Leone estimates that only 20% to 30% of VCs are competent
Doug Leone · How to Dominate for Decades | Doug Leone, Sequoia Capital · Aug 30, 2026 · at 1:08:10
Doug Leone, former managing partner at Sequoia Capital, assesses the skill level of venture capitalists and board members.
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“Out of 10 venture folks, and I've said this, and I've taken Shifford, maybe 30% are incompetent. They don't know what they're doing. Another 40% I call them no ups, no damage, no anything. They nod, you know, they nod with a group and maybe 30% of fewer, maybe 20% know what they're doing, and that's one overlay.”
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