I was just watching this video of @gigaom interviewing @bfeld on the changing dynamics of startup investing and was struck by Brad’s comment that “it’s back to basics.”  In other words smaller (right-sized) funds absent much of the irrational exuberance of the 90’s.

What strikes is that I am starting to hear about more and more VC’s (and funds) returning to their roots, adopting a more “artisanal” approach to the business.  Sure there will always be a place for the mass-producing Walmarts of VC (Sequoia, Oak, NEA, DFJ) but at the early stage things have become much more dynamic with the rise of Super Angels like @davidcohen and @davemcclure and programmes such as Ycombinator & TechStars. 

What are Artisanal VC’s:

Artisan VC’s were the dominant investors & builders of great business before the bubble.  They understood the ecosystem, before people were talking about the ecosystem.  They took pride in the businesses they built rather than just the absolute IRR or return multiple on their portfolio.  While there is no formula for an artisanal VC they generally seem to have a common entrepreneurial background.

If you want to get a feel for what an Artisanal VC is just watch this deliciously tempting video…

So why would you want to choose an Artisanal VC…quite simply they are like Ben van Leeuwen:

• Passionate
• Authentic
• Honest
• Down-to-earth
• Direct
• Fun
• Inventive
• Risk-taking
• Intensely Knowledgeable about their Area of Expertise

Here is my first stab at a woefully inadequate list of several folks I would consider Artisanal VC’s.  I know there are folks I am forgetting (or don’t know about)…so please toss them in the comments so I can add them to the list. 

Artisanal VC’s:

• Brad Feld
• Fred Wilson
• Bijan Sabet
• Saul Klein
• Reid Hoffman

BTW: If anyone wants to buy artisanalVC.com or artisanVC.com give me a shout! ;-)