My sister works in the pig industry and has learned everything she knows about pig genetics in Denmark, which is the global leader in that field. Coincidentally, Denmark is also hosting one of the largest barbecues for VCs and startups in the Nordics this week.
We talk often, and the more I learn about the pig industry, the more I realize that what we’re doing in the venture industry isn’t as unique as we might think.
The pig industry has top-notch education programs at every level, a ton of innovation and tech, plenty of money moving around, and they even organize big conferences and give out yearly awards in an event called the “Golden Pig” (I promise that’s the real name).
I’ve come to the conclusion that another VC panel at a startup and venture conference—where everyone agrees more people should invest in venture—feels a lot like a pig farmers’ panel at a pig conference where everyone agrees more people should eat pork. It’s just an echo chamber.
Not everyone agrees more people should invest in venture, just like not everyone agrees more people should eat pork.
And that’s okay, because not everyone should invest in venture. Venture is a very specific and niche asset class that should be part of a broader investment portfolio and done with a well-thought-out investment strategy. If not, it can create more harm than good.
If we truly believe more people should invest in venture, in early-stage private companies, and in innovative startups, then our job is to bring into the conversation those that are not part of it today. And specially those that disagree.
See you at the next Golden Pig conference?
