[hoppi]

Well, ask for proof if you are uncertain of their claims.

Also, don't just join a startup due to it being backed by a famous VC. If you can't get behind their product, goals, atmosphere etc then you will have a miserable time regardless.

To really get a feel for the co-founders, you need to spend some time in non-interview situations to fully understand their character and traits. Maybe try and get them to sit down for a coffee and put your concerns on the table. Good co-founders should appreciate the transparency.

[theyeti]

Well, I'd have loved to do that. But the company is located across the country from where I'm located right now and its not feasible for me to talk to the founders face to face.

I've had a couple of non interview talks with them and they sound like really good people. On the other hand, in absence of a long term growth plan which they've failed to present me with, its a bit risky on my side.

The VC investment seems like a reasonable explanation to believe that they have a long term plan. But should I trust this explanation ?

[ig1]

You should go in with the assumption that the company will fail. So if you're looking to relocate to a new city consider what will happen in that case, i.e. are there other employers in that city who you'd want to work for, etc.

It also depends on the stage of the investment, the later stage an investment the safer it's likely to be. If it's a seed investment of 500k then it's going to be a high-risk startup, if it's a Series B of $20m then it's likely to be a safer bet.

A better question to ask in terms of growth plans is what sort of metrics does their VC need them to hit in the next 12 months for them to be willing to make a follow-on investment.