Here's a great article by Jo Tango, that starts off as a description of the way in which VCs are paid (which is relatively common knowledge), and proceeds to explain some interesting facts about the way VC firms are managed (which is not so common knowledge):
The existence of the management company has a few implications. First, the Chief Partner cannot be fired without his/her consent. Every other partner at a VC firm can be, including the ones who have worked hard to earn pieces of the management company. So, a partner at a venture firm is usually an employee-at-will. They can be fired at any time.
(...)
Now, a VC firm's culture varies from one to another. The Chief Partner may delegate authority so that all partners have a voice in an investment decision-or, he may allow input from others, but in reality, is the one making the decisions. Entrepreneurs need to know that when they pitch a firm. Who is the Chief Partner and do the other partners have power?
Read more here.
