Secrets of Sand Hill Road – Venture Capital and How to Get It

Date: 2024-02-10

Book Author: Scott Kupor

Scott Kupor runs operations at Andreessen Horowitz, so this book isn’t speculative — it’s from inside the deal flow. He explains how venture capital really works: the fund structure, how partners think, and why “no” often means “maybe later.”

💡 What I Took Away: • VCs raise money too — from LPs. Understanding their incentives explains their behavior. • Board seats aren’t just a checkbox — they shift power. • A $5M raise isn’t free. It sets your next milestone. Be ready.

❤️ What's Strong: • The clearest explanation I’ve read of how VC math works. • Helps you prep for the long game, not just the next pitch. • Strong founder–investor alignment advice.

🤔 What's Niche: • U.S.–centric structure (Delaware C-corps, etc.). • May feel heavy if you’re not actively raising.

📈 Verdict: This is the “How Funding Works 101” you don’t get on LinkedIn. Vital reading before your first board meeting.

Rating: 4.5/5