• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

The U.S. spent $30 billion to ditch textbooks for laptops and tablets: The result is the first generation less cognitively capable than their parents

2

The U.S. and Iran can't agree on fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The solution could be straight out of the Old Testament

3

A Trump Account could make your kid a millionaire by 45—but financial experts say the app's projections come with a catch

1

The U.S. spent $30 billion to ditch textbooks for laptops and tablets: The result is the first generation less cognitively capable than their parents

2

The U.S. and Iran can't agree on fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The solution could be straight out of the Old Testament

3

A Trump Account could make your kid a millionaire by 45—but financial experts say the app's projections come with a catch
NewslettersTerm Sheet

Why humor is intrinsic to the venture and startup landscape

Allie Garfinkle
By
Allie Garfinkle
Allie Garfinkle
Term Sheet Editor
Down Arrow Button Icon
Allie Garfinkle
By
Allie Garfinkle
Allie Garfinkle
Term Sheet Editor
Down Arrow Button Icon
April 1, 2024, 7:44 AM ET
Rear view of woman performing stand-up comedy
What does it mean for VCs to be funny?Getty Images
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Are VCs funny?

Recommended Video

As my editor and I were trying to find something light-hearted to do for this April Fools’ Monday, that’s a question we kept volleying around over Slack. And I had to think about it for a second.

VC itself is certainly funny. And that’s not just my opinion, that’s per HBO hit show Silicon Valley, which ran for six seasons. Many of the show’s best jokes are lines given to VC characters. (A personal favorite: Gloriously deadpan VC Peter Gregory, coming onstage after the rapper Flo Rida, saying to him: “Thank you, Florida.”)

But are VCs themselves funny? I’m no arbiter of what’s funny, but I know what works for me, as I suspect you know what works for you. And there’s definitely a lot of VC-made humor and content that’s not for me. The VC podcaster persona is one I’ve always found interesting—I tend to find most VC podcasts informative at best, cringeworthy at worst, and rarely as compelling acts of storytelling. 

Then there are private markets-made holiday music videos, which can be simultaneously charming and cringe. And if the tone isn’t just right, it can all feel pretty egotistical pretty fast. 

That’s not to say all VC-created humor isn’t for me. Take Bubbleproof, a mockumentary series created by Heroic Ventures’ Michael Fertik and Bessemer’s David Cowan. I spit-take laughed within the first three minutes, when Fertik, on a TED spoof stage in a plaid shirt, says soulfully:

“Get to know an expert in your chosen field–and ignore everything he has to say…You pay your customers to be your customers…If you cannot find a problem, create a problem. Does that sound like a terrible idea that could not possibly work? You bet it does.” 

Bubbleproof, to me, is funny. The cast that seems to mostly also be…VCs rather than actors. As a recovered theater major, I can honestly say they’re pretty good. I managed to reach Cowan with my question: Are VCs funny?

“I think that as a group we really are funny–more in a laughing-at-you way than a laughing-with-you way. That’s how committed we are to getting laughs,” Cowan told Term Sheet via email. 

Humor can be a risky thing. One of my all-time favorite books is called Hammer and Tickle: A History Of Communism Told Through Communist Jokes, which is a great introduction to dark Soviet humor––and ultimately about how a misplaced joke could cost you your freedom. Of course, it doesn’t go that far often. But watch any comedian, and eventually they’ll start talking about the spectacular embarrassment and risk of being a standup. And VC’s all about risk, right? Humor is risky and it’s important—in the defense of the holiday video trend, those videos are an investment in and, by extension, an acknowledgement that humor is important. 

So, are VCs funny? The answer, of course, is that it depends, but I’m more or less inclined to say yes. They sort of have to be, given how volatile and outlandish the world of venture and startups can be. The last time I unexpectedly and uncontrollably laughed recently was when I ran into an investor I knew at an event. We somehow got to talking about the most absurd pitches they’d ever heard, and I nearly broke a wine glass in hysterics. 

And I’ll never tell you where or who, but I’m still laughing weeks later. Happy April Fools’ Day. 

In case you missed it…GGV has officially rebranded to Notable Capital, and GGV Capital Asia has rebranded to Granite Asia. 

This month’s cartoon…Here’s our cartoon for April, by Ian Foley.

See you tomorrow, 

Allie Garfinkle
Twitter:
@agarfinks
Email: alexandra.garfinkle@fortune.com
Submit a deal for the Term Sheet newsletter here.

Joe Abrams curated the deals section of today’s newsletter.

VENTURE DEALS

- InStride Health, a Boston, Mass.-based outpatient provider of specialty pediatric anxiety and OCD treatment, raised $30 million in Series B funding. General Catalyst led the round and was joined by previous investors .406 Ventures, Valtruis, Mass General Brigham Ventures, and Hopelab Foundation.

- ValidMind, a Palo Alto, Calif.-based AI and model risk management platform for financial services, raised $8.1 million in seed funding. Point72 Ventures led the round and was joined by Third Prime, New York Life Ventures, AI Fund, Notion Capital, FJ Labs, Angel Invest, and Gaingels.

PRIVATE EQUITY

- Abrigo, backed by The Carlyle Group and Accel-KKR, acquired TPG Software, a Houston, Texas-based provider of investment accounting and management solutions. Financial terms were not disclosed.

- AgroFresh Solutions, a portfolio company of Paine Schwartz Partners, acquired Pace International, a Wapato, Wash.-based provider of sustainable postharvest crop technologies. Financial terms were not disclosed.

OTHER

- Blue Yonder agreed to acquire One Network Enterprises, a Dallas, Texas-based developer of an AI-powered supply change management platform, for $839 million. 

- Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) acquired OCR Services, a Rockville, Md.-based provider of global trade management and compliance solutions, for approximately $90 million.

IPOS

- Boundless Bio, a San Diego, Calif.-based biotech company developing therapies for patients with intractable oncogene amplified cancers, raised $100 million in an offering of 6.3 million shares priced at $16 on the Nasdaq. 

This is the web version of Term Sheet, a daily newsletter on the biggest deals and dealmakers in venture capital and private equity. Sign up for free.

About the Author
Allie Garfinkle
By Allie GarfinkleTerm Sheet Editor
LinkedIn iconTwitter icon

Allie Garfinkle is a senior writer and editor at Fortune, where she runs Term Sheet; leads coverage of private capital, investors, and startups; and co-chairs the Brainstorm conference series.

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Latest in Newsletters

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Newsletters

Fidji Simo steps back from OpenAI—and exposes the fragile hold women still have on power
NewslettersMPW Daily
Fidji Simo steps back from OpenAI—and exposes the fragile hold women still have on power
By Emma HinchliffeJuly 10, 2026
2 days ago
Photo: President Trump.
NewslettersMarkets
Strait jacket: Wall Street is worried President Trump has no good options for ending the war with Iran
By Jim EdwardsJuly 10, 2026
3 days ago
40% of Americans didn’t read a book last year. These 3 are worth the exception
NewslettersCEO Daily
40% of Americans didn’t read a book last year. These 3 are worth the exception
By Diane BradyJuly 10, 2026
3 days ago
In 2026 so far, U.S. VCs have deployed a record-shattering $412.7 billion. Almost none of it is trickling down.
NewslettersTerm Sheet
In 2026 so far, U.S. VCs have deployed a record-shattering $412.7 billion. Almost none of it is trickling down.
By Allie GarfinkleJuly 10, 2026
3 days ago
Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, during a Senate hearing in Washington, D.C. on May 8, 2025. (Photo: Nathan Howard/Bloomberg/Getty Images)
NewslettersFortune Tech
The problem with U.S. AI policy
By Andrew NuscaJuly 10, 2026
3 days ago
Women’s soccer stars fought for equal pay. It’s paying off while the men play in this year’s World Cup
NewslettersMPW Daily
Women’s soccer stars fought for equal pay. It’s paying off while the men play in this year’s World Cup
By Emma HinchliffeJuly 9, 2026
3 days ago

Most Popular

The U.S. spent $30 billion to ditch textbooks for laptops and tablets: The result is the first generation less cognitively capable than their parents
Innovation
The U.S. spent $30 billion to ditch textbooks for laptops and tablets: The result is the first generation less cognitively capable than their parents
By Sasha RogelbergJuly 12, 2026
15 hours ago
The U.S. and Iran can't agree on fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The solution could be straight out of the Old Testament
Middle East
The U.S. and Iran can't agree on fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The solution could be straight out of the Old Testament
By Jason MaJuly 11, 2026
1 day ago
A Trump Account could make your kid a millionaire by 45—but financial experts say the app's projections come with a catch
Personal Finance
A Trump Account could make your kid a millionaire by 45—but financial experts say the app's projections come with a catch
By Sydney LakeJuly 12, 2026
16 hours ago
Peter Thiel and other tech billionaires are publicly shielding their children from the products that made them rich
Big Tech
Peter Thiel and other tech billionaires are publicly shielding their children from the products that made them rich
By Marco Quiroz-GutierrezJuly 12, 2026
15 hours ago
Wyoming officials say Meta’s 715,000-square-foot data center is responsible for contaminating its water system with a rare bacterium
Environment
Wyoming officials say Meta’s 715,000-square-foot data center is responsible for contaminating its water system with a rare bacterium
By Sasha RogelbergJuly 10, 2026
3 days ago
Trump’s time is running out to avoid a nightmare Strait of Hormuz scenario
Energy
Trump’s time is running out to avoid a nightmare Strait of Hormuz scenario
By Jordan BlumJuly 12, 2026
20 hours ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.