Jeff Richards, MD of GGV, on board members: what to look for, how to optimize, expectations at each funding round and managing bad behavior

Key takeaways

• •Board member selection should prioritize interpersonal chemistry as much as expertise, since you'll be stuck with these people through years of high-stress decisions.
• •Optimize board meetings by setting clear expectations upfront about behavior, participation, and decision-making processes rather than hoping dysfunction resolves itself.
• •Different funding rounds require different board member profiles—seed boards need hands-on operators while later stages benefit from strategic industry veterans.
• •Address bad board member behavior immediately and directly, as toxic dynamics compound quickly and can derail even successful companies.

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