I've seen new funds getting flagship investment from a general partner at a prominent established fund and round out a raise with this credibility cosign. I'm told there's no carry being shared. Why would a legacy VC firm willingly permit a new fund to broadcast their being an LP as prominently as they do go on their podcast & elevate this new fund? Downstream deal flow opportunities?
Community Member
You can’t talk about a fund until it is closed, so having an established VC or GP as an LP does not add anything to your fundraising process. Furthermore, you should NEVER talk about LPs with other LPs, or you risk both reputational damage and losing LPs.
Some established funds want access and deal flow, which is why they have the ability in their LPA to invest in other funds. Select LP investing is part of their Thesis and / or strategy. Making these types of investments is commonly prohibited in the LPA AND presents both conflicts of interest and fiduciary duty issues.
It’s fairly uncommon to see established VCs or GPs make LP investments, so don’t waste a lot of time on this. Among nearly 300 alumni firms, I’ve heard of this happening only a handful of times.