Venture capital (VC) firms have long been a key source of funding for startup companies, providing the necessary capital to help these businesses grow and succeed. 

However, despite the vital role that VCs play in the startup ecosystem, the success rate of venture-backed companies is still relatively low. In fact, according to data from CB Insights, only around 25% of venture-backed startups can return capital to investors. That’s being very generous, the success rate is typically more aligned with 8–10%.

One potential solution to this problem is for VC firms to adopt the same operating partner model that private equity (PE) firms have been using for years. 

Operating partners are experienced industry professionals who work alongside portfolio companies to provide operational and strategic support. 

By bringing in operating partners, VC firms can help their portfolio companies navigate the challenges of scaling and growth, ultimately increasing the chances of success.

Leveraging Fractional CxOs 

Another approach that can be considered is leveraging fractional CxOs, or part-time executives, to help portfolio companies achieve their goals.

Fractional CxOs can bring specific skills, experience, and expertise to the table, and can be a great resource for startups that need specific help with a particular function or aspect of the business. 

Like operating partners, fractional CxOs can provide valuable expertise and knowledge to portfolio companies, help them to identify and address operational challenges, and help them to build relationships with key industry players.

Another advantage of leveraging fractional CxOs is that it allows portfolio companies to access high-level executive talent without committing to a full-time hire. 

This can be especially beneficial for early-stage startups that may not yet have the resources to bring on a full-time C-level executive. With a fractional CxO, a startup can have access to the skills and expertise they need to drive growth and scalability without having to make a significant financial investment. 

Additionally, fractional CxOs are often more flexible in terms of their availability and can be brought on for specific projects or initiatives as needed, giving portfolio companies the ability to scale their executive team as their business grows.

The Operating Partner Is Key to Success for VCs

There are several key benefits to having operating partners or fractional CxOs on board at VC firms. Firstly, they can provide valuable expertise and knowledge to portfolio companies. 

Operating partners or fractional CxOs typically have a wealth of experience in a specific industry and can help startups navigate the unique challenges of that industry. 

This can include everything from understanding the competitive landscape, to identifying potential customers, to developing go-to-market strategies.

Secondly, operating partners or fractional CxOs can help portfolio companies to identify and address operational challenges. 

Startups often struggle with scaling and growth, and operating partners or fractional CxOs can help them to address these challenges by identifying areas where improvements can be made and providing guidance on how to implement them. 

This could include areas such as sales and marketing, product development, or human resources.

Thirdly, operating partners or fractional CxOs can help portfolio companies to build relationships with key industry players.

Finally, operating partners or fractional CxOs can help VC firms to improve their due diligence process. By working closely with portfolio companies and providing operational support, operating partners or fractional CxOs can help VC firms to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of a startup before making an investment. 

This can help to reduce the risk of investing in a company that may not be able to scale or grow as expected.

The Benefits of Experienced Professionals for Startups

Given their experience and networks, operating partners or fractional CxOs can help startups to connect with potential customers, partners, and other key players in the industry. 

This can be invaluable for startups that are looking to grow and scale their businesses.

Operational Support in the Venture Capital Ecosystem

By providing operational support to portfolio companies, operating partners and fractional CxOs can help VC firms to identify potential red flags or issues early on, allowing them to take action to mitigate risk and improve the chances of success for the portfolio company. 

This could include identifying operational inefficiencies, identifying potential market challenges, or helping to develop a solid growth plan. 

Furthermore, by having operational partners or fractional CxOs working closely with the portfolio companies, VC firms can also get real-time feedback and insight on the progress and development of the companies they invest in, this can help the firms to make better-informed decisions when it comes to follow-on funding and exits.

Conclusion

In summary, having operating partners or leveraging fractional CxOs on board at VC firms can be an effective way to increase the success rate of venture-backed companies. 

By providing operational and strategic support to portfolio companies, operating partners or fractional CxOs can help startups to navigate the challenges of scaling and growth, ultimately increasing the chances of success. 

Additionally, operating partners or fractional CxOs can help VC firms to improve their due diligence process, which can help to reduce the risk of investing in a company that may not be able to scale or grow as expected.