Role Validation Methodology
Confirming that a person's stated title matches their actual responsibilities and decision authority through multiple evidence sources.
Title inflation is common (Associate with VP title, Advisor with CIO title)—validating actual authority prevents wasting time with influencers who can't approve.
Expanded Definition
Role validation combines: title verification (LinkedIn, website, regulatory filings), responsibility evidence (IC membership, signing authority, allocation announcements), activity patterns (conference speaking, industry recognition, media quotes), team structure (who reports to them, who they report to), and direct confirmation when possible (introductions specifying role, reference checks).
Validation signals vary by role type: decision authority roles require IC membership evidence; sourcing roles require deal activity; advisory roles require engagement patterns. Title-responsibility gaps are common: inflated titles (boost credibility), deflated titles (privacy or modesty), and outdated titles (LinkedIn not updated).
Signals & Evidence
Role validation indicators:
- Title verification: Multiple sources (LinkedIn, website, regulatory filings) show consistent title
- Authority evidence: IC member lists, signing authority on documents, allocation announcement quotes
- Activity patterns: Conference speaking, panel participation, industry awards, media coverage
- Team structure: Organizational chart, reporting relationships, team size
- Transaction involvement: Named in deal announcements, investment committee memos, regulatory filings
- Direct confirmation: Introductions describing role, reference checks, conversation validation
Decision Framework
- Validation rigor: Decision authority claims require strong evidence (IC membership, signing authority); supporting role claims accept lighter validation
- Title-responsibility gaps: Investigate mismatches (inflated titles, outdated LinkedIn, privacy-driven deflation)
- Authority assessment: Determine actual decision power (approval vs recommendation vs advisory vs administrative)
Common Misconceptions
"LinkedIn title = actual role" → Titles often inflated, outdated, or privacy-deflated; validate through authority evidence. "CIO = decision authority always" → Many CIOs recommend but don't approve; IC or principal holds final power. "Title changes = role changes" → Sometimes title updated without responsibility change; validate through activity evidence.
Key Takeaways
- Role validation requires authority evidence (IC membership, signing power, allocations) beyond title claims
- Title-responsibility gaps are common (inflation, outdated profiles, privacy)—validate through multiple sources
- Assess actual decision authority (approve vs recommend vs influence) rather than relying on titles alone