Ask HN: Has the career path from tech journalism to VC always been so linear?

4 points·markhall··5 comments

After seeing A16Z, YC, Google Ventures and many others recently bring in writers/bloggers, I'm wondering if this has always been the case in VC or if it's more of a recent trend?

View on HN

I have noticed a similar trend. However, I wonder if there's more to this trend than meets the eye. I know for these examples (especially Kyle Russell, Colleen Taylor, Ryan Lawer) a big part of it is the network they have with founders and investors. Since a big part of their job is to write about startups they have a broad knowledge of the tech scene and seem to be extremely good at filtering out the noise.

Is it not possible that they are being hired as PR/marketing members of the VCs?

I see that some tech-journos are quite good at building up their own brands and can then use that to further the interests of the portfolio companies.

They may not actually be hired as VCs and instead work in the back-office as part of marketing/operations.

I'm not sure about what the roles of these journos are, so take my opinion with a pinch of salt.

Perhaps it is similar to hiring former IRS agents in accounting departments.

1. Established relationships that have worth

2. Write well about our investments for a few years, and we'll give you a spot once you've paid your dues?

3. Able to sift through the noise?

What journalists have been hired to A16Z, YC and GV?

All from TechCrunch:

A16Z: Kyle Russell

YC: Colleen Taylor

GV: MG Siegler, Leena Rao

500 Startups: Ryan Lawler

Reply on news.ycombinator.com