Law Firm Venture Capital Funds Forum

[Anonymous User]

I’m a junior associate at one of the startup/tech focused biglaw firms - i.e., Gunderson, Cooley, WSGR.

Every year, my firm forms a new venture capital fund which invests in certain promising startup clients of the firm. They offer associates the chance to invest anywhere from a few thousand to low six figures.

I did some light research online but there isn’t much written on the performance of these funds, other than Cooley owning like $200 million of Snowflake common stock which was pretty eye opening.

Was wondering if any associates at these firms have experience investing in these sort of VC funds and can lend some thoughts as to their experience/whether it’s worth it, what sort of returns these funds generally see, do they claw anything back if you lateral/go in house?

[Anonymous User]

Bump in case anyone has insight on this

[Anonymous User]

I know someone who invested in their firm's funds. The returns are hugely variable. One year the fund returned like 10x and the next it was flat (even after its 10 year run). You might consider throwing a couple grand in each year, but don't expect guaranteed amazing returns.

[Anonymous User]

Do it. The firms have access to the hottest start ups. One of them bound to hit it big. You also have to understand, your stake is probably very small in the grand scheme of things. Some capital gains are likely being reinvested as well. Don’t expect life changing returns, but they’re likely decent.