An Executive’s Perspective Inside Venture Capital

Mari Baker, PlayFirst

Kick in the door when it opens, says Mari Baker, CEO of PlayFirst, on her former affiliation with VC firm Kleiner Perkins. She transitioned from her executive roll at BabyCetner and soon sat in on pitch meetings, reviewing the portfolios of numerous start-up companies. Along the way, she took on an appreciation for the difficult choices made by venture capitalists. The experience taught her to be more thoughtful of approaching firms for future capital. It also solidified her understanding that being funded is more than just asking for cash; it’s establishing a long-term relationship between the company and its funders.