What is a startup scout?

A startup scout is a person that helps venture capital firms discover new startups to invest in. A startup scout can also be known as a venture partner, venture scout, VC scout, etc.

From a startup perspective, a scout can provide an introduction to a venture capital firm often bridging a geographical or demographic gap. For example when a African-American led startup based in the US Mid-West with no connections with Silicon Valley investors is scouted by an active scout in both communities.

Related Answers

Both types of scouts have as their main goal to source new startup deals to invest in. lInternal VC scouts are usually part-time or full-time employed as an intern, researcher, associate, or junior partner. External scouts are not officially employed by the investor and are usually compensated on a deal-by-deal basis.

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Venture scouts are resourceful connectors that may assist venture capital firms in discovering hidden, exceptional startups and founders to invest in ahead of the competition.

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While both documents may contain similar elements, it's the angle from which each is written that makes the difference.

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Yes, you can. In fact, unless you're independently wealth, you should work while being a scout to sustain a living.

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Having investment experience is not a requirement to start a role as a VC scout. So for example you don't need to have a history of investing your or other people's money in startups.

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Broadly speaking, the answer is no. You do not have to be an accredited investor to be a startup scout.

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As a VC scout, you can expect to have a different compensation or salary based on the firm you work with. Options include cash on deal completion, cash for relevant intros, startup equity proportional to the investment, and your own micro-fund.

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