It seems like there is some buzz in venture capital. Are venture capital firms becoming Private Equity firms? Some firms are, like [Andreessen Horowitz][https://a16z.com/about/]and [General Catalyst][https://www.generalcatalyst.com/stories/unveiling-gc-wealth]. This often involves becoming [Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs)][https://pitchbook.com/news/articles/venture-industry-sec-ria-investment-flexibility-nvca], enabling a more hands-on role in acquiring, building, and managing portfolio companies.
What does all of that mean? I believe it is a response to a changing landscape, but only for those firms. Nothin substantial is going to change in venture capital. Here's my logic;
These firms are jumping on the AI bandwagon, making a strategic choice to be more hands-on. They see a big opportunity in making vertical AI companies. And are willing to make a big bet. These VCs are equipping themselves not just to fund, but to help forge these businesses. Be more hands-on. And that means restructuring their setup.
For founders, this suggests a changing dialogue: an opportunity for capital that comes with deeper, more operational collaboration. It points towards a future where investors are more like co-builders in the long craft of creating sustainable, category-defining companies. This is less a revolution, more a considered evolution in the art of venture.