Startup journeys are non-linear. Every successful outcome goes through rough waters and usually at least one near-death experience. So prepare for the unexpected and remember that the only price that really matters is the one at exit.

The best VCs are always the ones deploying when others are fearful. Make sure you can have the structure to keep going in the bear market.

I've found it helpful to do the followint: Diversify Investments: Spread investments across sectors. Maintain Liquidity: Ensure access to capital to support portfolio companies during downturns. Adapt Valuation Expectations: Adjust to lower valuations while focusing on long-term potential. Monitor Cash Burn and Runway: Help startups manage cash flow and extend their financial runway.

Focus on Fundamentals: When markets are volatile, the importance of fundamentals rises. I work closely with portfolio companies, focusing on their core financial health such as cash flow, burn rate, and sustainable growth. Startups with strong fundamentals can weather downturns more effectively, and during periods of uncertainty, we prioritise their operational resilience over aggressive expansion. Having weathered market fluctuations over the years, I’ve learned that volatility also presents opportunity. Strategic adjustments, disciplined risk management, and a long-term view enable us to not only protect, but potentially grow our VC portfolio, even in uncertain times.

In times of market volatility, I closely manage portfolio companies to ensure they benefit from my extensive scaling experience, while adjusting my VC strategy through diversification and enhanced due diligence. I focus on the liquidity of startups and reserve capital for follow-on investments. Drawing on my experience in international scaling and transformation roles, I provide strategic support, whether through growth strategies, omni channel strategies, or leveraging networks. At the same time, I take advantage of opportunities to invest in promising companies at lower valuations. The goal is to remain flexible, mitigate risks, and create long-term value. In short, my strategy is to stay agile, supportive, and forward-looking.

Do you know who benefits from volatility? Good investors in general. Maybe some traders or market makers too, but I leave that to the Wall Street folks to get sentimental about. After all I'm not trading on sentiment, I'm a long-term early-stage startup investor and more importantly company builder, guided by fundamentals. I follow through and follows on. I've seen too many Bloomberg terminals go red-light, green-light (like Squid Game) to feel some type of way about a macroeconomic backdrop (volatile or not). If it ain't volatile, it's probably complacent, and that's itself an opportunity. With a long-term outcome focus, macroeconomic volatility is expected somewhere in the time it takes to get from early-stages to an autonomous exit.

To handle market ups and downs, regularly review your investments and adjust valuations as needed. Keep open communication with startups to adapt strategies together. Stay informed about market trends and have flexible plans to respond to changes. This way, you can better manage your portfolio and make the most of shifting conditions.

When the public markets are volatile, obviously you want to be in the position to (a) defend with capital the portfolio companies that deserve to have your backing and (b) invest in new deals when peers are fearful or don't have the capital on hand. Of course, this includes planning for an extended period of time until liquidations or key events can occur. Plus, communication becomes more important, to all constituents (mgmt teams, boards, employees, investors). For new firms, you must survive and thrive...just as we saw a number of public market firms disappear in 2020, the same holds true for private market firms.

In volatile market conditions, the key to adjusting a venture capital strategy lies in balancing risk with opportunity. Based on my experience, here are a few adjustments that work: 1. Due Diligence , Due Diligence, and finally Due Diligence 2. Focus on Long-Term Value rather than seeking quick exits 3. In times of instability, ensuring the leadership of portfolio companies is well-equipped and adaptable is crucial. 4. Capital Reserve: I keep a larger reserve of capital to take advantage of potential buyouts or rounds at discounted valuations, I pesonally do this in " stock market" and it is works well What has been your experience in managing portfolios during fluctuating market periods?