I heard this metaphor dozens of times; the saying “everyone wants to take the pretty girl to the dance,” refers to the tendency venture capitalists have to cluster around popular deals. (The prevalence of this phrase is very revealing of who is in these meetings.) In reality, everyone wants to be in business with young, white, male entrepreneurs with connections to high-status people, a pedigree from certain companies, a well-known mentor, and perhaps a Stanford degree.

Alice E. Marwick, Status Update, loc. 667