How to Use
Rate each question from 0 (No Fit) to 5 (Perfect Fit) based on your discussions with the VC. Adjust dimension weights below to reflect their importance to your partnership.
Dimension Weights
Suggested Best Practice Weights:
Focus on Vision & Mission (30%) and Values & Ethics (25%) as these are hardest to change and most predictive of long-term success. Fund Lifecycle (15%) ensures practical alignment on timing and capital. Communication styles are most adaptable, hence lower weight.
Focus on Vision & Mission (30%) and Values & Ethics (25%) as these are hardest to change and most predictive of long-term success. Fund Lifecycle (15%) ensures practical alignment on timing and capital. Communication styles are most adaptable, hence lower weight.
Vision & Mission:
30%
(Recommended: 25-35%)
Values & Ethics:
25%
(Recommended: 20-30%)
Fund Lifecycle & Deployment:
15%
(Recommended: 10-20%)
Overall Alignment & Trust:
15%
(Recommended: 10-20%)
Exit Strategy & Timeline:
15%
(Recommended: 10-20%)
Operational & Communication:
10%
(Recommended: 5-15%)
Total: 100%
Adjust sliders to emphasize what matters most for your partnership
Vision & Mission
Given your investment thesis, how well does my company fit into your thesis for investment?
Poor Fit
Perfect Fit
How compelling is the VC's vision for my company's role in shaping the market 5-10 years from now?
Not Compelling
Very Compelling
How well does the VC understand and align with my mission and obsession as a founder?
Poor Understanding
Deep Understanding
How relevant and encouraging are the VC's examples of backing vision-driven founders?
Not Relevant
Very Relevant
How aligned are we on what defines success for my company?
Misaligned
Fully Aligned
Exit Strategy & Timeline
How suitable are the VC's preferred exit outcomes (IPO, M&A, etc.) for my company's trajectory?
Unsuitable
Very Suitable
How well do the VC's timeline expectations (patient vs. faster liquidity) match mine?
Poor Match
Perfect Match
How realistic is the VC's minimum exit multiple expectation for my business model?
Too Low
Too High
How constructively does the VC handle founder-fund exit timing differences?
Poorly
Very Well
How reassuring are the VC's examples of managing exit expectation conflicts?
Not Reassuring
Very Reassuring
Values & Ethics
How well do the VC's core values align with my approach to business partnerships?
Poor Alignment
Strong Alignment
How confident am I in the VC's support approach during crises based on their examples?
Not Confident
Very Confident
How thorough and appropriate is the VC's approach to evaluating founder integrity?
Inappropriate
Very Appropriate
How reasonable and fair are the VC's stated deal-breakers for founder partnerships?
Unreasonable
Very Fair
How comfortable am I with the VC's approach to handling disagreements and conflicts?
Uncomfortable
Very Comfortable
Operational & Communication Style
How well does the VC's post-investment role match my needs for support and autonomy?
Poor Match
Perfect Match
How well does the VC's preferred communication frequency align with my working style?
Poor Alignment
Great Alignment
How comfortable am I with the VC's board meeting style and approach?
Uncomfortable
Very Comfortable
How valuable is the VC's support infrastructure for my company's specific needs?
Not Valuable
Very Valuable
How constructively does the VC handle pushback and founder independence?
Poorly
Very Well
Overall Alignment & Trust
Beyond financial returns, what motivates you to back a company?
No Fit
Perfect Fit
If things go wrong, how do you support founders?
No Fit
Perfect Fit