What are the differences between human and physical geography?

What are some of the cultural differences among VCs based on geography?

• I once heard a VC say: "You know what the difference is between you guys [in Europe] and us [Americans]? You guys wear suits, we wear t-shirts and jeans." loosely quoted. Implying that Europeans are more formal compared to the US "scene". What are some of the typical differences specific to VC culture a cross continents or otherwise denoted regions?

• Answer:

  As a VC who's worked in both environments (EU and Valley), there are some major differences in style. Yes, European VC's tend to be more conservative and far more risk averse. You also still have a larger proportion of the EU VC community with a consulting, law or banking background. In the US, former entrepreneurs tend to make up the majority of VC's. Hence, you also get more the dressed-down clothing styles. It's less because it's California and more because these guys from being start-up founders themselves. On the other hand, US VC's tend to be completely terse in their interactions and sometimes downright rude in their meeting styles. Get to the point and be succinct. Whereas in Europe, the VC will probably tend to be more polite and give you a bit more time if they've chosen to have a meeting with you. In the US you'll also get the VC's on their Blackberries and iPhones often during the meeting. You tend to see less of this in Europe. Another thing is that Valley VC's or at least a bunch of them are either totally into sports (be it cycling, surfing, triathlons, etc.) and you don't see as much of this in Europe. This is probably far more to do with the surrounding geography than anything else. Were the south of France a VC hub, I'm sure you'd have far more VC's living that kind of lifestyle here. With London and Berlin (and maybe Paris) being the major hubs, you don't have as much the adventure jocks in the VC community (I'll leave myself out being an avid cyclist, skier and Crossfitter!) Finally in Europe you tend to have less hierarchy within funds. Valley VC's tend to have a lot of this around them, starting with assistants through to analysts, associates, etc. There are a lot of levels with funds. In Europe funds are leaner and there is usually far less hierarchy. This doesn't mean it works in their favor but it just is so. Valley VC's also aren't as cosmopolitan as Euro VC's. Having most likely built their businesses already in the Valley, they haven't been out much. Even though they may be loaded, they too are workaholics and probably only having a "lifestyle" once becoming VC's. Europe is a travel destination to them and far less so a market. Most Euro VC's on the other hand know the Valley and intimately know many cosmopolitan regions throughout Europe and the world as they tend to be well travelled. I'm sure there are a ton of other differences but these are the ones which stand out to me most.