E365: Stanford GSB Professor on Venture Capital’s Manager Incentives
What if the biggest mistake in venture investing isn’t picking the wrong fund—but misunderstanding incentives and behavior? In this episode, I sit down with Ilya Strebulaev, Professor of Finance and Private Equity at Stanford GSB, to discuss how incentives, biases, and portfolio construction shape outcomes in venture capital. Ilya explains why fee structures matter less than how they’re designed, how carry changes risk-taking behavior, and why persistence in venture is real but often misunderstood. We also explore diversification, correlation across managers, and the hidden decision-making biases that drive both LPs and GPs, from escalation of commitment to style drift.
Highlights:
- Why incentives—not fees—drive investment behavior
- How higher carry structurally increases risk-taking
- The difference between gross returns and net returns
- Why diversification works differently in venture
- The concept of style drift and why it destroys persistence
- How LPs underestimate correlation across managers
- Why follow-on decisions matter more than initial investments
- The bias that leads VCs to double down on bad investments
Guest Bio:
Ilya Strebulaev is a tenured chaired Professor of Finance and Private Equity at Stanford Graduate School of Business and a leading expert in venture capital, private equity, and innovation. He is the founder and faculty director of the Stanford GSB Venture Capital Initiative and has published extensively in top academic journals, with his work featured in major media outlets. Ilya teaches courses on venture capital and private equity at Stanford and has received the Distinguished Teacher Award, while also advising global investors and institutions on investment strategy and decision-making.
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Sponsor:
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LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyavcandpe/
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Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to participate in any investment strategy. All opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Weisburd Capital. Participants may hold positions or have financial interests in the companies, funds, or investments discussed. Any references to specific investments are for illustrative purposes only. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Any third-party data or opinions have not been independently verified. Listeners should conduct their own research and consult their own advisors before making any investment decisions.
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Transcript
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