What practice best built your VC network, and why?

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Martin Janicki

General Partner · Tenet

Providing value

Martin Janicki says his key to networking is speaking to many people but starting by providing value, and that many people go wrong by expecting something back immediately when they reach out.

John Chen

General Partner · Fika Ventures

Building a Dense Network

John Chen says network density is probably the most important thing for a young investor, because it gives him access to founders and companies and, more valuably, a bench of people he can call for diligence.

The answer starts at 3:30.

Morgan Hitzig

General Partner · Overmatch Ventures

Target 10 like‑minded contacts

Morgan Hitzig advises founders to pick 10 people with similar backgrounds or shared connections rather than trying to talk to a hundred, and to ask them for advice, saying it only takes one believer.

The answer starts at 31:47.

Michael Fisch

Founder & CEO · American Securities

Make the call

Michael Fisch says his practice is to "make the call," urging people to phone rather than presume others are thinking about their deal, because you're building a relationship and need to get someone working on it.

The answer starts at 52:10.

Ryan Nece

Board Member · National Venture Capital Association

Being a consistent giver

Ryan Nece says being a consistent giver has helped him build his network, citing his firm's philosophy that "a giving hand is never empty" and that what you give comes back to you.

The answer starts at 1:04:50.

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Ian Rountree

General Partner · Cantos

Engaging on Twitter

Ian Rountree advises young people wanting to get into venture to go on Twitter, follow people, engage in conversations and post thoughts, saying that beats cold requests to someone met once at a happy hour.

The answer starts at 17:15.