Trace Cohen(@Trace_Cohen):One of the biggest mistakes in venture is confusing a great company with a great investment. They are not the same thing. A startup can have an incredible founder, product, growth and market and still be a bad investment if you pay too much. And an ugly, overlooked company can be an incredible investment if you get in at the right price. VCs love saying valuation doesn’t matter because the winners get so big. It matters. Your job isn’t just to find great companies. It’s to make money investing in them.

2026.09.19 16:29

One of the biggest mistakes in venture is confusing a great company with a great investment. They are not the same thing. A startup can have an incredible founder, product, growth and market and still be a bad investment if you pay too much. And an ugly, overlooked company can be an incredible investment if you get in at the right price. VCs love saying valuation doesn’t matter because the winners get so big. It matters. Your job isn’t just to find great companies. It’s to make money investing in them.