If you’re searching for a unique gift for a venture capitalist (VC) or an aspiring one, you may be interested in learning about the new trading cards featuring prominent VCs from Silicon Valley. Yes, you read that right – trading cards! The company behind these novelty items is TouchBase, which has created a line of collectible trading cards showcasing some of the most influential figures in the VC world.
Who’s Featured on the Cards?
The initial set of cards includes well-known VCs such as Paul Graham, co-founder of Y Combinator; Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz; Mary Meeker, partner at Kleiner Perkins (who is actually leaving to start her own fund); and Bill Gurley, general partner at Benchmark. Each pack contains a mix of late-stage VCs, angel and seed investors, as well as advisors or other industry experts.
Pricing and Availability
A single pack of five cards costs $60, which might be considered steep by some. However, if you’re looking to give a thoughtful gift to an aspiring VC, it’s worth considering. The company doesn’t disclose who else is featured on the cards, so buying multiple packs may be necessary to get the ones with your desired VCs.
Shipping and Order Details
According to TouchBase, the trading cards will begin shipping this month. If you’re interested in purchasing a pack or two (or three), you can expect to receive them soon.
Alternative Gift Ideas for VCs
While these trading cards might be an unusual gift, there are many other thoughtful and practical ideas that could appeal to VCs:
- Books on investing or entrepreneurship: A well-researched book on the latest trends in VC, startup management, or business strategy would be a valuable addition to any VC’s library.
- Industry conferences or events: Tickets to prominent industry events like TechCrunch Disrupt, Web Summit, or Y Combinator Demo Days can provide VCs with opportunities to network and learn from peers and industry experts.
- Online courses or certifications: Online platforms like Coursera, edX, or Udemy offer a range of courses on finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership that could be beneficial for aspiring VCs.
The Pros and Cons of the VC Trading Cards
While these trading cards might seem like an unusual gift idea, they do have some potential benefits:
- Novelty: They’re certainly one-of-a-kind gifts that can spark interesting conversations.
- Collectibility: If you or your recipient enjoys collecting unique items, these cards could be a fun addition to a collection.
However, there are also some drawbacks to consider:
- Cost: The $60 price tag for each pack of five cards might be steep for many budgets.
- Limited information: TouchBase doesn’t disclose who else is featured on the cards, making it difficult to decide whether or not to purchase multiple packs.
Conclusion
While these VC trading cards may seem like an unusual gift idea at first glance, they could still be a unique and thoughtful present for an aspiring VC. However, with their steep price tag and limited information about the featured VCs, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.