Women are often less risk-taking than men in the entrepreneurial world, but this doesn’t mean they’re immune to the impact of venture capital. The VC model appeals to the lottery mentality, causing founders to lose control of their businesses before they’ve even gotten off the ground. This article explains why women often don’t get VC money. It also explains why VCs tend to wrest control of a company before it has even been able to develop a sustainable business.
Women are less risk-taking in venture capital
The gender of the entrepreneurs is a contributing factor to a decreased demand for venture capital. A recent study suggested that women are less risk-taking than men when they start a new business. Despite being aware of external financing options, female entrepreneurs were less likely to seek VC funding. This lack of women entrepreneurs in Europe has led to reduced demand for external financing. But there are ways to overcome the gender bias and make women entrepreneurs more attractive to VC firms.
VCs wrest control of companies from founders
Why do VCs wrest control of companies away from founders? Many reasons can be attributed to the power of information. Founders and managers are more likely to know more than their investors do, which creates a problem called information asymmetry. Moreover, a high degree of asymmetry between information and capital can push entrepreneurs to take risks they otherwise wouldn’t. Hence, this situation can lead to moral hazard.
VCs appeal to a “lottery” mentality
Venture capitalists generally prefer investments in high-growth segments. This is because growing within a high-growth segment is easier than in a low-growth segment. Moreover, VCs are unlikely to back entrepreneurs in low-growth segments. Thus, investment flows generally reflect a certain pattern of capital allocation. But the VCs’ preference for high-growth segments isn’t the only factor that motivates this mentality.
VCs provide funds before a startup becomes a business
Venture capital (VC) firms typically provide seed capital to startup companies, which means they provide funds before the startup becomes a business. Unlike bank loans, venture capital allows startups to finance operations with no debt. Rather than acquiring an initial equity stake, startups instead pay for venture capital with shares and never have to repay it. Venture capital is especially useful for fast- growing startups, which can outpace competitors.
VCs often eject founders
When entrepreneurs receive a venture capital investment, their goal is often to maximize valuation and return 3x of the initial investment. However, VCs have different goals. Many are focused on achieving the highest possible valuation for their funds, while founders are more concerned with securing the most favorable terms. For example, VCs often require preferred stockholders to receive seats on the board, which reduces their risk.
