Cohort analysis is crucial in venture capital, offering a way to track performance over time.It helps VCs evaluate patterns, test assumptions, and make informed investment decisions.This analysis groups investments by shared characteristics, enabling insights into outcomes and momentum.Different cohort structures include vintage year, investment stage, and thematic cohorts.Metrics such as capital deployed, follow-on rates, and exit multiples are key in cohort analysis.VCs should focus on clean data inputs and standardized definitions for accurate comparison.Visualization tools like waterfall charts help in understanding cohort performance.VCs can use simple tools like Google Sheets or specialized platforms like Carta for cohort analysis.Pitfalls to watch out for include survivorship bias, small sample sizes, and outdated data.Cohort analysis is a continuous learning process that should inform investment decisions and fund strategy.