Chasing Rainbows’ Post

When it comes to structuring your startup, the extremes of charity vs. VC-backed unicorn-in-the-making can feel like a poor fit. If you want social & environmental impact to be a driving force in your company, while recognise the benefit profits can have, then you should consider whether to launch a Social Venture. Here, the awesome Philippa Christoforou of Oxford University Innovation sets out some useful resources to help you understand the what, why and hows of social venturing.

The other day I made a post about the recipe for building an impact VC fund thesis 📋 Some impact VC firms try to change the impact VC model with their unique approach and get an edge that doesn't necessarily fit into the classic thesis recipe 🌠 I thought it would be great to highlight a couple of those here (non-exhaustive): 🔬 Planet A Ventures building an internal science team 👥 Voyager Ventures, MCJ Collective, Norrsken VC building an impact VC fund on top of an impact community 🌍 2050 Investing in commons as part of their VC investments to revolutionize the VC model 🤝 Serena and Newfund building a partnership with a recognized voice in a sector to specialize their fund and gain ethos (Serena with makesense for their fund, Racine^2 and Newfund with Fondation FondaMental for their fund, Heka) 🤗 Unconventional Ventures working with a double impact layer - investing in diverse founders on impact topics 🧐 Climentum Capital and Extantia defining specific categories of companies that they invest in, i.e. hard tech (Climentum Capital) and gigacorns (Extantia) 🌐 maze impact using VC as just one tool out of many in a systems change impact toolbox that give many options to impact entrepreneurs Who did I forget on the list that has a truly unique impact VC thesis or structure? Let me know in the comments below and I will also add them to the list in the article in the comments.   Photo credits: Dall-E with the prompt “Please make a picture of an impact venture capitalist who proves to be truly unique” (and this is of course a picture full with biases)

Latest from FE News: Why Venture Capital should be on the FE Curriculum: The concept of VC is not taught in schools and colleges, meaning many people enter into adulthood without a basic understanding of an industry that… Why Venture Capital should be on the FE Curriculum was published on FE News by Kate #ExclusivetoFENews Read more here:

Angel investing isn't for everyone. My social feed was inundated with posts warning against angel investing over the last year. These views alarmed me initially, as angel investors play a vital role in nurturing the startup ecosystem. Curious to learn more, I delved into the subject and spoke with several former angel investors to understand their retreat from the field. Here are the three critical psychological traits I identified that successful angel investors possess: Extrem risk tolerance: Angel investing demands the ability to stomach a loss on half or more of the investments, as startups inherently have a high failure rate. A 2012 Harvard study showed that 75% of VC-backed companies never return cash. Tolerance for illiquidity: While selling shares in the following rounds (and even a strategy) might be possible, this asset class generally ties up capital for long periods. Patience: A willingness to have a long horizon is required. Most angels typically invest in early funding rounds with the potential for returns only materializing after 7 to 10 years (and companies increasingly remain private for longer). It seems natural to me that many angel investors are (ex-)founders or operators, as their startup experiences have already fostered the necessary resilience.

Classical and alternative approaches to fundraising in 2024 I'm thrilled to announce my participation as a mentor in the upcoming fundraising intensive program by Heg.ai. Despite the VC winter, there are plenty of ways to raise funds now: classical venture funds, angel investors, accelerators, advisors, and syndicate communities. But for these methods to work and for you not to waste several years and a bunch of resources, you need to: - understand how angel investors, accelerators, advisors, and syndicates work - practice pitching - develop and implement an investment strategy - be in a supportive environment to start and not quite Investors and founders with a significant track record (https://lnkd.in/dfzKQEMb) will explain: - Investment strategies - Working with Pitch Decks - How to apply to accelerators - Relationships between venture players This will be facilitated by a program consisting of workshops, masterminds, group discussions, intros, mentor meetings, and, of course, a Pitch Day. The program begins on May 13th! I have the promo codes, so if you are interested - please DM me. I am sure: participants will gain invaluable knowledge and skills over four weeks, guiding them through every stage of startup fundraising, from inception to a polished pitch with targeted intros and engaged investors. Sign up for an interview and attract funds to your project despite the VC winter!

📢 We’re delighted that Newton Venture Program has just launched #NewtonFoundations, a brand-new free course for beginners! The course is ideal for anyone who is curious about the world of #venturecapital, from founders to operators to new career seekers 🤔 This is an opportunity to both demystify venture capital and increase access and understanding around the sector, helping to level the playing field. Phelelani M., the Venture Investment & Impact Analyst at the Venture Studio, who graduated from the Newton Venture Fundamentals Program last year, said: "I was grateful for the opportunity to participate in a program that aims to provide #equalopportunities for individuals from typically overlooked backgrounds in the venture capital industry. A big thank you to everyone who helped make this possible. I'm thrilled to have been part of this #transformative learning experience and contribute to shaping the future of venture investing." 💼🌟 How New Foundations works: 🎓 Self-paced independent learning via an accessible platform ⏰ Flexibility to access the course at any time over a 12-week period 🤸♀️ Approximately 5-6 hours to complete Content covered: 🌍 Get an overview of the world of VC, including the importance of VC, its history, geographical spread, and what it's like to work in the industry. Explore the VC process from identifying a deal through to exiting an investment. 👉 Find all the information here: https://lnkd.in/erbnG-CH #VentureCapital #VC #NewtonFoundations #WelcomeToVC #SocialImpact

"Do all startups need investors or VC money? Can I build an investible business bootstrapping? Why do I need to know financials of my company if i can just hire a finance person?" If these are questions you often ask yourself, you're not alone. As a founder, there are many things we wish we knew and ofcourse learning the ropes can help you save time. Our VC Fellowship program helps you understand the 'investor mindset', startup lifecycle, hear from investors and have talented analyst help you put your investment memo together. Whether you're looking to fundraise now or later or never but want to understand building a sustainable startup, our VC program may just be right for you! Plus ofcourse if you're a student or professional interested in VC Career- this is one step closer to your goal. Apply Now for March intake. Scholarships available! See how Riddhesh Chandwadkar was able to kickstart his Investment career with Investment experience Illume Foundation https://lnkd.in/gWXNEUpB

Are you curious about the world of #venturecapital, as a founder, operator or new career seeker? Then Newton Venture Program's brand-new free course for #beginners might be for you 😉 The course is an opportunity to both demystify venture capital and increase access and understanding around the sector, helping to level the playing field and provide #equalopportunities for individuals from typically overlooked backgrounds in the venture capital industry 🚀 Find all the information below 👇 #VC #WelcomeToVC #SocialImpact

What I Learned Seed Investing Over The Last 10 Years by Jeff Clavier: After a decade of spearheading seed investments at SoftTech VC, Jeff Clavier shared invaluable lessons at the Pre-Money Conference. His strategic approach and foresight have significantly shaped the startup financing landscape. Here are some key takeaways that every startup founder and investor should consider: 1) Evolution of Seed Investing: From humble beginnings with a $1M fund to managing an $85M portfolio, SoftTech VC's journey underscores the evolution and maturation of the micro-VC model. 2) Strategic Fund Growth: Each phase of fund growth—from SoftTech VC I to IV—illustrates a deliberate strategy to refine, execute, and expand seed investment methodologies, focusing on building significant ownership stakes and investing in high-potential sectors like VR/AR and AI. 3) Importance of Building Relationships: Networking, hustling, and investing personal capital have been crucial in establishing a foundation for deal access and reputation as a value-added investor. 4) Adapting to Market Dynamics: SoftTech VC's approach to continuously adapting investment strategies to market changes and sector inflections points—especially in emerging technologies—offers a blueprint for staying relevant in a fast-evolving market. 5) Comprehensive Funding Ecosystem Understanding: Clavier’s insights into the funding ecosystem from pre-seed to growth stages, and how it has evolved over the years, provide startups with a clear roadmap for navigating their fundraising journeys. PS. check out 🔔 for a winning pitch deck the template created by Silicon Valley legend, Peter Thiel https://lnkd.in/ejp-Bhnu

What I Learned Seed Investing Over The Last 10 Years by Jeff Clavier: After a decade of spearheading seed investments at SoftTech VC, Jeff Clavier shared invaluable lessons at the Pre-Money Conference. His strategic approach and foresight have significantly shaped the startup financing landscape. Here are some key takeaways that every startup founder and investor should consider: 1) Evolution of Seed Investing: From humble beginnings with a $1M fund to managing an $85M portfolio, SoftTech VC's journey underscores the evolution and maturation of the micro-VC model. 2) Strategic Fund Growth: Each phase of fund growth—from SoftTech VC I to IV—illustrates a deliberate strategy to refine, execute, and expand seed investment methodologies, focusing on building significant ownership stakes and investing in high-potential sectors like VR/AR and AI. 3) Importance of Building Relationships: Networking, hustling, and investing personal capital have been crucial in establishing a foundation for deal access and reputation as a value-added investor. 4) Adapting to Market Dynamics: SoftTech VC's approach to continuously adapting investment strategies to market changes and sector inflections points—especially in emerging technologies—offers a blueprint for staying relevant in a fast-evolving market. 5) Comprehensive Funding Ecosystem Understanding: Clavier’s insights into the funding ecosystem from pre-seed to growth stages, and how it has evolved over the years, provide startups with a clear roadmap for navigating their fundraising journeys. -------- Follow All Chance Hub to learn from more innovative insights.