The interaction between the venture capitalist and the entrepreneur is characterized by high levels of information asymmetry. Knowing that a third party has vetted a particular funding request and deemed it worthy of investment is a potential cue. This effect is well documented in the context of initial public offerings. For example, finance scholars have found that the participation of VC investors conveys valuable information to IPO investors (cf. Megginson and Weiss, 1991). Similarly, Stuart, Hoang, and Hybels, (1999) find that previous funding, as well as strategic alliances,convey increased legitimacy to IPO investors