Yes, they're clearly not necessary, and you'll find many entrepreneurs right here who'll be living proof of it. But if VCs ask for them, having at least one patent does make it easier to secure financing.
And there are other, less obvious, reasons VCs may be interested in patents. The second study (and other studies) showed that having at least one patent is correlated with significantly higher chances of a startup having a successful exit.
The reasons behind this correlation is not clear, but if it presents such a powerful signal, VCs have a good reason to look for patents.
And there are other, less obvious, reasons VCs may be interested in patents. The second study (and other studies) showed that having at least one patent is correlated with significantly higher chances of a startup having a successful exit.
The reasons behind this correlation is not clear, but if it presents such a powerful signal, VCs have a good reason to look for patents.