Why Some VCs Lead and Others Don’t | Mark Volchek

Why do some VCs lead while others follow? On this episode of High Stakes, host Paige Soya sits down with Mark Volchek, founding partner at Las Olas Venture Capital, to explore the dynamics of leading versus following in venture capital. With a focus on early-stage B2B software, Mark brings insights from his journey, from founding a FinTech company during the dot-com crash to launching and managing multiple successful funds since 2016. Together, they unpack the pros and cons of leading investment rounds, how firm size and resources influence strategy, and how to navigate key decisions like taking board seats, aligning with co-investors, and allocating resources. Mark also shares advice for founders on finding the right VC fit and explains why there is a firm out there for every type of startup. Tune in for a deep dive into how venture firms decide when to lead and when to follow, and what that means for investors and founders alike!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Mark’s journey from entrepreneurship to venture capitalism.

• Lessons from being an angel investor and limited partner (LP).

• The value of being on the board of companies you’ve invested in.

• Key advantages and challenges of leading investments.

• How to take the size and resources of your VC firm into account.

• The difficulties of following on in oversubscribed rounds.

• Unpacking the necessity of aligning with co-investors.

• Mark’s advice to founders on how to find the right VC fit for your company.