People who namedrop big names, but won't make an intro are the fakest type of people (and there's a lot of them in Silicon Valley) In my time dealing with founders, journalists, VCs, etc, it's usually 1 of 4 things: 1. They're lying and don't actually know the person. These people are the stupidest and not to worry about. Idiots. 2. They know the person but don't have enough social capital to make the intro, meaning they don't actually know the person or are afraid of them (ie. they aren't actually friends). These people are the sneakiest and usually playing zero-sum status games. 3. They know the person, but don't respect you enough to make the introduction, so they hold it over your head. These people are often pompous, think they're smarter than you, and resentful and envious types of people who don't want anyone getting ahead. These people are often Ivy League types, academics, etc. who are resentful by nature. 4. You're not ready for the intro and they're looking out for you. This is rare, but the best type of person and friend to keep around. I actually appreciate this (ex. "Can you introduce me to a VC?" "Let's wait until you actually built a MVP and then I got you" Stay away from 1-3. Watch out for 4 and see if they're telling the truth later on or if they're actually 1-3 (many such cases) Fake friends namedrop. Real friends make introductions, connect each other, and make new friends out of people who never even met each other. I introduce friends all the time. Many of my Twitter friends now are independently friends with each other and do business together. I hosted a party Friday night with 15 people so they can meet each other. If I respect you and both people are down, I will make an intro. it's very simple for me. Not everyone is the same. Many are afraid, resentful, or secretly hate you. Watch out.