In times of uncertainty, investors tend to gravitate toward known companies. That’s seen in the public market, where large cap tech stocks have weathered the storm on Wall Street better than their smaller brethren. And, we’re getting word that phenomenon also played out in the private market.
Dow Jones VentureSource reported Monday that later-stage investments in the third quarter accounted for a larger share of overall VC dollars than a year ago (82% of all investments, up from 77%). Meanwhile, early-stage investments (seed and Series A) sank to just $1.3bn in the quarter – the lowest level in two years. Against that worrisome backdrop, IBF is set to open its 9th annual conference on early stage investment. The event, which runs Wednesday in San Francisco, brings together more than 300 early stage investors.