I analyse venture capital (VC) firms’ progression from peripheral to core network positions using US VC investment data (2010-2021). Through influence estimation and dynamic network analysis, the study examines the three connecting strategies: co-investing with prominent VCs, backing their deals, and receiving their follow-on investments. Using Granular Instrumental Vari- ables and Triple Difference analyses, results indicate that being endorsed by prominent VCs’ capital most effectively enhances a firm’s influence and financial performance, independent of the success of the portfolio company which brought the investors together