In conjunction with our Q1 2025 Venture Financing Report, we sat down with Jeff Crowe of Norwest to get his take on the state of venture capital investing.
Key insights from Jeff Crowe
On what differentiates an outstanding venture capital investor: “They have a nose for where technology is going, build deep expertise in their areas of focus, grow their personal networks continuously, and exhibit deep curiosity and a ton of hustle.”
On the role of venture capital firms in the next decade: “The rise of AI means that companies must move faster, and the increase in global volatility requires them to be more nimble as they build distribution networks, supply chains and development teams that cross borders. With their own global experience across hundreds of portfolio companies and networks of executives and advisors, venture firms can help portfolio companies do both – move faster and be more nimble.”
On key trends from this quarter’s VC data: “Without positive exits, venture investors are focusing more on supporting existing portfolio companies, exploring secondary sales to create liquidity and managing expectations with LPs. Investors have less time and less appetite to make new investments – at least until the exit landscape improves and restores their confidence.”