> A ton of the prominent VCs were writing out checks from their personal bank accounts so that founders could meet payroll.
Because they have duty to do so, as (part) owners of those companies. They could face personal liability for being negligent enough. You'd think any company with non-trivial payroll should've known better than not to hedge on all the things, including their banking partner.
This is inaccurate. In no way did people have to turn to their personal finances to help companies that their company invested in. That is like your banker, seeing your dire situation caused by a third party to you, and writing you a personal check… That is actually what happened across multiple situations I witnessed. Not saying these folks are saints but pretty unexpected to see.
True, but getting a board to be liable has a very high standard of proof. If not then there wouldn't be any boards, the compensation would not outweigh the risks.
Given the choice between bridging some cash (knowing that the full faith and credit of the US government backs the funds being bridged), or having the possibility of getting dragged into proceedings in the future, which at best would increase my liability insurance premiums, I'd pick the former.
Because they have duty to do so, as (part) owners of those companies. They could face personal liability for being negligent enough. You'd think any company with non-trivial payroll should've known better than not to hedge on all the things, including their banking partner.