Funders Begin to Look Upstream — to Women
Portfolios have better returns when diverse backgrounds and minds collaborate to build strong companies.
Why We Exist
The famous “hockey stick graph” looks mythical and smooth from afar, but look closely, and the true story of entrepreneurship emerges. Throughout the daily mix of ups and downs, we are there with our founders, every step of the way.
Founding Principles
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Integrity, excellence, measurable performance, and hard work underlie everything we accomplish.
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Growing great companies is all about people.
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We believe sustainable companies and diverse founding teams make for more successful investments.
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The structure and model of venture capital itself is due for a change.
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Companies need more than money, especially in the early stages.
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Core problems facing early stage entrepreneurs are largely the same, regardless of sector.
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Most entrepreneurs – even the most brilliant – are facing challenges for the first time. We’ve been there.
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Unicorns are great, but not every successful company needs to follow this particular narrative.
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Our involvement is designed to help increase the chances of success for our founders
Positive impact makes for stronger companies
- 100% Impact Companies
- 70% Diverse Leadership
We invest at the nexus of growth, impact and diversity.
We believe that impactful companies that solve real problems for real people yield better results. We also know that diverse founders build great companies and teams, but often lack ready access to funding and resources. For us, diversity includes underrepresented minority groups in tech, including gender, ethnicity, economic situation, LGBTQ+, and military service, among others.
How Our Model Works
In 2009, our team helped create the venture studio model. We believe that taking an active role in co-building our portfolio companies – far beyond simple funding – is crucial. Many venture firms speak of having a studio or value-added services, but to truly deliver the rarest form of venture capital – consistent support to all portfolio companies – requires the right structure. We apply these three key elements in our studio model:
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Daily Active Engagement
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A Powerful Ecosystem
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Access to Capital
Our Portfolio & Our Founders
Our Portfolio
Our Founders
Press & Media
California Safe Soil and KDC Ag Expand Breakthrough Food Recycling Technology Nationwide
Acclaimed West Coast ag-tech startup, California Safe Soil (CSS), today announced it has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with KDC Ag for the nationwide development and commercialization of its patented food waste conversion and fertilizer technology.
Fast Company Impact Council: 2020 Members
These forward-thinking business leaders have lent their knowledge and expertise to Fast Company throughout the year.