Add to it that that one investment requires the capital to invest. I have no connections outside of my career bubble and those people are seemingly in the same class as I am. How would I ever supersede my class?...or should I even aspire to do so? It seems unlikely and in many ways out of my control. This is coming from someone who believes in a strong work ethic and increasing access to risk (good or bad).
An introduction might lead to a job, apprenticeship, or internship. It might lead to a partnership somewhere or the opportunity to invest in some way you would not normally have access to. Or it could open the door to further introductions and connections. Network effects are powerful things, and being introduced to the right node in the social graph can make all the difference.