More than two-thirds of VC-backed exits since 2022 returned a less than 1x multiple on invested capital. Sit with that. In the coming days, we will announce more about our Founderverse platform, a WE Global solution, that builds upon the work we started during Covid, and takes it to a whole new level. When you see articles such as this that states that the share of exits in which VCs made back less than their initial investment is at the highest level since at least the global financial crisis, it underscores what we believe —this is not a money problem, its an infrastructure problem at its core. We have to begin to tease out symptoms from root cause of disease. We have an entire innovation industry (broadly the building of emerging businesses) that drives global economic development that is void of any comprehensive innovation infrastructure but rather is driven by Wall Street and Wall Street affiliated firms. Nothing wrong with those firms and they are all needed, but the other side of the scale is void. This is what we are focused on and we believe has the potential to take 10% presumed upside and turn it on its ear where everyone wins.
Michael Lucas, Michael Petrovich, Alexandria Fisher, Vidhi Data, Ramesh Subbarayalu, David James Clarke IV, Jennifer Byrne, Bob Robinson,
Great interview, Marisa! It's always insightful to learn about the vision and focus of venture capital funds like Episode 1 Ventures. B2B software is such a dynamic space, and it's exciting to see investors backing talented founders at the pre-seed and seed stages. Looking forward to reading more about their strategies and the exciting innovations they're supporting!