VCs are taking on operator roles. Why?

VCs are increasingly taking on operator roles alongside their investment positions, particularly in Europe. This emerging trend involves VCs assuming CEO or similar titles within their portfolio companies while maintaining their investment roles. Notable examples include Judith Dada, general partner at Visionaries, who recently became co-CEO of AI startup Langdock, and Carmen Alfonso Rico, founder of UK-based angel investment firm Cocoa, who will serve as VP of business operations at her portfolio company, British chip startup Fractile.

Both women continue to serve as investors in their respective firms. Analyst Anne Sraders, joined by Sifted reporter Maya Dharampal-Hornby, discusses the reasons behind this shift and potential implications for the companies involved.