After the Honeymoon: Board Dynamics in VC-Backed Companies

Once the deal is signed and the investment is made, the real relationship begins.
This open class focuses on what actually happens inside the boardroom after the “honeymoon” phase of a VC investment ends.

While much attention is placed on sourcing, valuation, and deal execution, far less is said about the human, relational, and decision-making dynamics that shape value creation once VCs join the board. Expectations, power, trust, communication styles, and role ambiguity often become the real drivers, or blockers, of performance.

This session offers a practical and experience-based perspective on board dynamics in VC-backed companies, exploring the typical tensions that arise between investors, founders, and independent directors, and how these dynamics influence strategic decisions, governance quality, and long-term outcomes.

The goal of the session is not to cover formal governance rules, but to shed light on the informal dynamics that determine whether boards become a source of value creation or friction after the investment.

Who is it for?

This open class is designed for:

·       Venture Capital professionals with board exposure or preparing to take board seats

·       Partners, principals, and senior associates in VC and growth funds

·       Professionals interested in understanding the real dynamics of governance in VC-backed companies

·       Participants of the Advanced VC program seeking a deeper, post-investment perspective

Our Speaker

Paula Almansa
Senior Advisor, Board Member & Professor
Expert in decision-making, communication, conflict management, and board dynamics in investment-backed companies.