For many founders, venture capital is synonymous with one thing: money. The fundraising process is an arduous quest for the capital needed to hire engineers, build products, and scale marketing efforts. But to view a venture capitalist solely as a source of funds is to profoundly misunderstand the nature of the partnership. The check they write is merely the price of admission. The true, lasting value of a great venture partner unfolds over the years that follow, in the crucible of company-building. The best VCs are not just investors; they are co-founders, coaches, connectors, and confidants who provide a suite of services that are often more valuable than the capital itself.

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