Why is this such an important part of our thesis? The system as it is right now, we feel, is broken. VC’s are steering startups towards higher valuations and eventually exits or IPO’s in order to make their intended ROI’s within the time set for this (usually 8 to 12 years). This means that a lot of startups are either busy raising money, or looking for exits rather than what we think that they should be focussing on; proving their vision and building a profitable business.
We want to help entrepreneurs in proving their vision and building a working business model. We want them to focus on what customers need and how to create real value. We want them to follow their vision and proof they can build a real business out of it. Success can also be real revenue and a healthy company.
We feel that this should also be reflected in the way we run our fund. Right now we are looking at Indie.vc, an US-based fund that is experimenting with ways to invest in startups that want to become profitable businesses.
They are, like us, working with convertible loans that convert to equity whenever there is a follow up investment. But that loan can also be payed back (times 5) with the profit you start making once you become a company with revenue. Thus creating more value for both the company and the economy. Or as they say;
This is something we strongly believe in as well. For both investors and startup entrepreneurs we are looking for people that belief in this as well, so we can make an impact together.
Esther Gons is the award-winning author of The Corporate Startup & Innovation Accounting. Winner of the 2022 Golden Axiom Business Book Award, 2019 Golden Axiom Business Book Award, and the 2018 Management Book Of The Year Award. She is an expert in Innovation Accounting, Innovation Strategy and Portfolio Management.
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