As I sit here as the CEO and founder of Anathem Ventures, I often reflect on how my experiences as a child actress have prepared me well for the challenges of being a venture capitalist. Many people may think that being a VC requires a certain set of skills or background, but I firmly believe that it takes a unique combination of grit, perseverance, and courage to succeed in this field.
A Childhood Lesson in Perseverance
During my time on the popular TV show "The Wonder Years," I had my fair share of close calls and accidents on set. One particular incident that stands out was during the filming of an episode called "The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre." In this episode, my character attempts to run over her longtime foe, Kevin Arnold, with a bicycle. However, during a dress rehearsal, I accidentally hit a thick sound cable with my front wheel and went flying over the handlebars.
I spent the evening in the emergency room, but what struck me was that just a few days later, barely off crutches, I was back on set and back on the bike. We filmed the scene, and it ended up being one of the series’ most successful and memorable episodes. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and grit, qualities that would serve me well in my future career as a VC.
From Actress to Lawyer and VC
Fast forward many years, I had completed degrees from Yale and Harvard Law School, and was working as a lawyer advising companies on various matters. However, I soon realized that my true passion lay in investing in startups and supporting entrepreneurs who were pushing the boundaries of innovation.
I launched Anathem Ventures, with a mission to identify and back breakthrough tech startups that were solving problems that had never been solved before using new technology. As a VC, I knew that it would take more than just financial acumen to succeed; I needed to have the courage to make tough decisions, to stand up for what I believed in, and to fight for my portfolio companies.
What Makes a Great VC?
So, what does it take to be a great VC? In my opinion, it’s not just about writing checks or making investments; it’s about having the courage to take risks, to challenge conventional wisdom, and to back founders who are truly changing the world.
Peter Thiel’s famous interview question, "what important truth do very few people agree with you on?" is a great example of this. It’s not just about measuring intelligence or IQ; it’s about having the courage to stand up for what you believe in, even if it means going against the crowd.
The Importance of Integrity and Backbone
As a VC, I’ve seen firsthand how easily self-interest can lead people down a path that may seem easy but is ultimately destructive. It takes guts to act with integrity, to fight for the right outcome for your portfolio companies, and to stand up against pressure from other investors who may be trying to squeeze you or convince you to switch course.
This is another lesson I learned during my childhood, when I saw how important it was to do the right thing, even if it meant facing criticism or adversity. As a VC, I’ve carried this lesson with me and have made it a core part of our firm’s culture: we prioritize integrity and doing what’s right over short-term gains.
Conclusion
In conclusion, being a VC requires more than just financial acumen or business skills; it takes grit, perseverance, courage, and integrity. I believe that my experiences as a child actress have prepared me well for this role, and I’m grateful to be able to apply these lessons every day in my work at Anathem Ventures.
If you’re an entrepreneur with a breakthrough idea, I encourage you to reach out to us; we’d love to hear your story and explore how we can support you on your journey. And if you’re a fellow VC or investor, I invite you to join me in the conversation about what it takes to be a great VC – let’s work together to build a better future for all of us.
Topics
- Column
- EC Future of Work
- Entrepreneurship
- Peter Thiel
- Private Equity
- Startup company
- Venture
Contributor
Crystal is the founder and managing partner of Anathem Ventures, and is passionate about finding and funding great teams that have developed breakthrough technology that they are pragmatically leveraging to win and own uncrowded, high-margin markets.
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