The Venture
Capital Playbook
It isn’t just a book—it’s your gateway to understanding and thriving in the world of venture capital. Dive in and discover how to turn your private wealth into powerful investments that shape the future.
A useful guidance for investors.
This book is designed for high-net-worth individuals and family offices looking to navigate the complex world of venture capital. Through practical advice and real-life insights from experienced family offices as well as VC fund managers, this book offers a structured approach to venture investments. Whether you're just starting or seeking to refine your strategy, this playbook will help you become a successful venture capital investor. Within "The Venture Capital Playbook," you'll find:
Insights
from my decade-long venture capital experience, from international taxation to startup investments for two wealthy families deploying capital globally.
Summaries and insights
of family offices, other seasoned investors as well as industry experts.
Guidance
on direct investments in startups versus indirect investments through VC funds, tailored to your family's risk tolerance and goals.
Strategies
to protect your family wealth and navigate the venture capital landscape with confidence.
“Investments in venture capital are sinfully attractive when done well and unmerciful when done amateurly.“
Angela De Giacomo
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![Portrait von Thomas Falk]()
“Angela offers valuable insights that will guide you through the unpredictable world of venture capital with confidence. Whether you’re new or experienced, this book pro- vides the tools and wisdom to succeed.”
Thomas Falk, eValue AG Family Office
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“If there’s one book I wish I had three years ago when I started working at an entrepreneurial family office, it’s 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬. This book is an invaluable guide for high-net-worth individuals and family offices looking to navigate the complexities of venture capital investing.
One of the most useful tools in the book is the decision tree on page 24 - a must-run-through when stepping into venture investing.”
Lisa Bosbach
Managing Director cramer.capital
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“Investing in start-ups requires not only vision but also a solid understanding of financial structures and risks. The Venture Capital Playbook by Angela De Giacomo provides a clear and well-organized guide for families and family offices looking to navigate the venture capital landscape. As a tax advisor, I appreciate the book’s practical approach, which helps investors make informed, strategic decisions while maintaining financial stability. A must-read for those who value both opportunity and prudence.”
Tatjana Schöler (StB) Equity Partner
btu beraterpartner GmbH Steuerberatungsgesellschaft
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![Portrait von Petra Gessner]()
“Angela De Giacomo's book is particularly worth reading for entrepreneurial families for whom VC investments are more than just a playground. Anyone who wants to systematically develop a long-term investment strategy in this asset class will find in-depth expertise in this entertaining and very practical book.”
Petra Gessner, Chief Editor wir magazin
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![Portrait von Wienand Schruff]()
"Every page of this book exudes authenticity. The advice on venture capital investments is grounded in real-life experiences, making the reading journey both enjoyable and insightful. The anecdotes and interviews effectively illustrate the key concepts, avoiding unnecessary jargon and making complex ideas accessible - making this book a practical and engaging resource."
Prof. Dr. Wienand Schruff
(former Member of the Managing Board at KPMG) -
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“The book offers an excellent introduction and overview of the topic of venture for a business angel like me.
The mixture of theoretical categorization and practical insights from various interviews makes this book a clear must-read.
It is the perfect way to gain a compact yet differentiated insight into this asset class.”Phillipp Becker, Albatros Financial Solutions GmbH
Angela De Giacomo
After nearly a decade in tax advisory, primarily focusing on cross-border transactions (M&A) and multinational clients, Angela De Giacomo transitioned to the investment world of the ultra-wealthy.
Angela De Giacomo is Chief Investment Officer at a single-family office in Hamburg. Prior to this role, she served as Chief Investment Officer at eValue AG, Thomas Falk’s family office, where she managed a significant venture capital portfolio and supported the establishment of a hybrid venture fund of funds. From 2013 to 2021, she managed the family office of an American-Indian business family, overseeing asset allocation and direct venture capital investments from sourcing through exit.
Angela has served on several boards and continues to sit on two boards in Asia. She also serves on a supervisory board, advising and supervising the investment committees of family offices.
A recognized speaker on venture capital, she was named "Top 40 under 40" by Capital in 2019 and selected as one of the "100 Women of the Year" by Focus in 2020.
She holds a Diploma in Business Administration (2004) and is a qualified Chartered Tax Advisor (Steuerberater) since 2009.
Request Speaker
Receive clear and practical guidance on venture capital from "The Venture Capital Playbook." With ten years of experience and successful speaking events, I provide customized talks and workshops for private wealth gatherings and family offices. My presentations focus on practical strategies, industry best practices, and real-life lessons to engage the audience.
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Recent talks
02.07.2026 - Bad Homburg - Johanna Quandt Stiftung
10.06.2026 - BErlin - Bio:cap europe
19.02.2026 - Hamburg - Heuking VC Event
19.01.2026 - Berlin - Commerzbank Event
04.12.2025 - Köln - Equivia and Heuking VC Event
16.10.2025 - München - Perpetual and Heuking VC Event
28.10.2025 - Milano - StartupBakery @Galleria d’Arte Deodato 23.09.2025 - Nürnberg - UnternehmerTUM Family Office RT
09.09.2025 - Dubai - WHX Tech
26.08.2025 - Copenhagen - Heartcore LP Breakfast
23./24.06.25 - Bucharest - CEEWealthSummit
25.3.25 - Orlando - leAD Summit
19.02.25 - Stockholm - TechArena
13.02.25 - Dubai - Institutional Investors
12.02.25 - Riyadh - LEAP
14.01.25 - New Delhi - Taj Palace
28.01.25 - Frankfurt - Private Markets One 25
25.11.24 - Stockholm - Picture This Gallery
10.09.24 - Copenhagen - TechBBQ LP Forum 2024
11.06.24 - Munich - WIR Magazin Family Office Forum