Vessel

I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Head of Platform at Vessel!

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2024. I’m thrilled to announce that Zell Capital is rebranding as Vessel. This reflects our view of the entrepreneurial journey as akin to the voyages of ancient ocean explorers. In the coming days, I’ll delve deeper into our new brand identity and our commitment to investing in and nurturing exceptional companies, while serving our ecosystem to the fullest. Zell Capital began with an effort to create the Access Fund, aimed at democratizing investment in the innovation economy. This model, an ambitious goal to open venture capital to everyone, faced significant challenge which we had to pivot away from in early 2023. If we have worked together, you know how I feel about inspiring brand stories. Zell Capital was always a placeholder name to be given a proper brand once it was out in the world. Post pivot from the Access Fund, we were able to give proper time to creating a brand reflective of what we believe in and the impact we want to have in the world. So, why Vessel? Our brand draws inspiration from the parallels between entrepreneurs and ancient explorers, which are many: 1. Both are driven by the quest for discovery – entrepreneurs in business, explorers in uncharted lands. 2. Each journey is propelled by a vision of rewarding future possibilities. Treasures, legacy, triumph. 3. The path to begin and succeed is uncertain and fraught with risks. 4. Embarking on a venture requires a touch of audacity… and madness. The vessel, or ship, symbolizes a business in its nascent stages, navigating the uncertain seas of the market – nature /capitalism’s relentless force that has zero regard for who is charting the waters. The journey involves: 1. Navigating with limited resources until reaching land (product-market fit) and achieving self-sustainability (profitability). There are “ports” of replenishment along the way (funding rounds). 2. A compact, resilient team braving the market’s challenges. 3. Encountering both the market’s ruthless and magnificent aspects. 4. Recognizing funding rounds as crucial junctures for resource replenishment – but staying wary of pirates (and sharks!). Reaching ‘land’ symbolizes finding product-market fit – a crucial milestone, yet not the end goal. It’s a stage where potential for growth and sustainability starts to materialize, akin to establishing a residence in newfound lands. At Vessel, we are dedicated to investing in and building businesses that embark on these bold journeys. We partner with entrepreneurs, operators, and visionaries to brave the unknown in pursuit of success and glory. Stay tuned as I share more about our strategy, team, community impact, and the driving values behind Vessel.