Larry Namer: asking whether he could take over the daily work
Richard asked Larry Namer how he chose projects and partners. Namer described a question about his own ability and willingness to become involved in daily operations if something happened to the founders.
An interruption to the founding team
Namer said he tended to favor projects with a media component. He connected that preference to a practical question: if the founders became unavailable, would he want to enter the day-to-day business himself? He explained that he expected situations requiring him to step in.
Fit includes the work after investment
This test brings the investor's own operating role into the decision. Knowing the industry and liking the proposal are accompanied by a more immediate question about what work he might need to do. The possible operating commitment influenced which projects interested him.
In Larry Namer's words
"do I really want to get myself into the day -to -day?" (Larry Namer, Larry Namer's Family Office Club fireside chat with Richard C. Wilson)
How to use this
- Describe the work an investor might inherit if a founder becomes unavailable.
- Check willingness to do that work before relying on the ability to step in.
Questions and answers
Why did Namer mention the founders becoming unavailable?
To test whether he wanted to take on the daily operation if necessary.
Which projects did he say he favored?
Projects with a media component that fit his experience.