive data aggregation:
IMPLEMENTATION CHECKLIST:
MILESTONE: Complete network data import with at least 80% of team members participating.
With your data foundation in place, create systematic processes:
WORKFLOW COMPONENTS:
MILESTONE: Complete at least 25 structured introductions using the new system and track outcomes.
Begin measuring and communicating impact:
MEASUREMENT FRAMEWORK:
MILESTONE: Generate first quarterly network impact report quantifying value delivered to portfolio companies.
The most successful venture funds recognize that their network is not just a collection of contacts but a strategic asset that drives returns. By systematically operationalizing relationship management, platform teams create measurable competitive advantages:
As the venture landscape becomes increasingly competitive, the funds that most effectively leverage their networks will be those that consistently outperform.
"You send messages out into the ether and you try and connect people up and then, not all the time, but sometimes truly amazing things happen."
Book a call with our team to see how you can put your network to work.