Sharon Vosmek challenges the VC norm with 11% failure rate

Sharon Vosmek has been active in the startup and venture capital landscape since February 1995. Hailing from San Francisco, she recently made her editorial debut with a column in Forbes, where she aims to share her insights from nearly 30 years of experience in entrepreneurship and investing. The narrative of her career is reflective of a unique perspective, as she does not come from the traditional background typical of many venture capitalists. She emphasizes her unconventional path, highlighting that she is not an ex-founder, nor has she worked in Wall Street or attended any of the prestigious business schools. Her insights stem largely from her long tenure at an organization called Astia, through which she has gained significant knowledge on early-stage investing. Vosmek admits that while she understands she was not cut out to be a founder, her passion lies in supporting entrepreneurs and shaping the future of innovation. Throughout her column, she plans to discuss themes critical to startup success, such as what it takes to start a company, raise capital, and scale effectively. What's notable about her approach is her commitment to honesty, transparency, and empathy; she recognizes the challenges that startups face and aims to create a space for dialogue to help both founders and investors succeed. Her investment track record, which features an impressive 11% failure rate, indicates her ability to pick promising startups even amid the chaotic environment of entrepreneurship. Vosmek's hope is that by sharing her experiences and insights through her writing, she can foster a community that learns together and contributes to more successful ventures in the startup ecosystem. As she continues to write, Vosmek seeks to provide a fresh lens through which readers can better understand the realities of raising capital and navigating the complex world of startup growth.