The primary narrative I’ve heard and experienced first hand is that VCs have too much influence on the decisions the founders make. And often those decisions are made with the goal of short term gains vs long term prosperity. Meaning the interests of the founder take a back seat to the interests of the VC and their investment. 

This narrative is a major deterrent for founders who want to build a lasting enterprise, and may cause them to enter a relationship with VCs with reluctance instead of positivity, which could cause a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure. Especially when VC money is a requirement for their type of business. 

For those with real experience, do you think this narrative is accurate? What examples are there where the opposite is true? Where founders fully drive the company. Any other general thoughts on the matter?

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