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Understanding which investors are engaging the most with your fundraising assets such as Visible Decks, Visible Updates, and Visible Data Rooms gives you insight into where to best spend time during the fundraising process. A New Contact Activity Page With this latest product update, we've made it easier to discover important engagement activity from the investor contacts stored on Visible. You can use these contact insights to determine who your most engaged investors are and when is best to follow up next. The updated contact page now displays all properties, engagement trends, recent activity, and the latest shared items, all in one view. Check Out Your Investor Activity Ready to see how investors are engaging with your Visible assets? Log into Visible below to take a look at the new contact pages for your investors:

Venture capital is a dynamic field, offering unique opportunities to influence the future of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. If you're fascinated by startups, growth, and investment, diving into how to get into venture capital can open up a world of possibilities. This guide is crafted to demystify the venture capital industry and outline actionable steps for those looking to start their career in this interesting sector. What is Venture Capital? Venture capital (VC) is a subset of private equity, focused on investing in startups and early-stage companies with high growth potential in exchange for equity. Venture capital firms or funds assess the risk and potential of these companies, aiming for a return through equity gains as the companies grow. These investments typically come after an initial seed funding round and aim for a significant return through an eventual exit event, such as an IPO or acquisition​​. Venture capital is pivotal in funding innovative startups that might not have access to traditional financing methods due to their novel business models or technology. The VC industry is known for its involvement in high-tech sectors like IT, biotechnology, and clean technology​​. Venture capitalists provide capital, strategic advice, networking opportunities, and operational support to help these companies scale​​. What VC firms are and what they do: Venture Capital Firms: These are specialized financial entities that pool money from different investors to invest in startups and emerging companies. The end goal is to earn a return on their investment, typically through an exit event like an IPO or a sale of the company. Function: VC firms actively manage their investments by offering strategic guidance, networking opportunities, and sometimes even taking a seat on the company's board. They seek to boost the company's growth and increase its value over time, aiming for a profitable exit strategy to return capital to their investors. Roles and responsibilities of a venture capitalist include: Identifying Investment Opportunities: Venture capitalists scout for promising startups with high growth potential, innovative business models, or technology. Due Diligence and Analysis: They thoroughly evaluate potential investments, assessing the company's business model, market potential, competitive landscape, and management team. Funding Startups: After a careful assessment, venture capitalists fund chosen startups in exchange for equity, typically aiming for a minority stake. Providing Strategic Advice: Beyond financial support, venture capitalists offer valuable guidance on business strategy, growth, and operational improvements. Networking: They leverage their extensive networks to support portfolio companies with hiring, partnerships, and customer acquisition. Venture capital is not just about money; it's about building a partnership between investors and entrepreneurs to foster innovation and growth. As such, venture capitalists are integral to developing and scaling startups, helping them evolve from fledgling companies into significant players in their respective industries​​​​​​. This dynamic field offers a unique blend of financial acumen, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of innovation, making it a fascinating career path for those passionate about shaping the future of business and technology. Understanding the Venture Capital Industry and Job Market To truly understand the venture capital industry and its job market, it's crucial to look beyond just the financial investments and see the entire ecosystem that supports and drives innovation. For those aspiring to work in VC, comprehending this ecosystem and its current dynamics is not just beneficial—it's essential. This knowledge will equip you with the insights needed to navigate the competitive landscape of VC careers, whether you aim to become a venture capitalist, an analyst, or play another pivotal role within this field. Overview of the Venture Capital Ecosystem At its core, the venture capital ecosystem is made up of venture capital firms and the professionals working within them. Positions range from Analyst, Associate, and Principal, to Partner roles such as Managing Partner and General Partner. Other significant roles include Venture Partners, Investor Relations Managers, Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, Marketing & Social Media personnel, Interns, and VC Scouts. Each role carries distinct responsibilities, from conducting research and due diligence (Analysts, Associates) to leading the firm's strategic direction (Managing Partners) and making key investment decisions (Partners)​​. These VC firms source capital from limited partners, such as pension funds, endowments, and wealthy individuals, to invest in high-potential startups and early-stage companies. The ecosystem also includes the entrepreneurs and startups seeking funding, alongside a network of service providers such as lawyers, accountants, and consultants who support venture investments' transactional and operational aspects. For those looking to work in VC, understanding the roles within these firms and the skills and experiences valued in the industry is key. Networking, financial analysis, market research, and strategic thinking are just some of the core competencies needed. Additionally, being familiar with the legal and regulatory environment of startup financing can set candidates apart. Current Trends and Challenges in the VC Industry Several trends and challenges are shaping the VC job market today: Diversification of Investment Areas: VC firms are increasingly investing in a wider range of industries. This broadening scope requires professionals with specialized knowledge or the ability to learn and adapt to new sectors quickly. The Rise of Remote Work: The global shift towards remote work is changing how VC firms operate, including how they interact with their portfolio companies and conduct due diligence. This trend is creating opportunities for professionals with strong digital communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a remote environment. Increased Competition for Positions: As the allure of venture capital grows, so does the competition for roles within VC firms. Aspiring professionals need to build a strong personal brand, demonstrate their value through past experiences, and cultivate a robust network within the industry. Ethical and Sustainable Investing: There's a growing emphasis on ethical investing, with more VC firms considering the environmental and social impact of their investments. Knowledge of sustainable business practices and impact investment can be a significant advantage. Navigating the venture capital job market requires a keen understanding of both the roles available within the industry and the broader trends shaping its future. By staying informed and adaptable, aspiring VC professionals can position themselves for success in this exciting and dynamic field. Related resource: VC Fund Performance Metrics 101 How Do You Get Into Venture Capital? Successfully entering the venture capital industry typically involves a mix of education, experience, skillset, and networking. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, understanding these components can significantly enhance your prospects in this competitive field. Education and Experience The educational background of those working in venture capital often includes undergraduate degrees in business, finance, economics, or engineering. A Master's in Business Administration (MBA) is also highly regarded, with many VC professionals holding degrees from top-tier business schools. This educational foundation provides the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills. Experience is equally, if not more, important. Many successful venture capitalists have backgrounds in entrepreneurship, investment banking, management consulting, or have been part of a start-up. This experience is invaluable as it provides a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within start-ups and the broader business landscape. It also helps develop the ability to evaluate the potential of early-stage companies. Internships in VC firms or related fields can be a stepping stone, offering firsthand experience and the opportunity to make initial industry contacts. Participation in relevant extracurricular activities, such as business plan competitions or investment clubs, can also be beneficial. Skillset and Personal Qualities Venture capital is not just about numbers; it requires a unique set of skills and personal qualities. Analytical and financial skills are fundamental, as VCs need to assess start-ups' viability and potential return on investment. Strategic thinking is crucial for understanding market trends, competitive landscapes, and a start-up's potential for scale and growth. Personal qualities matter greatly. Resilience and patience are essential, as success in venture capital often takes time, and not all investments will pay off. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are needed to build relationships with entrepreneurs and co-investors and to negotiate and close deals effectively. An entrepreneurial mindset is also key, with the ability to take calculated risks and make decisions in the face of uncertainty. Building a Network and Finding Mentorship Networking is critical in the venture capital world. Building a broad and deep network with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals can open opportunities to discover promising start-ups, secure investment deals, and find potential co-investors or partners. Mentorship is another crucial aspect. Finding a mentor within the VC field can provide guidance, advice, and access to a wider network. Mentors can help navigate the industry's complexities, offer insights on investment strategies, and support career development. Engaging with the VC community through conferences, seminars, and online platforms can facilitate networking and finding mentorship opportunities. Additionally, contributing to the VC ecosystem through blogging, speaking at events, or participating in forums can raise your profile and help establish valuable connections. Entering the venture capital industry is challenging but achievable with the right mix of education, experience, skills, and network. Persistence, continuous learning, and active engagement with the VC community are key to success in this dynamic and rewarding field. Related resource: 6 Helpful Networking Tips for Connecting With Investors Main Entry Points in Venture Capital Venture capital entry can vary widely, depending on one's background, education, and career stage. Understanding the main entry points can help aspirants tailor their journey toward this exciting and impactful field. Below, we explore three primary entry points into venture capital: pre-MBA, post-MBA, and Senior level, each offering distinct pathways and opportunities for prospective venture capitalists. Pre-MBA The pre-MBA entry point in venture capital is primarily for those in the early stages of their careers, often immediately after undergraduate studies or after gaining a few years of work experience. This level typically involves entering VC firms in analyst or associate roles. The primary function at this stage involves supporting the firm's investment process, which includes market research, deal screening, due diligence, and financial modeling. Candidates at this entry point usually hold a bachelor's degree, with a preference for fields such as finance, business, economics, or engineering. However, what stands out more than the degree itself is relevant work experience, especially in startups, banking, consulting, or tech companies, and a demonstrated passion for venture capital and entrepreneurship. The Pre-MBA route is an excellent opportunity for individuals to immerse themselves in the VC ecosystem, build a network, and gain a solid understanding of what it takes to evaluate and support startups. Post-MBA The Post-MBA entry point is tailored for individuals who have completed their Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and are looking to leverage this advanced education to enter or advance within the venture capital field. Post-MBA roles in VC are typically at the associate or senior associate level, though some may enter as a partner, depending on their experience and network. An MBA from a top-tier business school can be particularly advantageous, as VC firms often value the advanced business acumen, strategic thinking, and extensive networking opportunities these programs provide. Furthermore, an MBA with a concentration in entrepreneurship, finance, or management can be especially relevant. Candidates at this stage are expected to have a more significant role in investment decisions, portfolio management, and even in providing strategic advice to startups. The Post-MBA path is well-suited for those looking to pivot into venture capital with a solid foundation in business principles and a strong professional network. Senior Level Senior-level entry points in venture capital are typically reserved for individuals with extensive experience in related fields such as entrepreneurship, executive leadership, investment banking, or consulting. Entering VC at a senior level often means stepping into roles such as partner or managing director. At this stage, education is less about the degree itself and more about the depth and breadth of professional experience and the individual's track record in building, advising, and investing in successful companies. Senior entrants are expected to bring a robust network, deep industry insights, and a keen eye for identifying and nurturing high-potential startups. They play a crucial role in shaping the investment strategy of the firm, leading fundraising efforts, and guiding the firm's overall direction. The senior-level entry is ideal for accomplished professionals looking to leverage their expertise to make a significant impact in the venture capital ecosystem. Regardless of the entry point, a career in venture capital demands a blend of analytical acumen, strategic foresight, and interpersonal skills. The journey into VC can be as diverse as the startups it seeks to fund, offering multiple paths for those passionate about driving innovation and entrepreneurship. Prominent Roles at a VC Firm Understanding the roles within a VC firm and the qualifications needed for entry-level positions is the first step toward pursuing a career in this exciting field. Aspiring professionals should focus on building relevant skills, gaining appropriate experiences, and networking extensively to improve their chances of breaking into venture capital. Below, we will cover the prominent roles at a VC firm, highlighting their responsibilities and the considerations for those aiming to enter the field, especially at an entry level. Related resource: How to Hire for Your First VC Platform Role Roles Include: General Partner (GP): The top-tier position in a VC firm, GPs are responsible for investment decisions, fundraising, and overall firm management. They often have a wealth of experience in investing, entrepreneurship, or specific industries. Limited Partner (LP): LPs are investors in the VC fund who provide the capital that GPs invest. While not involved in day-to-day operations, LPs are vested in the fund's performance. Venture Partner: Venture Partners are typically experienced entrepreneurs or executives who work part-time with the VC firm. They assist with deal sourcing, due diligence, and providing strategic value to portfolio companies. Principal: Principals hold a senior position, often just below the GPs, and are involved in sourcing deals, leading due diligence processes, and supporting portfolio companies. They might be on track to become GPs. Associate: Associates analyze investment opportunities, conduct market research, and support the due diligence process. This role is often considered entry-level or just above, serving as a pathway to more senior positions within the firm. Analyst: Analysts are typically entry-level professionals who support Associates and Principals in their duties. Their work includes market research, financial modeling, and preparing investment memoranda. Analyst positions are great for gaining exposure to the VC world and understanding the basics of venture investing. Considerations for Entry-Level/Junior Roles Educational Background: A degree in finance, business, economics, or a related field is commonly preferred. However, degrees in engineering, science, or technology can also be valuable, especially for VC firms focusing on specific sectors. Relevant Experience: Internships or work experience in startups, investment banking, management consulting, or in the industry the VC focuses on can be advantageous. Networking: Building a strong professional network is crucial in the venture capital sector. Attend industry events, and workshops, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Skills and Qualities: Analytical skills, understanding of financial modeling, excellent communication skills, and a genuine interest in technology and startups are essential. Being proactive and having a keen eye for evaluating startups' potential is also important. Persistence and Patience: Landing a role in VC can be highly competitive. It often requires persistence, patience, and sometimes, a bit of luck. Keep learning, stay engaged with the industry, and build your professional network. 6 Steps for Breaking Into Venture Capital for Beginners Breaking into venture capital, especially for beginners, can seem daunting due to the industry's emphasis on networking and prior investment or entrepreneurial experience. However, with the right approach and mindset, aspiring VC professionals can pave their way into this dynamic sector. Below are six practical steps to guide beginners through the essential actions and considerations necessary to launch a successful career in venture capital. These steps aim to build a strong foundation, enhance relevant skills, and expand professional networks, all critical components for those looking to make their mark in the world of venture capital. Related resource: A Guide to How Venture Capital Works for Startups and New Investors 1) Know Which Type of Investing You Want to Work In Venture capital encompasses a broad spectrum of investment stages and sectors, each offering unique opportunities and challenges. Understanding these differences is crucial for those aiming to enter the field, as it not only aligns your career path with your interests and expertise but also shapes your networking and learning strategies. Here’s a brief overview of the funding stages and why choosing a specialization can be beneficial: Funding Stages: Pre-seed and Seed Stage: This is the earliest investment phase, where venture capitalists provide capital to help validate and develop the initial idea, product, or market. Working in this stage requires a keen eye for potential and the ability to work with very early-stage companies. Series A and B (Early Stage): After the seed stage, companies seeking Series A and B funding are typically looking to expand their market reach and scale their operations. Investors at this stage focus on companies that have shown some traction and are ready for more significant growth. Series C and Beyond (Growth Stage): At this point, companies are well-established in their markets and seek funding to scale their operations further, develop new products, or expand globally. Investors here need to assess scalability and market dominance potential. Late Stage and Pre-IPO: Investments at this stage are made in companies on the verge of going public or being acquired. Here, The focus is minimizing risk and ensuring a strong return on investment. Why Specialization Matters: Specializing in a specific stage of investment or sector can be a powerful way to differentiate yourself in the competitive VC landscape. It allows you to develop deep expertise, better assess opportunities, and build a valuable network in your chosen niche. Visible has covered several specialized investment areas, highlighting the diversity within venture capital: Cannabis Venture Capital: An emerging sector with unique regulatory and market challenges. Learn more. NFT Investors: Investing in the burgeoning market of non-fungible tokens, which has exploded in popularity and scope. Learn more. Esports Investors: Focusing on the fast-growing industry of competitive gaming, which includes everything from game development to event management. Learn more. Food and Beverage Startups: Targeting innovations in food technology, sustainability, and beverages. Learn more. Community VC Investors: Investing in startups that prioritize social impact and community building. Learn more. 2) Develop the Right Skill Set Securing a position in the competitive field of venture capital requires a specific set of skills that enable individuals to identify promising investment opportunities, support portfolio companies, and generate significant returns for their firm and its investors. These skills are a blend of technical know-how, analytical prowess, and interpersonal capabilities. Here are several key skills necessary for success in venture capital and how aspiring professionals can go about acquiring them: Financial Analysis and Modeling: Importance: The ability to analyze financial statements, forecast future performance, and model various scenarios is crucial for evaluating the potential of investment opportunities. Financial analysis helps in understanding the viability, stability, and profitability of a startup. How to Attain: This skill can be developed through formal education in finance or business, online courses, and practical experience such as internships or roles in financial analysis, investment banking, or management consulting. Market Analysis and Sector Expertise: Importance: Venture capital professionals need to have a deep understanding of the market trends, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements within their chosen sectors. This knowledge enables them to spot emerging opportunities and risks. How to Attain: Stay informed by reading industry reports, attending conferences, and following thought leaders on social media. Consider specializing in a sector where you already have experience or education, and continuously learn to stay ahead of trends. Networking and Relationship Building: Importance: Building and maintaining a robust network of entrepreneurs, investors, and other VC professionals is essential for sourcing deals, conducting due diligence, and supporting portfolio companies. Strong relationships can also facilitate syndicate deals and co-investments. How to Attain: Attend industry events, join relevant online communities, and actively participate in discussions. Offering value through insights, introductions, or resources can help build meaningful connections. Strategic Thinking and Decision Making: Importance: Venture capital involves making high-stakes decisions with incomplete information. The ability to think strategically, weigh the potential risks and rewards, and make informed decisions is critical for success. How to Attain: Practice by analyzing case studies of venture investments, joining a community, and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals in the field. Adaptability and Resilience: Importance: The startup ecosystem is fast-paced and unpredictable. The ability to adapt to changes, learn from failures, and remain resilient is vital for navigating the ups and downs of venture investing. How to Attain: Embrace challenges and setbacks as learning opportunities. Engage in projects or roles that push you out of your comfort zone and require you to adapt quickly. 3) Get Relevant Work Experience To enhance your candidacy for a role in venture capital, consider gaining experience in these areas. Whether through full-time roles, internships, or even side projects, relevant work experience can significantly bolster your understanding of the business landscape and investment process. Additionally, these experiences provide valuable networking opportunities and the ability to develop a track record of success, both of which are crucial for a career in venture capital. Here’s a look at some of these areas and why they are relevant. Investment Banking: Investment bankers have a strong foundation in financial modeling, deal structuring, and market analysis. This background is beneficial for venture capital, where similar skills are used to evaluate and finance high-growth companies. Why It’s Relevant: The rigorous analytical training, experience with high-stakes transactions, and exposure to various industries make former investment bankers well-equipped to navigate the complexities of venture investing. Management Consulting: Consultants are adept at solving complex business problems, conducting market research, and formulating strategic recommendations. These skills apply to venture capital for assessing a startup’s strategy, market potential, and operational capabilities. Why It’s Relevant: The ability to critically analyze a company’s positioning and propose actionable strategies is invaluable in helping portfolio companies scale and succeed. Entrepreneurship: First-hand experience in founding or working at a startup provides insight into the challenges and realities of building a business from the ground up. This perspective is crucial for venture capitalists in identifying resilient and innovative founders and in providing meaningful support to portfolio companies. Why It’s Relevant: Understanding the entrepreneurial journey allows venture capitalists to empathize with founders and offer practical advice, making them more effective investors. Sales and Business Development: Experience in sales and business development roles can be particularly valuable, especially when evaluating startups’ go-to-market strategies and scaling potential. These roles cultivate skills in market analysis, customer acquisition, and revenue growth strategies. Why It’s Relevant: Assessing a startup’s capacity to generate revenue and expand its customer base is critical for predicting its long-term success. Technology and Product Management: For venture capital firms focused on tech startups, experience in software development, product management, or a related field can provide essential insights into product innovation, development cycles, and market fit. Why It’s Relevant: A deep understanding of technology trends and product development processes enables venture capitalists to evaluate startup products' technical viability and innovation potential. 4) Understand the Mindset of a Venture Capitalist Understanding the venture capitalist mindset is more than just knowing how to evaluate companies or make investment decisions; it's about embracing a comprehensive approach to risk, innovation, and entrepreneur support. Aspiring venture capitalists should immerse themselves in this mindset, adopting a forward-thinking, empathetic, and continuously learning attitude toward their work and the startups they invest in. Long-term Vision: What It Means: Venture capitalists often invest in startups with the potential for significant long-term growth, even if immediate profitability is not in sight. They look for transformative ideas that can scale and impact markets or create entirely new ones. How to Develop: Cultivate the ability to see beyond current market trends and evaluate how emerging technologies or business models could evolve. This involves staying informed about technological advancements, societal changes, and global economic shifts. Risk Assessment and Tolerance: What It Means: VC involves investing in high-risk, high-reward opportunities. Successful venture capitalists are skilled at assessing the risk vs. reward of potential investments, comfortable with the possibility of failure, and optimistic about the prospects of outsized returns. How to Develop: Learn to analyze the factors that can lead to startup success or failure, including market size, team composition, product-market fit, and competitive landscape. Practice weighing these factors to make informed decisions under uncertainty. Value Addition Beyond Capital: What It Means: Venture capitalists look to add value to their portfolio companies beyond just financial investment. This could be in the form of strategic guidance, network introductions, or operational support. How to Develop: Build a network of contacts across various industries, cultivate expertise in specific areas of business growth, and learn how to mentor and support entrepreneurs effectively. Build Relationships with Entrepreneurs: What It Means: A key part of a venture capitalist's role is to build strong, trust-based relationships with entrepreneurs. Understanding the challenges and pressures that founders face is crucial for providing the right support and making informed investment decisions. How to Develop: Engage with startup founders, participate in entrepreneurial communities, and, if possible, experience the startup journey yourself. This can provide valuable insights into the entrepreneurial mindset and the challenges of building a business from the ground up. Continuous Learning: What It Means: The venture capital industry is dynamic, with new technologies and business models constantly emerging. A successful VC must be a lifelong learner, always ready to update their knowledge and adapt to new information. How to Develop: Make a habit of reading industry reports, attending conferences, and engaging with thought leaders in your areas of interest. Being open to new ideas and willing to adjust your perspectives based on new evidence is key. 5) Cultivate Your Brand and Story Developing a strong personal brand and a compelling narrative can significantly differentiate you from others. A personal brand is essentially your professional reputation — it’s what people think of when they hear your name. It encompasses your expertise, experiences, values, and the unique perspective you bring to the venture capital ecosystem. Here’s why it’s crucial and how you can build it: Why It’s Important: Trust and Credibility: A well-established personal brand builds trust and credibility with entrepreneurs, co-investors, and within your own firm. It signals that you have the knowledge, network, and skills to add value beyond just capital. Deal Flow: A strong brand can attract investment opportunities. Founders want to work with venture capitalists who have a reputation for being insightful, supportive, and connected. A good brand makes you a magnet for promising startups. Career Opportunities: In a sector where who you know is often as important as what you know, a recognizable personal brand can open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and career advancements within the VC community. How to Cultivate Your Brand and Story: Identify Your Unique Value Proposition: Consider what sets you apart from others in the field. Is it your deep knowledge of a particular industry, your experience in scaling startups, or your network in the tech community? Define this and make it the cornerstone of your personal brand. Be Visible and Engaged Online: Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Medium to share your insights, comment on industry trends, and engage with content from other thought leaders. Consistently posting valuable content can establish you as an expert in your areas of interest. Speak and Participate at Industry Events: Speaking at conferences, panels, and webinars or participating in podcasts can significantly boost your visibility and credibility. It also provides networking opportunities and a platform to share your unique insights and stories. Contribute to the Venture Community: Mentor startups, write insightful articles, or volunteer to judge pitch competitions. These activities not only contribute to the ecosystem but also reinforce your brand as someone who is knowledgeable and invested in the success of others. Network Authentically: Build genuine relationships within the VC community. Your brand is not just about what you project online or on stage but also about how you interact with people in one-on-one settings. Authenticity in your interactions can foster long-lasting professional relationships. 6) Proactively Build Your Network with Venture Capitalists and Founders Networking is not just a supporting activity in venture capital; it's a core aspect of the job. For someone aspiring to break into VC, proactively building a network of venture capitalists and startup founders is crucial. This effort is about marketing yourself as a good fit for the industry by showcasing your knowledge, enthusiasm, and the unique value you can bring to a venture capital firm. Here’s why this proactive approach is essential and how it transforms an aspiring VC into a valuable asset for a VC firm: Why You Need to Be Proactive: Visibility: The VC space is relatively small and tightly knit. Making your presence known and staying top of mind for people within the industry is vital. By actively engaging in networking, you increase your visibility and the likelihood of being considered for opportunities. Demonstrate Fit and Passion: Engaging with the VC community allows you to demonstrate your passion, understanding of the industry, and how your background and skills make you a good fit. It’s an opportunity to show, rather than tell, that you belong in the space. Learn and Adapt: Networking with professionals and founders gives you insights into the current trends, challenges, and opportunities within the venture ecosystem. This knowledge not only makes you more informed but also helps you adapt your approach and offerings to meet the needs of a VC firm better. Why a Strong Network Makes You a Valuable Asset: Deal Flow: A broad network of founders and fellow VCs can become a source of deal flow, which is the lifeblood of any venture capital firm. Being able to bring in unique investment opportunities can make you an invaluable member of the team. Due Diligence Support: A diverse network allows you to conduct more thorough and informed due diligence by tapping into experts and potential customers for feedback on a startup’s product or service Portfolio Support: Beyond identifying and evaluating deals, VC firms also work to support their portfolio companies in scaling their operations, entering new markets, and securing further financing. A well-connected VC can leverage their network to help portfolio companies navigate these challenges Industry Insights: Having a network that spans various sectors and geographies can provide early signals on emerging trends, investment themes, and competitive dynamics. This insight can inform a VC firm’s strategy and investment decisions. How to Proactively Build Your Network: Engage in Industry Events and Conferences: Attend VC and startup events, panels, and workshops. These are excellent opportunities to meet both VCs and entrepreneurs. Utilize Social Media and Online Platforms: LinkedIn, Twitter, and other industry-specific platforms can be powerful tools for engaging with the VC community, sharing your insights, and initiating conversations. Offer Value: Whether through introductions, sharing relevant information, or offering expertise, always look for ways to provide value in your interactions. Networking is a two-way street. Seek Mentorship: Reaching out to established VCs for guidance can lead to valuable relationships. Many professionals are open to sharing advice and insights with those who are genuinely interested and eager to learn. Expand Your Venture Capital Network with Visible Venture capital is an exciting field that blends financial expertise with a passion for innovation. It offers a unique vantage point on the future of technology and entrepreneurship. Visible stands as a valuable resource in this journey, providing insights through our resources and The Visible Edge a bi-weekly newsletter with curated resources to help maintain your edge in Venture Capital.

When starting a venture capital for a fundraise, it is important to stay focused on the right investors for your business. This means sticking to investors that fund companies in your industry, stage, geography, etc. In order to best help founders find the right investors for their business, we’ve laid out 10 investors that are funding FoodTech startups below: Quick Overview of the Food Tech Industry As written by the team at Bread and Butter Ventures, “Food technology includes tech-enabled companies operating anywhere in the food value chain. From on farm to supply chain and manufacturing to restaurants and grocery. “Tech” can be software, hardware, bio sciences, or any combination of the three.” Food and agriculture is a major aspects of the economy. Many venture capitalists and entrepreneurs find that there are inefficiencies in the food and agriculture sector and can be improved by funding innovative companies. Related resource: Top 12 Industry Events and Trade Shows for Food and Beverage Startups (2024 - 2025) Challenges in Foodtech As put by the team at Blue Horizon in their post, The US food industry is facing a labor crisis and needs technology solutions to help solve it, “The food industry is strained from multiple forces, including heightened expectations from both customers and employees (e.g., wage increases, gig economy) as well as macro-economic pressures (e.g., inflation, supply chain constraints).” Related Resource: The 16 Best Startup Newsletters Related Resource: VCs Investing In Food & Bev Startups 1) Better Food Ventures Location: Menlo Park, CA Funding stage: Early-stage, seed stage According to the team at Better Food Ventures, “​​Our investments in food and agriculture technologies span the value chain — from seed, soil, supply chain, store, supper to stomach— to support the digitization of today’s food system, and form the building blocks necessary to meet our food supply needs in 2050.” According to their Visible Connect Profile, the team at Better Food Ventures typically writes checks anywhere between $250k and $10M. Some of Better Food Ventures most popular investments include: Milk Moovement Love with Food Byte 2) 1st Course Capital Location: Redwood City, CA Funding stage: Early-stage, pre-seed, seed As the team at 1st Course Capital puts it, “1st Course Capital is an early stage venture capital firm investing in innovative business models and technologies changing how we grow, produce, and distribute food.” Some of 1st Course Capital’s most popular investments include: BlueCart Farmshelf Gooder Foods 3) Nucleus Capital Location: Berlin Funding stage: Pre-seed and seed stage As put on their website, “Nucleus Capital is a new venture capital firm supporting purpose-driven founders. We believe that entrepreneurial innovation is necessary to tackle global threats to planetary health. We deeply respect the entrepreneurial process and partner with founders at the nucleus of their journey, investing at the Pre-Seed & Seed stage. We are most excited by mission-driven teams with relentless ambition, deep domain expertise and creative ideas.” Nucleus is focused on pre-seed and seed stage investments. Some of Nucleus Capital’s most popular investments include: Planet A Foods Juicy Marbles Yuri 4) Tet Ventures Location: Berlin, Germany Funding stage: Early-stage As put on their Visible Connect Profile, “We are one of the most active global foodtech VCs, investing in teams and technology building a better food system.” Tet Ventures typically writes check anywhere between $50k and $250k. They look to fund companies anywhere in the world at the earliest stages. Some of Tet Ventures most popular investments include: Farmstead Maven Gather Made 5) Bread and Butter Ventures Location: Minneapolis, MN Funding stage: Seed stage As put by the team at Bread and Butter Venturese, “Bread and Butter Ventures is an early stage venture capital firm based in Minnesota, the Bread and Butter State, investing globally while leveraging our state and region’s unparalleled access to strong corporate connections, commercial opportunities, and industry expertise for the benefit of our founders.” You can learn more about Bread and Butter in our podcast with Brett Brohl below: The team at Bread and Butter typically writes checks anywhere between $100k and $400k. They traditionally focus on Food Tech, Health Tech, and Enterprise SaaS companies. Some of Bread and Butter Venture’s most popular investments include: Alchemy Dispatch Goods Omnia Fishing 6) FoodHack Location: Lausanne, Switzerland Funding stage: Pre-seed to Series A As written by the team at FoodHack, “Where Food & FoodTech professionals come to get the inside scoop on industry news and meet partners, friends, mentors, investors – and everything in between. From our weekly newsletter, to our ambassador run Meetups and our annual FoodHack Summit – our goal at FoodHack is to make it easier for purpose driven food founders to access the funding, network and knowledge they need to successfully launch and scale their business.” 7) Bluestein Ventures Location: Chicago, IL Related Resource: Chicago’s Best Venture Capital Firms: A List of the Top 10 Firm Funding stage: Early-stage — typically between seed and series A As put by the team at Bluestein Ventures, “We look for that magic combination of strategic vision + flawless execution. We’re inspired by visionary entrepreneurs that challenge the status quo – purpose-driven teams that are hungry to change the paradigm – and translate that into action. Entrepreneurs are our focus. As experienced investors, we know the journey isn’t easy. That’s why we’re here to partner with you to help you succeed.” Check out some of Bluestein’s most popular investments below: Cultured Decadence Meati New Culture 8) AgFunder Location: San Francisco, CA Funding stage: Seed to Series B As put by their team, “AgFunder is an online Venture Capital Platform based in Silicon Valley. AgFunder invests in exceptional and bold entrepreneurs who are aiming to build the next generation of great agriculture and food technology companies.” The team at AgFunder has written checks anywhere between $50k and $900k in a round. They invest in companies across the globe. Some of AgFunder’s most popular investments include: Atomo Coffee Alpha Foods FieldIn 9) S2G Ventures Location: Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco Funding stage: Anywhere from seed to growth stage As written by the team at S2G, “Our strategy reflects a growing appetite for investment that combines financial returns with positive long-term social and environmental effects. S2G has identified tough tech sectors that are ripe for change and is building a multi-stage portfolio of seed, venture, and growth stage investments and flexible solutions including debt and infrastructure capital.” The team at S2G will invest across many stages and are focused on companies that benefit the environment and society. Check out a few of S2G Venture’s most popular investments below: AppHarvest Ripple Beyond Meat 10) Blue Horizon Location: Zurich, Switzerland Funding stage: Seed to Series B As written by the team at Blue Horizon, “Blue Horizon is accelerating the transition to a Sustainable Food System that delivers outstanding returns for investors and the planet. The company is a global pioneer of the Future of Food. As a pure play impact investor, Blue Horizon has shaped the growth of the alternative protein and food tech market. The company invests at the intersection of biology, agriculture and technology with the aim to transform the global food industry.” Check out some of the most popular Blue Horizon investments below: Eat Just Impossible Foods Planted Secure venture capital for your food tech startup with Visible At Visible, we oftentimes compare a fundraise to a B2B sales and marketing funnel. At the top of your funnel, you are finding new investors. In the middle, you are nurturing and pitching potential investors. At the bottom of the funnel, you are working through diligence and ideally closing new investors. Related Resource: A Quick Overview on VC Fund Structure With the introduction of data rooms, you can now manage every aspect of your fundraising funnel with Visible. Find investors at the top of your funnel with our free investor database, Visible Connect Track your conversations and move them through your funnel with our Fundraising CRM Share your pitch deck and monthly updates with potential investors Organize and share your most vital fundraising documents with data rooms Manage your fundraise from start to finish with Visible. Give it a free try for 14 days here.

In venture capital, grasping the concept of Additional Paid-In Capital (APIC) is essential. It represents the premium investors pay over a share's nominal value, indicating their confidence in a company. Beyond a mere balance sheet entry, APIC demonstrates investor support, fueling startup innovation and growth. What is Additional Paid-in Capital (APIC) APIC, a critical financial indicator in a company's equity section, shows the excess amount investors pay over shares' par value during events like IPOs or financing rounds. This metric is particularly significant in the startup and venture capital ecosystem, as it represents a tangible measure of investor confidence and financial commitment to a company's potential for growth and innovation. APIC is not just an indicator of the funds a company has raised; it underscores the premium investors are willing to pay for a stake in the company, beyond the basic valuation of shares. This additional capital can be crucial for startups, offering a vital resource for expansion, research and development, and scaling operations, ultimately influencing the company's strategic direction and growth trajectory​​​​​​. Additional Paid-In Capital vs. Contributed Capital APIC denotes funds received beyond a share's par value, differing from contributed capital, which sums all shareholder capital. This distinction illuminates a company's financial wellness and growth potential. Contributed capital includes both the par value of issued shares, often referred to simply as "capital stock," and APIC. Essentially, it represents the initial and additional equity investments made by shareholders. The par value portion of contributed capital reflects the nominal value of shares, set at the company's inception and usually a minimal figure, serving as a legal requirement in some jurisdictions. APIC, on the other hand, captures the premium investors are willing to pay beyond this nominal value, driven by their belief in the company's future growth and success. These two components' roles within a company's financial architecture are distinct yet complementary. Contributed capital forms the bedrock of a company's equity structure, signifying the total equity stake held by shareholders. APIC, as a subset, highlights the additional confidence and financial backing investors are prepared to offer, often reflecting the market's valuation of the company's potential beyond its book value. Related resource: What Are Convertible Notes and Why Are They Used? Sources of Additional Paid-In Capital APIC originates from strategic activities such as IPOs, premium stock issuances, and stock-based compensation, which are crucial for securing funds beyond a share's par value. Each source has unique advantages, strategic implications, and impact on the company's overall financial health and equity structure. Understanding these sources provides a clearer picture of how companies leverage investor enthusiasm and market conditions to bolster their financial positions and support their long-term growth and development strategies. Related resource: From IPOs to M&A: Navigating the Different Types of Liquidity Events 1. Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) IPOs serve as a critical APIC source for companies going public, marking their first share offering to the public and usually bringing significant capital. IPOs allow companies to access funding from a broader investor base, surpassing the limits of private financing rounds predominantly participated in by venture capitalists and angel investors. The significance of IPOs in generating APIC lies in the premium price at which shares are often offered to the public. This premium—over and above the par value of the shares—translates into APIC, reflecting the market's confidence in the company's growth prospects. The funds raised through an IPO can dramatically enhance a company's financial position, providing capital for expansion, debt reduction, and other strategic investments. Moreover, the impact of an IPO on a company's financial position extends beyond immediate capital infusion. Successfully going public can increase a company's visibility, credibility, and ability to attract talent through stock-based compensation. However, it also subjects the company to regulatory requirements, increased scrutiny from investors and analysts, and the pressures of quarterly performance expectations. IPOs are a crucial milestone for growth-oriented companies, offering a pathway to secure significant APIC that supports their strategic ambitions and solidifies their market standing. 2. Stock Issuance at a Premium Issuing stocks at a premium is a strategic way to generate APIC, leveraging investor demand. This approach involves selling new shares for more than the stock's par value, with the difference between the sale price and the par value directly contributing to APIC. This strategy not only raises significant funds for the company but also signals strong market confidence and investor willingness to invest at higher valuations, reflecting positively on the company's perceived growth potential and stability. The strategic nature of issuing stocks at a premium lies in its dual benefit: securing necessary capital for expansion and operational needs while simultaneously bolstering the company's equity base without incurring debt. This method of raising capital is particularly advantageous for companies with a strong brand reputation and clear growth trajectory, as it minimizes dilution of existing shareholdings and avoids the interest costs associated with debt financing. Moreover, the premium paid over the par value represents investor confidence in the company's future prospects, making it a critical gauge of market sentiment. This strategy also provides companies with flexibility in timing and pricing, allowing them to maximize capital-raising efforts when market conditions are favorable. The APIC generated through such issuances is vital for funding research and development, marketing strategies, and other growth-oriented initiatives, ultimately contributing to the company's long-term success and shareholder value. Issuing stocks at a premium is a strategic financial decision that is a testament to a company's market position and growth outlook. It plays a crucial role in shaping its financial landscape and supporting its strategic goals. 3. Stock-based Compensation Stock options and RSUs are key to boosting APIC and attracting and retaining talent. These programs allow employees to share in the company's success through equity or equity-like incentives, aligning their interests with those of the company and its shareholders. Stock options allow employees to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, potentially lower than future market value, over a specified period. When employees exercise these options, the difference between the exercise price and the market value at the time of exercise contributes to APIC, reflecting the value added to the company through employee commitment and efforts. This mechanism bolsters the company's financial resources and fosters a sense of ownership and partnership among employees, driving performance and innovation. RSUs are another form of stock-based compensation where employees receive a set number of shares that vest over time, based on continued employment or meeting certain performance milestones. Upon vesting, the fair market value of these shares, minus any amount the employee pays for them (often nothing), is recorded as APIC. This direct injection of value into APIC underscores the tangible contributions of employees to the company's growth and success. These stock-based compensation strategies are crucial in a company's financial planning and employee engagement. They not only enhance APIC but also serve as a non-cash way to compensate and incentivize key talent. By effectively using stock options and RSUs, companies can strengthen their APIC, improve their financial positioning, and foster a motivated, performance-driven culture that aligns with the company's long-term objectives. Calculating Paid-in Capital Calculating paid-in capital, which includes par value and APIC, reveals shareholders' total equity contributions, offering valuable insights into a company's financial support. This figure is a key component of a company's equity structure, revealing the financial backing it has received from its investors over time. Here's a simplified approach to calculating paid-in capital: Identify Par Value of Issued Shares: Start by determining the par value per share—a nominal value assigned to stock for legal purposes—and multiply it by the total number of issued shares. This gives you the base value of the equity issued. Calculate APIC: APIC is the amount over and above the par value that investors have paid for shares. To find APIC, subtract the total par value of issued shares from the total amount actually received from issuing those shares. Sum Up Total Paid-In Capital: Add the total par value from step 1 to the APIC calculated in step 2. The sum represents the total paid-in capital, reflecting the comprehensive equity contribution by shareholders. For example, if a company issues 1,000 shares at a par value of $1 per share but sells them for $10 each, the par value of equity is $1,000 (1,000 shares x $1), and the APIC is $9,000 ([$10 - $1] x 1,000 shares). The total paid-in capital, therefore, is $10,000 ($1,000 + $9,000). This calculation provides a clear picture of the financial resources shareholders have committed to the company, underscoring the importance of initial and additional contributions to its equity base. Understanding this process is crucial for investors aiming to assess a company's financial health and the extent of shareholder support. Related resource: The Ultimate Guide to Startup Funding Stages How Additional Paid-in Capital Works APIC plays a fundamental role in shaping a company's financial structure, acting as a key indicator of the strength and stability of its equity base. APIC is generated when a company issues new shares and sells them at a price above their nominal or par value. The difference between the sale price and the par value is recorded as APIC on the company's balance sheet, under the shareholders' equity section. This mechanism not only provides companies with a vital source of funding without incurring debt but also reflects the market's valuation of the company, often seen as a vote of confidence from investors. The mechanics of APIC directly influence a company's financial structure by enhancing its equity cushion. This is particularly important for startups and growth-phase companies, which may prefer equity financing to debt to avoid interest obligations and preserve cash flow. A robust equity base, bolstered by significant APIC, can improve a company's borrowing capacity, as lenders often view a strong equity position as a sign of financial health and stability. Real-world examples illustrate the impact of APIC on companies' financial strategies and market perception. For instance, a tech startup conducting an IPO may price its shares significantly above the par value due to high investor demand, driven by its innovative products and market potential. The resulting APIC from this IPO boosts the company's financial resources for expansion and sends a positive signal to the market about its growth prospects. Another example can be found in established companies issuing new shares at a premium during secondary offerings. These offerings, aimed at raising capital for strategic initiatives, can significantly increase APIC, demonstrating investor willingness to pay a premium based on the company's past performance and future growth expectations. APIC is a critical component of a company's financial architecture through these mechanisms, enabling strategic growth initiatives, enhancing corporate valuation, and signaling confidence to investors and market analysts. Its role in a company's financial structure underscores the importance of equity financing strategies in corporate growth and investor relations. How is Additional Paid-in Capital Taxed? Though not directly taxed, APIC's impact on a company's financial health and shareholders' tax obligations is significant, navigating the complexities of regulatory frameworks. For businesses, APIC enhances the equity base without generating immediate taxable income. It represents capital received from shareholders beyond the nominal value of shares issued and, as such, does not constitute revenue or profit that would be subject to corporate income tax. This capital injection strengthens the company's balance sheet and can support growth and expansion efforts, potentially leading to increased profitability and, by extension, future tax liabilities through higher taxable income. From an investor's perspective, the tax implications of APIC are primarily associated with capital gains. When investors sell their shares at a price higher than their purchase price, the profit realized is subject to capital gains tax. The initial investment, including any premium paid over the par value (i.e., APIC), forms the basis for calculating these capital gains. It's crucial for investors to accurately track their investment's cost basis, including APIC, to determine the correct amount of taxable gain upon disposition of the shares. Stock-based compensation plans, which can contribute to APIC, also have specific employee tax considerations. For instance, when employees exercise stock options, the difference between the exercise price and the market value during exercise may be subject to income tax as compensation. Investors and companies must also stay informed about regulatory changes and tax laws that might affect the taxation of equity transactions and capital gains, as these can vary by jurisdiction and over time. Consulting with tax professionals is advisable to navigate these complex areas effectively and ensure compliance with current tax laws while maximizing tax efficiency. Track Fund Performance Data With Visible By leveraging Visible, investors can track critical portfolio company and investment data all from one place. Learn how to get started with Visible to track your crucial investment data here.

At Visible, we typically compare a venture fundraise to a traditional B2B sales and marketing funnel. At the top of the funnel, you find potential investors via cold outreach and warm introductions. In the middle of the funnel, you nurture potential investors with meetings, pitch decks, updates, and other communications. At the bottom of the funnel, you are working through due diligence and hopefully closing new investors. Like sales, a healthy fundraising funnel starts by finding the right investors. This can be based on geography, check size, focus areas, etc. For founders looking for investors in Canada, check out our list below: 1. BDC Ventures As put by the team at BDC Ventures, “Our venture capital funds present diverse opportunities for entrepreneurs to innovate in new and existing markets. The breadth of our funds across industries, technologies and company stage is unique in Canada’s venture capital space. Each fund is managed by a dedicated team with decades of experience bringing groundbreaking Canadian companies to the world stage.” Location BDC Ventures is focused on growing the venture capital ecosystem in Canada. Company Stage BDC Ventures invests in companies from early to late stages. Preferred industries The team at BDC Ventures is currently operating 6 funds that invest across multiple industries including: Sustainability Venture Fund Climate Tech Fund II Thrive Venture Fund and Lab for Women Deep Tech Venture Fund Industrial Innovation Venture Fund Growth Venture Co-Investment Fund Related Resource: 10+ VCs & Accelerators Investing in Underrepresented Founders Portfolio Highlights Some of BDC Ventures’ most popular investments include: Hopper Unsplash Shoelace 2. Golden Ventures As put by the team at Golden Ventures, “We have a deep sense of empathy to founders and their craft. We challenge our portfolio and team to build remarkable companies. We are authentic and rational in our decision-making and apply the same honesty to our relationships.” Location Golden Ventures is headquartered in Toronto and invest in companies throughout North America. Company Stage Golden Ventures is focused on seed-stage companies. As put by their team, “We target initial commitments of $500K – $2M for between 7-15% of a company, and we reserve capital to follow on into companies based on progress.” Related Resource: Seed Funding for Startups 101: A Complete Guide Preferred industries Golden Ventures is industry agnostic in its investment approach. Portfolio Highlights Some of Golden Ventures’ most popular investments include: ApplyBoard Yesware Stacked 3. Inovia Capital As put by their team, “Inovia Capital is a venture capital firm partnering with founders to build impactful and enduring global companies. With four active venture funds, two growth funds, a continuation fund and an expanding team of investors, operators and advisors, we are fully equipped to support founders with capital, insights and mentorship throughout their journey.” Location Inovia Capital is headquartered in Canada and invests in companies across the globe. Company Stage Inovia Capital invests in companies across all stages. Preferred industries As put by their team, “We focus on B2B and B2C SaaS companies and marketplaces.” Related Resource: 32 Top VC Investors Actively Funding SaaS Startups Portfolio Highlights Some of Inovia’s most popular investments include: Bench Hopper Darwin AI 4. BlueSky Equities As put by their team, “Bluesky Equities is a privately-owned, absolute-return focused, investment management company. We are unconstrained in our approach, investing in public and private markets with a focus on alternative assets including venture capital, private equity, hedge funds, and real estate.” Location Bluesky Equities is headquartered in Calgary and invest in companies across Canada. Company Stage Bluesky Equities is focused on early-stage investments. Preferred industries Bluesky Equities is focused on B2B SaaS companies. Related Resource: 15+ VCs Investing in the Future of Work Portfolio Highlights Some of Bluesky Equities’ most popular investments include: Ownly Active Door Spocket 5. ArcTern Ventures As put by the team at ArcTern Ventures, “Since 2012, we’ve been investing in entrepreneurs obsessed with solving humanity’s greatest challenges—climate change and sustainability. We’re former startup founders ourselves, we get it, and like you, we believe technology can save our planet.” Location ArcTern has office locations in Toronto, San Francisco, and Oslo and invests in companies across the globe. Related Resource: The 11 Best Venture Capitals in San Francisco Company Stage Explain the company stage this firm invests in. Preferred industries As put by their team, “We invest broadly in technology companies that have a positive impact on climate change and sustainability.” Some specific sectors include: Clean Energy Energy Efficieny and Storage Circular Economy Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Mobility Food Systems Related Resource: VCs Investing In Food & Bev Startups Portfolio Highlights Some of ArcTern’s most popular investments include: Palmetto Span Flashfood 6. Relay Ventures As put by the team at Relay Ventures, “We don’t fund companies. We fund founders. From the beginning, we have had a simple philosophy. We view founders as partners. We bring capital, networks, and experience, and our founders bring expertise, teams, and dreams. Together we build transformational businesses based on teamwork, trust, and aspiration. Because being a founder depends on it. Our track record speaks for itself.” Location Relay Ventures is headquartered in Toronto and invests in companies across North America. Company Stage Relay Ventures is focused on seed and pre-seed stage companies. Preferred industries Relay Ventures is industry agnostic and focuses on companies operating in large markets. Portfolio Highlights Some of Relay Ventures’ most popular investments include: Ecobee Bird Swift 7. Alate Partners As put by the team at Alate Partners, “We invest in courageous founders and transformational technology that will change the built world for the better. Founded as a partnership between Relay Ventures and Dream, our team has decades of experience in venture capital, operations, and real estate. In addition to providing capital, Alate has unique access to expertise and customers through our network of influential real estate partners, investors, and founders.” Location Alate Partners is headquartered in Toronto. Company Stage Alate Partners invest in companies around the Seed and Series A stages. Preferred industries As put by their team, “We exclusively invest in real estate and construction technology, so you can skip explaining the basics and focus on what matters most. Our knowledge and network are here to accelerate your growth.” Portfolio Highlights Some of Alate’s most popular investments include: Bird Altrio PadSplit 8. Real Ventures As put by their team, “Real Ventures is an early-stage venture firm focused on serving daring entrepreneurs with the ambition to create successful, global companies. Since 2007, Real Ventures has dedicated itself to building the Canadian startup ecosystem on the belief that people, not money, build game-changing companies. Real Ventures provides stage-specific guidance, mentorship, and access to networks and resources to fast-track founders’ personal and company growth. Real Ventures manages $325 million across five funds and its active portfolio of 100+ companies is currently valued at $10 billion.” Location Real Ventures is headquartered in Toronto and has an office in Montreal. They primarily invest in companies in Canada. Company Stage Real Ventures is focused on early-stage investments. Preferred industries As put by their team, “There is no standard answer, but there are three main things that we look for: a great team with unique insight on a market opening that has massive scaling potential. We like to hear bold ideas that have the potential to disrupt unconventional industries.” Portfolio Highlights Some of Real Ventures most popular investments include: Mejuri Integrate AI Unbounce 9. Georgian As put by the team at Georgian, “We believe that entrepreneurs deserve an experience of growth capital that matches any other best-in-class technology partner. We’re focused on your experience as a growth-stage CEO, using data-driven insights to improve how our team supports you and your team.” Location Georgian is headquartered in Toronto and invests in companies across the globe. Company Stage Georgian is focused on companies that are generating $500k+ in MRR and are raising between $25M and $75M. Preferred industries Georgian is focused on B2B SaaS companies. Related Resource: FinTech Venture Capital Investors to Know Portfolio Highlights Some of Georgian’s most popular investments include: Beam Shopify Ritual 10. Panache Ventures As put by the team at Panache Ventures, “We invest in the most promising founders — those who are automating, decentralizing, democratizing, and expanding human capabilities. We want to be the first to invest in your potential, and to support your leadership.” Location Panache is headquartered in Montreal and invests in primarily invests in companies in Montreal. Company Stage Panache invests in early-stage companies and tries to write the first check into their companies. Preferred industries Panache is industry agnostic in their approach. Related Resource: 10 VC Firms Investing in Web3 Companies Portfolio Highlights Some of Panache Ventures most popular investments include: Altrio Dwelling Relay Maximize your fundraising impact with Visible As we mentioned at the beginning of this post, a venture fundraise often mirrors a traditional B2B sales and marketing funnel. Just as a sales and marketing team has dedicated tools, shouldn’t a founder that is managing their investors and fundraising efforts? Use Visible to manage every part of your fundraising funnel with investor updates, fundraising pipelines, pitch deck sharing, and data rooms. Raise capital, update investors, and engage your team from a single platform. Try Visible free for 14 days.

Visualizing and analyzing portfolio data is an important part of taking portfolio monitoring seriously at any venture firm. Visible makes this easy with four different dashboard types: Flexible dashboards Portfolio metric dashboards Fund performance dashboards Tear sheets (which have the same functionality as flexible dashboards but are restricted to a one-page format) Related resource: Unlocking Venture Capital Portfolio Insights with Dashboards In these latest product updates, Visible makes it easier for VCs to maintain data visualization accuracy and ensure that the qualitative information about portfolio companies is as up-to-date as possible on flexible dashboards. The main reason VCs create flexible dashboards on Visible is to support their internal portfolio review meetings. These meetings help VC firms align on the progress updates across the portfolio and make strategic decisions related to portfolio support and follow-on investments. Keep reading to understand how recent product updates make it even easier to manage and update data visualizations on Visible's flexible dashboards. Recent Dashboard Management Product Updates Setting date ranges at the dashboard level With this product update, investors can filter entire dashboards by a custom date range in addition to setting specific date ranges at the widget level. This streamlines the dashboard creation and maintenance process. Automatically updated company highlights and lowlights Investors can now request properties in Visible Requests and when companies submit their responses to qualitative questions, the property widgets are automatically updated on dashboards. This saves investors several steps in the process of making qualitative updates from their companies accessible to their wider team. Editing properties inline on dashboards This update lets investors quickly edit the property values displayed on portfolio company dashboards. Examples of properties commonly updated include: "Recent updates" "Company description" "Notes" "Last discussed" Giving users the ability to edit properties directly on a dashboard means investors don't have to navigate back and forth between the dashboards and properties section to make changes to their dashboards.

The last few years have been interesting for Fintech as we've seen both startups and established companies start to rethink the financial industry in order to adapt to a world that was rapidly changing thanks to crypto, blockchain, and the pandemic. Related resource: 14 FinTech Startups Shaping the Future of Finance Relevant trends from the past few years include: A surge in investments and interest in crypto and blockchain Financial services and products broadened as more partnerships were created thanks to embedded banking A shift from legacy infrastructures to core banking systems Fintech’s reach expanded to regions of the world that needed it most due to broken financial systems such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America There was a focus on innovation and global opportunities from VC’s and companies who are looking to take advantage of the increasing need for change within the Fintech industry Recent Investment highlights: (source) “Record number of fintech deals drives total investment to $210 billion in 2021” “Blockbuster year for crypto and blockchain, with $30 billion in investment globally” “‘Buy now, pay later’ space seeing large deals across jurisdictions” “Increasing focus on core banking replacements” “PE investment in fintech space more than doubles previous high” What we can take away from this is that fintech is emerging to be the leading sector within investments and 2022 will be a year of increased optimism and interest not only within Fintech but subsectors (such as Defi), which are well positioned to keep evolving and make a huge impact on the world and the financial system as we know it. There is a huge need for modernizing core banking platforms and even replacing banking systems- making it the best time to launch a fintech startup as well as invest in one. TechCrunch conducted interviews with some of the top VCs within the fintech space and said the two biggest topics that are spiking the interest of investors are crypto and Latin America investments. Others have said that there is also an increasing interest in B2B payments, BNPL (buy now, pay later platforms), embedded services (embedded lending, embedded insurance and embedded capital markets businesses- source). KPMG’s top predictions for the fintech market globally in 2022: (Source) A growing number of banks will offer embedded solutions There will be increased regulatory scrutiny of embedded finance offerings Fintechs will focus on branding themselves as data organizations ESG-focused fintechs will have a big growth trajectory There will be a stronger focus on dealmaking in underdeveloped regions. Unicorn status will lose some of its luster in developed markets, but remain key in emerging ones Related Resource: 15 Cybersecurity VCs You Should Know Related Resource: 14 Gaming and Esports Investors You Should Know Visible looks to help connect founders with investors all over the world. Below, we highlight 10 of our favorite FinTech venture capitalists. Search through these investors and 13,000+ more on Visible’s Connect platform. FinTech Collective Location: New York, New York, United States About: The firm is currently investing out of its third fund, a $200m early-stage fund with a focus on capital markets, wealth and asset management, banking-lending-payments, and insurance. The firm actively invests in decentralized finance (“defi”) opportunities across these segments. Thesis: Our ambition is to create the future of financial services, bringing transparency and choice to developed markets and financial connectivity and socio-economic mobility to developing markets. Investment Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B Recent Investments: Qlub NYDIG Anyfin Accel Location: Palo Alto, California, United States About: Accel is a leading venture capital firm that invests in people and their companies from the earliest days through all phases of private company growth. Atlassian, Braintree, Cloudera, CrowdStrike, DJI, Dropbox, Dropcam, Etsy, Facebook, Flipkart, FreshWorks, Jet, Qualtrics, Slack, Spotify, Supercell, UiPath and Vox Media are among the companies the firm has backed over the past 35 years. Thesis: We partner with exceptional founders with unique insights, from inception through all phases of growth. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth Recent Investments: NiYO Solutions Coast Genesis Global Anthemis Group Location: New York and London About: Our deep understanding of markets and models, passion for emerging technology and values inspire everything we do. By creating fertile ground for a diverse group of startups, investors, entrepreneurs, institutions, academics, and visionaries to converge, we believe we can solve the financial services world’s most pressing challenges faster, better and for the benefit of all. Thesis: Invests in startups that leverage technology to significantly impact the financial system. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth, Early Stage, Startup Studio (Lab) Recent Investments: Atom Bank tide Flat.mx Related Resource: 15 Venture Capital Firms in London Fueling Startup Growth RRE Ventures Location: New York, New York, United States About: RRE Ventures is a New York-based venture capital firm that offers early-stage funding to software, internet, and communications companies. Investment Stages: Series A, Series B Recent Investments: Venmo Bol Capitalize Greycroft Location: New York, New York, United States About: Greycroft is a venture capital firm that focuses on technology start-ups and investments in the Internet and mobile markets. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Growth Recent Investments: Procurated CyberFortress Kandji Insight Partners Location: New York, New York, United States About: Insight Partners is the most trusted scale-up firm in the software industry. Thesis: We support companies in good times, as well as challenging ones. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth Recent Investments: ncino checkout.com coast QED Investors Location: Alexandria, Virginia, United States About: QED Investors actively supports high-growth businesses that use the information to compete — and win. Investment Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B Recent Investments: zibo bitso Index Ventures Location: San Francisco, California, United States About: They are an international venture capital firm based in London, San Francisco and Geneva Thesis: Other firms invest in deals, Index invests in people. A deal is transactional. Relationships endure, and ours are based on curiosity, thoughtfulness, and deep conviction. Investment Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth Recent Investments: CoverWallet Savvy Wealth Fireblocks Related Resource: The 11 Best Venture Capitals in San Francisco Better Tomorrow Ventures Location: San Francisco, CA About: BTV is an early stage fintech focused fund that leads rounds in pre-seed and seed-stage fintech companies globally. We take a pretty broad view on fintech, and many vertical SaaS and marketplace businesses fit in our purview too. Thesis: We invest for a better future (hence the name); financial technology is a great way to improve people’s lives. Investment Stages: Pre-seed, Seed Recent Investments: Brick CreditBook Clubbi Bain Capital Ventures Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States About: Bain Capital Ventures is a global private equity firm with over $17 billion of assets under management. Since 1984, the firm has invested in over 200 companies, with such notable successes as Aspect Development, DoubleClick, Gartner Group, and Netfish Technologies. Bain Capital Ventures manages a $250 million fund. Bain Capital Ventures partners with exceptional management teams to help early stage companies become long-term leaders in their markets. Thesis: We partner with disruptive founders to accelerate their ideas to market. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Growth Recent Investments: Orum Material Bank Reonomy American Express Ventures Location: Palo Alto, California, United States About: Seeks to invest in innovative startups in order to enhance the company’s core capabilities and accelerate their efforts in consumer commerce and B2B services. Investment Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth Recent Investments: Finmark Pinwheel Statespace SignalFire Location: San Francisco, California, United States About: SignalFire is a venture capital firm that invests in seed-stage companies and breakout companies. Investment Stages: Seed, Series A Recent Investments: Tradeswell PlanetScale ​​Ro Torch Capital Location: New York, New York, United States About: Torch Capital is a brand-focused investment firm built to shepherd the next generation of industry changing mission driven consumer companies. We invest in consumer platforms, products and services from healthcare, fintech, and food & beverage, to digital media, e-commerce and marketplaces. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Recent Investments: Embed Lili Little Otter Mouro Capital Location: London, England About: Mouro Capital is a venture capital firm that backs entrepreneurs and start-ups who are shaping the future of financial services. With $400m AuM and the support of Banco Santander, the fund targets early to growth stage investment opportunities across Europe, North America and Latin America. The fund brings fintech expertise, a global network and a track-record of successful investments and market recognition from our core investment team to scaling start-ups. Recent Investments: a55 Digital Asset Holdings Curve Canaan Partners Location: Westport, Connecticut, United States About: Canaan Partners invests more than money in a company—they invest their time, experience, knowledge, connections and team-oriented approach. They place tremendous value on creating working partnerships with entrepreneurs and management teams who have the character and the drive to succeed. Prominent among Canaan’s resources is the breadth of operating, managerial and financial experience. Investment Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B, Growth Recent Investments: Kickpay CircleUp Italic Related Resource: Atlanta’s Hottest Venture Capital Firms: Our Top 9 Picks Additional FinTech Resources Downloadable KPMG’s Pulse of Fintech H2’21 Download this edition for: Global and regional analysis with key investment data and insights Top fintech trends for 2022 and beyond Interviews with Quantexa and Thought MachineFintech segment insights for a deeper dive into payments, insurtech, regtech, Wealthtech, cybersecurity, blockchain and cryptocurrency Spotlight articles on Emerging Markets: LATAM and Africa. Other Investor Lists 15 Venture Capital Firms Investing in VR 10 Gaming and Esports Investors You Should Know 10 Venture Capitalists Investing in Cannabis 60+ Active Seed Stage SaaS Investors & Fundraising Tips 23 Top VC Investors Actively Funding SaaS Startups Exploring VCs by Check Size 10 VCs Investing In Food & Bev Startups 10 Blockchain Investors Founders Should Know 10 VC Firms Investing in Web3 Companies 15 Direct to Consumer (D2C) VC Investors You Need to Know Start Your Next Round with Visible We believe great outcomes happen when founders forge relationships with investors and potential investors. We created our Connect Investor Database to help you in the first step of this journey. Instead of wasting time trying to figure out investor fit and profile for their given stage and industry, we created filters allowing you to find VC’s and accelerators who are looking to invest in companies like you. Check out all our FinTech investors here. After learning more about them with the profile information and resources given you can reach out to them with a tailored email. To help craft that first email check out 5 Strategies for Cold Emailing Potential Investors. After finding the right Investor you can create a personalized investor database with Visible. Combine qualified investors from Visible Connect with your own investor lists to share targeted Updates, decks, and dashboards. Start your free trial here.

Over the last decade, Berlin has transformed into the Silicon Valley of Germany and become a hotspot for founders and venture capital, with over 500 startups and around 40,000 business registrations per year. The city is the perfect environment for entrepreneurs to start and scale their businesses. Favorable conditions include highly qualified international talent, lots of networking opportunities and a vibrant social scene, a high standard of living at a relatively low cost, and a very active VC scene. Some of the well-established startups that call Berlin home are Soundcloud, Zalando, GetYourGuide, Delivery Hero, HelloFresh, N26, Tier Mobility, and Grover- just to name a few. Alternate funding opportunities, accelerators, and startup communities that are specific to Berlin Berlin government grants IBB BSS Accelerators and Incubators entrepreneur first Antler SIB (Startup Incubator Berlin) Expedite Ventures: Expedite Ventures is a Business Angel group of CTOs and CPOs. “We support tech founders hands-on with our know-how and capital. We’re nerds at heart, all passionate founders ourselves – some of us are still running startups. We have decades of collective experience in building and scaling technology companies. We offer a true hands-on mentoring approach, which we think is at least as important as capital. That’s why we provide both – plus a perspective that typical business-oriented angels and most VCs simply can’t provide.” Startup Scholorships IHK Berlin: Set-up subsidy for those unemployed Bayer G4A– partners with healthcare startups and technology companies that are developing innovative solutions in healthcare. Encourage Ventures: The investor network for female founders Notable Angels include co-founders and former MDs from Blinkist, N26, and mysugr. Innovators Room– helps founders, investors, corporate innovators as well as rising talent to network and advance their career together, through our Slack community, TechJobs newsletter and various online and offline learning events. Factory Berlin– provides members a curated network of entrepreneurs, professionals and creators, exclusive networking and knowledge-sharing events and programs, and access to our two locations in Berlin. WLOUNGE– a connector, change-maker, door opener, inspiration, access, enabler, and empowerment, headquartered in Berlin. A key player in the German Tech ecosystem and globally. We are global, founded to support diversity and women in business and technology. Each year we provide innovative services, workshops, round tables, The Tech Awards Gala, delegations, conferences, investment scouting, female founders program, leadership and fundraising, Growth opportunities, matchmaking activities between startups and corporates. BerChain– A non-profit association based in Berlin, connecting and promoting the Berlin Blockchain community from throughout the Blockchain ecosystem and beyond, positioning Berlin as the global Blockchain Capital. Hubraum-hubraum is Deutsche Telekom’s tech incubator. By bringing early-stage startups and the leading European telco together, hubraum sparks innovation transfer and creates business opportunities for both sides. Since 2012, hubraum has been collaborating with the digital ecosystem out of its campuses in Berlin, Krakow and Tel Aviv. EXIST– EXIST aims at improving the entrepreneurial environment at universities and research institutes. FoodLabs– FoodLabs is a venture studio and investor for startups that shape the future of nutrition, sustainability and health. Berlin VC Investment Within the Last 10 Years: Events StartUpNight– This will be the 10th year of the event which includes stage programs, workshop sessions, and pitch opportunities, experts from venture capital firms, corporates, and funding institutions will give founders the opportunity to present themselves and their innovations and get answers to their questions on important topics such as funding. Hub.berlin– The business festival for digital movers and makers. TOA– Tech Open Air Resources Berlin Startup Report (only in German) Berlin Startup Resources Berlin Startup Map Top 10 Government Grants Guide to Berlin startup funding German Startup News EU Startups Business Insider: Grunderszene Startup-Insider VCs Investing in Berlin Startups Lakestar Location: Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland About: Lakestar invests with a long term view across all stages from Seed to Growth. We have been privileged to partner with some of the world’s best tech entrepreneurs. Their stories are inspirational and make us proud. Thesis: Our vision is of a world of technology-enabled, progressive societies, born of the very best ideas that founders can dream up and that we can help realise. Investment Stages: Seed, Early, Growth Recent Investments: 1047 Games AccuRx Aetion Related Resource: 8 Active Venture Capital Firms in Germany June Fund Location: Berlin, Germany About: June is a global technology investor, backed by leading industrial minds. June invests into new paradigms across all stages – from networks to infrastructures to open software platforms. We take a macro-thematic view on technological progress, new economic models and value creation. June’s breadth of experience, intellectual curiosity and long-term thinking have attracted exceptional teams and individuals. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth Recent Investments: Reebelo Statespace SimScale HV Capital Location: Berlin, Munich, Germany About: Founded in 2000, they are one of the leading independent European early stage funds. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Recent Investments: Storyblok KoRo Flip Target Global Location: Berlin, Berlin, Germany About: We’re an international VC headquartered in Berlin with €800m+ AuM, focusing on fast-growing tech companies across their lifecycles. With offices in London, Tel Aviv, & Barcelona, we connect the key European startup ecosystems. We help exceptional entrepreneurs to build market leaders. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Recent Investments: Masterschool Reverence Casava Acton Capital Location: Munich, Bayern, Germany About: Acton Capital Partners is a specialist investor in internet- and mobile-based, consumer-oriented businesses. Having managed more than 30 investments since 1999 as the corporate venture capital business of Hubert Burda Media, the German family-owned global media company, the Acton team brings a wealth of expertise to the companies in which it invests, delivering superior capital returns. Investment Stages: Series A, Series B Recent Investments: Convelio Zenjob Knix Wear IBB Location: Berlin, Germany About: Investing in Berlin-based start-ups with a focus on Tech (e.g. Software & IT, Industrial Tech, Health Care) and other business model innovations (e.g. Digital Consumer and Media Businesses). Thesis: IBB Ventures is for all those who make a difference and create a sustainable future. We invest public funds as venture capital and, together with Berlin startups, help to promote our capital as a business location. Our focus is on innovative ideas and ambitious founders. With our many years of experience we are at your side and help you to successfully implement your ideas. Investment Stages: Seed, Series A Recent Investments: Blinkist Babbel The Female Company Speedinvest Location: Berlin, London, Munich, Paris, and Vienna, Austria About: We have 40 investment pros in Berlin, London, Paris, Munich, Vienna, San Fran & an in-house team of 20 operational experts to support you from day one. We fund early-stage Fintech, Digital Health, Consumer Tech, Network Effects, Deep Tech & Industrial Tech. Send us your pitch! Thesis: Speedinvest is a leading early-stage venture capital firm with more than €600M AuM and 40 investors based in Berlin, London, Munich, Paris, and Vienna. Our dedicated sector-focused teams are the first to fund Europe’s most innovative technology startups and our in-house operational experts are on-hand to offer founders ongoing support with growth, HR, US market expansion, and more. Wefox, Bitpanda, TIER Mobility, GoStudent, Wayflyer, CoachHub, Schüttflix, TourRadar, Adverity, and Twaice are among our portfolio of 250+ companies. Learn more at www.speedinvest.com. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Recent Investments: Bliq Byrd Kevin Verve Ventures Location: Zürich, Switzerland About: Verve Ventures provides its pan-European network of selected private and institutional investors access to those top-tier investment opportunities. The company invests from EUR 500k to several million from Seed to Series B and beyond across Europe. Verve Ventures’ dedicated team helps startups with their most pressing needs such as hiring, client introductions and access to an expert network of high-profile individuals. To become part of Verve Ventures’ growing network of entrepreneurs and investors, visit verve.vc. Thesis: Investing in technology and science-driven startups. Adding value through our exclusive network of investors. Investment Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B Recent Investments: Soter Analytics Byrd helios Cherry Ventures Location: Berlin, Germany About: Cherry Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm led by a team of entrepreneurs with experience building fast-scaling companies such as Zalando and Spotify. The firm backs Europe’s boldest founders, usually as their first institutional investor, and supports them in everything from their go-to-market strategy and the scaling of their businesses. Cherry Ventures has previously invested in the seed stage of over 70 companies across Europe, including FlixBus, Auto1 Group, Flaschenpost, Infarm, Rows, Forto, SellerX, Juni, and Flink. Cherry Ventures is based in Berlin and invests across Europe with operations in London and Stockholm. Thesis: Founders first and investors second. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed Recent Investments: Klar Cosuno NUMA Group EQT Ventures Location: Stockholm, Stockholms Lan, Sweden About: EQT Ventures is a sector agnostic, multi-stage VC fund, with just over €1.2 billion total capital raised. The fund’s team of former founders and operators from the likes of Spotify, Booking.com, Hotels.com and King have experienced the entrepreneurial journey firsthand and know how challenging it can be. They’re ready to support the next generation of entrepreneurs in Europe and the US with the expertise and advice needed to build global success stories. Investment Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C Recent Investments: Moralis Instabox Nothing BlueYard Capital Location: Berlin, Germany About: BlueYard invests in founders with transforming ideas that decentralize markets and empower humanity. Typically $1-3m as an initial investment; active around the world. Most active in crypto/web 3 (e.g. Protocol Labs, Filecoin, Open Zeppelin, Radicle), technologies that help us overcome our largest planetary challenges (e.g. Marvel Fusion, Meatable, Dance), frontier biology to help us live long and prosper (e.g. BitBio, Biofidelity) and vertical software un-bundling monopolies (e.g. Pitch, Wonder). Thesis: BlueYard seeks to invest in founders with transforming ideas that decentralize markets. Investment Stages: Pre-seed, Seed, Series A Recent Investments: Privy Dance FreedomFi Expedite Ventures Location: Berlin, Germany About: Expedite Ventures is a Business Angel group of CTOs and CPOs. We support tech founders hands-on with our know-how and capital. We offer a true hands-on mentoring approach, which we think is at least as important as capital. That’s why we provide both – plus a perspective that typical business-oriented angels and most VCs simply can’t provide. Investment Stages: Pre-seed, Seed Recent Investments: Superlist widgetbok supernova Start Your Next Round with Visible We believe great outcomes happen when founders forge relationships with investors and potential investors. We created our Connect Investor Database to help you in the first step of this journey. Instead of wasting time trying to figure out investor fit and profile for their given stage and industry, we created filters allowing you to find VC’s and accelerators who are looking to invest in companies like you. Check out all our investors here and filter as needed. After learning more about them with the profile information and resources given you can reach out to them with a tailored email. To help craft that first email check out 5 Strategies for Cold Emailing Potential Investors. After finding the right Investor you can create a personalized investor database with Visible. Combine qualified investors from Visible Connect with your own investor lists to share targeted Updates, decks, and dashboards. Start your free trial here.

In the dynamic landscape of business finance, the contributed capital formula stands as a cornerstone for investors seeking to evaluate a company's financial health and growth potential. By quantifying the equity shareholders invest in exchange for stock, this formula offers a clear insight into the resources a company has at its disposal to fuel expansion, innovation, and stability. Defining Contributed Capital Contributed capital, also known as paid-in capital, refers to the cash and other assets that shareholders provide to a company in exchange for ownership or stock. This financial measure includes funds from initial public offerings (IPOs), direct listings, direct public offerings, and secondary offerings, as well as issues of preferred stock. Additionally, it encompasses the receipt of fixed assets or the reduction of liabilities in exchange for stock. Contributed capital is a key component of a company's equity structure, reflecting the total financial investment made by shareholders to acquire their stake in the company. It is reported on the company's balance sheet under the shareholders' equity section, typically split into two accounts: the common stock account, representing the par value of issued shares, and the additional paid-in capital account, reflecting the premium paid by investors over the par value of the shares​​​​​​. Building Blocks of the Contributed Capital Formula Understanding contributed capital and its significance is just the beginning. As we delve deeper into the financial anatomy of a company, it becomes clear that contributed capital's value is built upon two foundational elements: common stock and additional paid-in capital. These components contribute to the total financial investment made by shareholders and provide insights into a company’s equity structure and financial health. Common Stock Common stock represents the basic ownership shares in a company, providing shareholders with voting rights and a claim on a portion of the company's profits through dividends. It's a foundational component of contributed capital, symbolizing the equity investors contribute to a company in exchange for a stake in its ownership. When companies issue common stock, the par value (a nominal value assigned to the stock for legal purposes) and any amount received over this par value from shareholders constitute the company's contributed capital. This is because the total value of common stock issued (including its par value and the premium paid by investors over this par value) directly contributes to the equity section of a company's balance sheet. In essence, common stock acts as the initial building block of contributed capital, indicating both the legal capital that a company must maintain and the additional resources provided by shareholders to support the company's operations and growth. This aspect of contributed capital is crucial for investors as it reflects their basic ownership in the company and forms the basis for additional equity contributions, like additional paid-in capital, further enhancing the company's financial structure. Additional Paid-in Capital Additional paid-in capital (APIC) represents the amount of money shareholders have paid for shares that exceed the par value of those shares. It's a key component of the contributed capital formula, acting as a surplus that reflects the additional investment shareholders are willing to make over and above the basic value of the shares. This component is crucial because it shows investor confidence and support for the company, indicating that shareholders value the company more highly than its stated nominal value. In the contributed capital formula, APIC is combined with the value of common stock (which accounts for the par value of the shares) to give the total contributed capital. This total is a critical indicator of the financial resources provided by shareholders, used by the company for growth and operations. For instance, if a company issues shares with a par value of $1 but sells them for $10 each, the $9 surplus per share is recorded as additional paid-in capital. This extra contribution by shareholders over the par value is a testament to their belief in the company's potential for future growth and profitability. Understanding APIC is vital for investors as it provides insights into the company's funding structure and the value shareholders place on the company's stock beyond its face value. It factors into the contributed capital formula by highlighting the additional financial support the company has received from its investors, offering a more comprehensive view of a company's equity financing and the confidence investors have in its long-term success. Related resource: The Ultimate Guide to Startup Funding Stages The Contributed Capital Formula As we transition to a deeper understanding of the contributed capital formula, it's crucial to recognize its role in the financial landscape of a company. This formula (contributed capital = common stock + additional paid-in capital) encapsulates the essence of shareholder investment, merging the foundational elements of common stock and additional paid-in capital into a comprehensive measure of financial support investors provide. Here's a breakdown of its components: Common Stock: This component represents the initial equity stake shareholders have in a company, denoted by the par value of issued shares. It's the base level of investment that shareholders commit to, offering them ownership and often voting rights within the company. The par value is a nominal amount, typically set at a minimal level, which serves as the legal capital that a company must maintain. Additional Paid-in Capital (APIC): APIC goes beyond the basic investment denoted by common stock, representing the premium that investors are willing to pay above the par value of the shares. This premium reflects the investor's confidence in the company's future prospects and growth potential. It's a critical indicator of the value that shareholders place on the company, above and beyond its stated nominal value. Understanding both components within the contributed capital formula offers investors a clearer picture of a company's equity structure and the financial commitment of its shareholders. It showcases not just the basic valuation of the company through its common stock but also the additional value investors see in it, as reflected by the additional paid-in capital. This comprehensive view is vital for making informed investment decisions and assessing a company's financial health and growth potential. Example of the Contributed Capital Formula With a solid grasp of the foundational elements that constitute contributed capital—common stock and additional paid-in capital—it's time to see these components in action through a practical example. Consider a scenario where a company decides to issue 100,000 shares of common stock, each with a par value of $1. However, due to investor demand or the perceived value of the company, these shares are sold for $2 each. In this case, the company successfully raises $200,000 in contributed capital through this issuance. Here, the common stock account on the balance sheet would reflect $100,000, corresponding to the par value of the shares issued. Simultaneously, the additional paid-in capital account would also record $100,000, representing the excess amount over the par value investors paid for their shares. This example demonstrates the direct contribution of both components—common stock and additional paid-in capital—to the total contributed capital, offering a clear view of how shareholder investments are quantified and reported in financial statements. Significance in Financial Reporting and Decision-Making Contributed capital is not just a figure on the balance sheet but a critical metric that influences corporate strategies, investor perceptions, and the financial narrative of a company. Understanding the significance of contributed capital in these arenas empowers investors and decision-makers to evaluate a company's financial health and strategic positioning more effectively. As we delve into this discussion, we'll uncover how contributed capital impacts a company's balance sheet, its importance in financial reporting, and its influence on investor decisions, highlighting the interconnectedness of financial metrics and corporate success. Related resource: Venture Capital Metrics You Need to Know Balance Sheets and Contributed Capital Contributed capital is prominently displayed on the balance sheet under the shareholder's equity section, offering a snapshot of the financial stake that shareholders have in the company. This section of the balance sheet is crucial because it provides insight into the company's funding structure, showing the amount of capital directly contributed by shareholders through the purchase of stock. The presentation of contributed capital on the balance sheet has several key significances: Financial Health Indicator: The size of contributed capital can be a significant indicator of a company's financial health and its ability to raise funds from investors. A higher contributed capital suggests strong investor confidence and a solid foundation of financial support for the company's operations and growth initiatives. Equity Structure Insight: It offers investors and analysts insight into the company's equity structure. By analyzing the components of contributed capital, stakeholders can understand the mix of common stock and additional paid-in capital, providing clues about the company’s fundraising history and shareholder commitments. Regulatory and Legal Compliance: The balance sheet's presentation of contributed capital also ensures compliance with financial reporting standards and regulations. It provides transparency about the company's equity financing, which is crucial for legal purposes and for maintaining investor trust. Basis for Financial Ratios: Contributed capital is a key element in calculating financial ratios that assess a company's leverage and financial stability, such as the debt-to-equity ratio. These ratios are important for investors making decisions about buying or selling stock in the company. Comparison Across Industries: The amount of contributed capital can vary significantly across different industries, making it a valuable metric for comparing companies within the same sector. Investors can use this information to gauge a company's market position and its competitiveness within the industry. Influence on Investor Decisions Understanding the contributed capital formula is pivotal for investors as it offers a direct lens into a company's equity structure and the financial commitment of its shareholders. This knowledge can significantly influence investment decisions, and here's how: Valuation Insight: The contributed capital figure helps investors evaluate the market valuation of a company compared to the actual capital invested by shareholders. A higher contributed capital may indicate that investors are willing to pay more than the nominal value of shares, suggesting optimism about the company's future growth prospects. Financial Stability: A robust contributed capital amount signifies a strong equity base, implying greater financial stability. Companies with substantial contributed capital are often perceived as having a lower risk of default, making them more attractive to risk-averse investors. Investor Confidence: The amount of additional paid-in capital over the par value of common stock reflects investor confidence in the company's potential. Investors looking for companies with strong growth potential can use this as a gauge to make informed decisions. Shareholder Equity Structure: By dissecting the contributed capital into common stock and additional paid-in capital, investors can understand the shareholder equity structure. This understanding helps in assessing how a company finances its operations and growth—through debt or equity—and its implications for future returns. Benchmarking and Comparative Analysis: Investors can compare the contributed capital across companies within the same industry to gauge which companies are better capitalized and potentially more competitive. This comparison can be a deciding factor when choosing where to invest. Liquidity and Exit Potential: For investors interested in liquidity and exit strategies, understanding how contributed capital has been raised over time can provide insights into the company’s market liquidity and the potential ease of selling the investment in the future. Related resource: From IPOs to M&A: Navigating the Different Types of Liquidity Events Comparing Contributed Capital Across Industries By examining how contributed capital varies across different industries, we can uncover patterns and variances that inform strategic investment decisions. This comparative analysis not only highlights industry-specific financial health and investor confidence but also aids in identifying sectors with robust growth potential or those that are more equity-driven in their financing approach. Engaging in this cross-industry examination enriches our understanding of the financial landscape, guiding investors toward making informed choices in a diverse and complex market environment. Industry Standards and Variances Contributed capital can significantly vary across industries due to several factors that reflect the unique financial structures, capital requirements, and investor behaviors within each sector. Here’s an overview of why these variances occur and what they signify: Capital Intensity: Industries like manufacturing, utilities, and telecommunications require substantial initial capital investments to cover infrastructure, equipment, and technology. Consequently, companies in these sectors might have higher levels of contributed capital to meet these upfront costs. In contrast, service-oriented or software industries may require less physical capital, leading to lower contributed capital needs. Growth and Investment Opportunities: High-growth industries, such as technology and biotech, often attract more equity investment as investors seek to capitalize on potential high returns. This results in higher contributed capital as companies issue more stock to fund rapid expansion and development projects. Risk Profiles: Industries with higher volatility and risk may show different patterns of contributed capital. Investors in these industries might demand higher returns for their investment, reflected in the premium over par value paid, thus affecting the additional paid-in capital component. Regulatory Environment: Certain industries are subject to stringent regulatory requirements that necessitate significant compliance and operational investments. Industries like pharmaceuticals, banking, and energy might accumulate higher contributed capital as a buffer against regulatory risks and to finance compliance infrastructure. Market Maturity: Mature industries with stable cash flows and limited growth opportunities might rely less on equity financing (thus showing lower contributed capital), preferring debt financing or reinvestments from retained earnings. Conversely, emerging industries may heavily leverage equity financing to fuel growth, leading to higher contributed capital. Investor Expectations: The investor base of an industry can influence its contributed capital. Industries favored by venture capitalists and angel investors, such as technology and green energy startups, might exhibit higher contributed capital due to the nature of venture investments, which are equity-based and often at a premium to support innovation. These variances in contributed capital across industries highlight the importance of contextualizing financial metrics within specific sector dynamics. Investors leveraging this understanding can make more informed decisions by considering the absolute numbers and the industry context that shapes these figures. This nuanced approach allows for a better assessment of a company's financial health, growth prospects, and the inherent risks and opportunities within its industry landscape. Interpreting Deviations From Industry Norms When certain companies exhibit contributed capital figures that significantly deviate from their industry norms, it can signal various strategic, operational, and market positioning aspects. Here are several insights into what these deviations might indicate: Innovative Business Models: Companies that break away from traditional industry models often attract more investment due to their potential to disrupt markets. Higher contributed capital in such cases reflects investor enthusiasm for innovative approaches and the promise of future returns, distinguishing these companies from their more conventional counterparts. Exceptional Growth Prospects: Firms that demonstrate extraordinary growth potential, either through proprietary technology, market share expansion, or unique product offerings, might attract higher levels of contributed capital. This deviation can indicate investor confidence in the company's future profitability and market dominance. Strategic Financing Choices: A significant deviation might also reflect a company's strategic financing decisions. For example, a firm may prefer equity financing to preserve liquidity and avoid debt, leading to higher contributed capital. Alternatively, a lower contributed capital relative to industry norms could indicate a reliance on debt financing or internal funding mechanisms like retained earnings. Market Conditions at the Time of Funding: The economic and market conditions when capital was raised significantly impact contributed capital levels. Companies that issued equity during bullish market periods may have secured higher contributed capital due to more favorable investor sentiment and valuation expectations. Corporate Lifecycle Stage: Early-stage companies, especially in high-growth industries like tech startups, might show higher contributed capital as they issue stock to fund rapid expansion. In contrast, more mature companies might exhibit lower contributed capital if they've relied more on reinvesting earnings rather than issuing new equity. Regulatory and Tax Considerations: In some cases, deviations in contributed capital might arise from regulatory incentives or tax considerations unique to a company or sub-sector, encouraging different capital structuring approaches. Ownership and Control Strategies: Companies keen on avoiding dilution of ownership might limit equity issuance, resulting in contributed capital figures that deviate from industry norms. This approach might be indicative of founders or principal owners prioritizing control over external financing. Understanding these deviations requires investors to look beyond the numbers and consider broader strategic, market, and operational contexts. By doing so, investors can identify potential red flags and uncover opportunities where a company's unique approach to capital structure and financing strategies might offer competitive advantages or higher growth potentials. Track Your Fund Performance Data With Visible By leveraging Visible, investors can track critical portfolio company and investment data all from one place. Learn how to get started with Visible to track your crucial investment data here.

At Visible, we typically compare a venture fundraise to a traditional B2B sales and marketing funnel. At the top of the funnel, you are finding potential investors via cold outreach and warm introductions. In the middle of the funnel, you are nurturing potential investors with meetings, pitch decks, updates, and other communications. At the bottom of the funnel, you are working through due diligence and hopefully closing new investors. Related Resource: The 12 Best VC Funds You Should Know About Like sales, a healthy fundraising funnel starts by finding the right investors. This can be based on geography, check size, focus areas, etc. For founders looking for investors in the San Francisco area, check out our list below: 1. Accel As put by their team, “Accel is a leading venture capital firm that invests in people and their companies from the earliest days through all phases of private company growth.” Focus and industry: Accel is industry agnostic Funding stage: Accel invests across many stages — from pre-seed to series B and beyond Accel is synonymous with venture capital in San Francisco. Accel was founded in 1983 and has since funded 1,500+ companies. They have funds across the globe and invest in founders across many geographies, industries, and stages. Some of their most popular investments include: Facebook Slack Spotify Location: Palo Alto, CA 2. Greylock Partners As put by their team, “At Greylock, our mission is to help realize rare potential. To do this well, we believe it’s essential to be trusted partners to entrepreneurs at every stage — from idea to IPO. The entrepreneurs we back have the vision to build something huge that hasn’t existed before. They are paranoid about what could go wrong — but are obsessed with what can go right. They are mission-driven, intellectually honest and infinite learners. They have raw ambition, bravery, and grit. They don’t give up, ever. And they are unique in their ability to lead and inspire others to join their journey.” Focus and industry: Greylock is focused on enterprise, consumer, and crypto software Related Resource: FinTech Venture Capital Investors to Know Funding stage: Greylock invest from pre-seed to series B and beyond As put by their team, “We focus on enterprise, consumer, and crypto software at Seed and Series A, and also make new company investments in Series B and beyond. We support entrepreneurs throughout their journey from idea to IPO and onwards.” Some of their most popular investments include: Airbnb Facebook Figma Location: Menlo Park, CA 3. Menlo Ventures As put by their team, “Genuinely, actively invested. Invested in your success, but also your struggles. Your questions, your concerns, your highs, your lows. We don’t just invest our dollars, we invest our dedication, our drive. Our tested advice and trusted support. That’s because, when we find an idea we believe in, we’re all engaged. When we’re in, we’re ALL IN.” Focus and industry: Menlo Ventures focuses on the following industries: Consumer Cloud Infrastructure Cybersecurity Fintech Healthcare SaaS Supply Chain and Automation Related Resource: 15 Cybersecurity VCs You Should Know Funding stage: Menlo Ventures across stages from inception to series B and beyond As put by their team, “We are investors and company builders—we know what it takes to turn a budding idea into a scalable business. We work with early-stage founders to find product-market fit, develop go-to-market strategies, scale their organizations, and support them as they grow.” Some of their most popular investments include: Affinity Minted Roku Location: Menlo Park, CA 4. Spark Capital As put by their team, “We are Spark Capital, investors in products we love by creators we admire, including Affirm, Carta, Cruise, Discord, Oculus, Plaid, Postmates, Slack, Twitter, and Wayfair. We know there are no playbooks or formulas for success and are here to help founders win their own way. We invest across all sectors and stages, and work out of San Francisco, Boston, and New York City.” Focus and industry: Spark Capital invests across all industries Funding stage: Spark Capital invests across all stages Like many of the funds on this list, Spark Capital has been investing across all industries and all stages for decades. Some of their most popular investments include: Twitter Slack Affirm Location: San Francisco – Boston – New York 5. Bessemer Venture Partners As put by their team, “Bessemer Venture Partners is the world’s most experienced early-stage venture capital firm. With a portfolio of more than 200 companies, Bessemer helps visionary entrepreneurs lay strong foundations to create companies that matter, and supports them through every stage of their growth.” Focus and industry: BVP invests across many industries Funding stage: BVP invests in early-stage companies BVP has become a leader in early-stage investments. They focus on companies across the globe and have backed some of the most famous companies to date. Some of their most popular investments include: LinkedIn Shopify Yelp Location: San Francisco, CA 6. Altos Ventures As put by their team, “Altos Ventures was founded in 1996, to exclusively address the needs of promising, young technology companies and entrepreneurs. Because of their focus on entrepreneurs – along with their network of co-investors, partners, and industry experts—they know how to build viable business models so companies can move on to the next stage of growth.” Focus and industry: List the focus, industry, or types of companies this VC typically invests in. Funding stage: Altos Ventures is focused on early-stage companies Altos Ventures is a purpose-driven investment fund that is focused on the fundamentals. Some of their most popular investments include: Bench Outdoorsy Roblox Location: Menlo Park, CA 7. Andreessen Horowitz As put by their team, “Andreessen Horowitz was established in June 2009 by entrepreneurs and engineers Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, based on their vision for a new, modern VC firm designed to support today’s entrepreneurs. Andreessen and Horowitz have a track record of investing in, building and scaling highly successful businesses.” Focus and industry: Andreessen Horowitz invests across many industries, including: Bio + Health Cultural Leadership Consumer Crypto Enterprise Fintech Games Related Resource: 15 Venture Capital Firms Investing in VR Funding stage: Andreessen Horowitz invests across all stages. As put by their team, “a16z is defined by respect for the entrepreneur and the company building process; we know what it’s like to be in the founder’s shoes. The firm is led by general partners, many of whom are former founders/operators, CEOs, or CTOs of successful technology companies, and who have domain expertise ranging from biology to crypto to distributed systems to security to marketplaces to financial services.” Some of their most popular investments include: Affirm Airbnb Coinbase Location: Menlo Park, CA 8. Expa As put by their team, “Expa is where the best startups find support and funding to scale. Collectively, we’ve launched dozens of companies, supported 50+ founders, and reached hundreds of millions of users. Our community of builders includes the founders and leaders of Uber, Virgin Galactic, Twitter, Current, and more.” Focus and industry: Expa invests across many industries Funding stage: Expa focuses on early-stage investments As put by their team, “Expa was created by Uber co-founder Garrett Camp to support the next generation of founders. The partners at Expa are builders and operators themselves, who can provide founders with practical advice in product design, branding, engineering, operations, and recruiting.” Some of their most popular investments include: Aero Drip Radar Location: San Francisco, CA 9. Benchmark Venture Capital As put on their Visible Connect profile, “Benchmark Capital is focused on one, and only one, mission: to help talented entrepreneurs build great technology companies. That’s what drives them and everything they do – from how they organize their firm to their investment strategy.” Focus and industry: Benchmark is focused on social, mobile, local, and cloud companies. Funding stage: According to their Visible Connect profile, “Their investments range in size from as little as $100,000 to as much as $10 or $15 million. Typically, they invest $3 to $5 million initially and expect to invest $5 to $15 million over the life of a company.” Benchmark has raised 6 funds that span 2 decades. Some of Benchmark’s most popular investments include: Asana Dropbox Zillow Location: San Francisco, CA 10. First Round Venture Capital As put by their team, “We’re focused on being the world’s best partner for founders at the very first stages of company creation — so we’ve designed the firm to do just that. When you work with First Round, you get super active partners (most of whom are former founders themselves) working side-by-side with you on your biggest and smallest challenges.” Focus and industry: First Round invests across all industries Funding stage: First Round likes to be the first check in a company, regardless of stage. As put by their team, “Typically, our initial investment in a startup ranges from $1 million to $5 million, but we’ve gone higher and lower in some cases. Currently, our average initial investment is right around $3 million.” Some of First Round’s most popular investments include: Notion The Black Tux Uber Location: San Francisco – New York – Philadelphia 11. Y Combinator Y Combinator is synonymous with accelerators. As put by their team, “Y Combinator (YC) is a startup fund and program. Since 2005, YC has invested in nearly 3,000 companies including Airbnb, DoorDash, Stripe, Instacart, Dropbox, and Coinbase. The combined valuation of YC companies is over $300B. YC has programs and resources that support founders throughout the life of their company.” Focus and industry: Y Combinator invests across all industries. Funding stage: Y Combinator helps companies launch with a $500k check. Since its inception in 2005, Y Combinator has been accredited for helping launch, fund, and grow some of the most prolific startups. Some of their most popular investments include: Airbnb DoorDash Stripe Location: San Francisco, CA Find top investors in the Bay Area with Visible As we mentioned at the beginning of this post, a venture fundraise often mirrors a traditional B2B sales and marketing funnel. Just as a sales and marketing team has dedicated tools, shouldn’t a founder that is managing their investors and fundraising efforts? Use Visible to manage every part of your fundraising funnel with investor updates, fundraising pipelines, pitch deck sharing, and data rooms. Raise capital, update investors, and engage your team from a single platform. Try Visible free for 14 days.

As an ambitious founder, joining an accelerator program can be a major stepping stone to startup success. By joining an accelerator, startups can fast-track their progress, accessing resources and networks that would otherwise take years to build. The impact of such programs is evident when we look at companies like Dropbox, Airbnb, and Reddit, each of which gained invaluable benefits from accelerator experiences with Y Combinator. By turbocharging their development, these companies leaped ahead, becoming industry leaders and household names. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the world of accelerators, helping you understand why such a program could be a game-changer for your startup and some startup Accelerators to consider from our Connect investment database. Benefits of Joining an Accelerator One of the most significant advantages of accelerator programs lies in the mentorship they provide. Founders are often paired with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, or industry experts who guide them through their growth trajectory. These mentors provide a wealth of industry insights, and strategic guidance that can open doors to significant networking opportunities. Alongside this, accelerators usually offer a certain amount of funding in exchange for equity. This early-stage capital injection can be crucial for startups to build their prototype, hire talent, or scale their operations. It also opens up a vast network of fellow founders, investors, and industry professionals, creating an ecosystem of collaboration and learning. Additionally, founders gain access to resources and tools, such as workspaces, training sessions, and state-of-the-art technology. Accelerators ensure startups have what they need to succeed in today’s competitive market. These cumulative benefits can often be the catalyst that propels a young startup from stagnation to rapid growth. Related resource: The Top 16 Accelerators Powering Startup Growth “We surveyed 43 founders who attended these accelerators to better understand their biggest takeaways from each respective program. Founders highlighted many aspects of the accelerator programs, including access to quality advisers, mentors, and corporations, the strength of the program’s network, and the benefits of an environment that encourages deep thinking and iteration. They also appreciated education on fundraising and warm connections to investors and potential customers. On the other hand, founders expressed the need for more education on running a company.” – PitchBook Newsletter Related resource: 12 Online Startup Communities for Founders Selection Criteria and Application Process Accelerators receive a plethora of applications, but only a handful make the cut. Therefore, understanding the selection criteria is crucial. Generally, these programs look for startups with high business potential, meaning your idea should solve a significant problem and have a sizable market. Team composition also plays a vital role; accelerators prefer diverse, dedicated, and capable teams that can withstand the rigors of startup life. Scalability is another crucial factor; your business should have the potential to grow rapidly and provide a return on investment. As for the application process, it usually begins with an online application where you’ll provide information about your startup and why you believe it would benefit from the program. You’ll likely need to submit a pitch deck – a brief presentation outlining your business plan. If your application is shortlisted, the next stage is usually an interview with the accelerator’s selection committee. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your passion, knowledge, and commitment. Related resource: Our Teaser Pitch Deck Template Startup Growth Metrics and Benchmarks For startups looking to attract accelerator interest and subsequent investment, monitoring and presenting the right growth metrics is critical. Key metrics include Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) and Year-over-Year (YoY) growth to showcase revenue consistency and scalability. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) and Lifetime Value (LTV) ratio provide insights into the efficiency of marketing strategies and customer value. Engagement metrics, like Daily Active Users (DAU) or Monthly Active Users (MAU), highlight product stickiness and user adoption. Tracking these metrics allows startups to demonstrate growth potential and operational efficiency to potential accelerators and investors. Equity vs. Non-equity Programs For founders, choosing between equity-based and non-equity accelerators is a crucial decision that impacts the future of your startup. Equity-based programs typically require you to give up a portion of your company's equity in exchange for capital, mentorship, and resources. This can be a good option if you're looking for substantial funding and are willing to share your company's ownership. On the other hand, non-equity accelerators offer support without taking any stake in your company, ideal for those who wish to retain full ownership. However, they might offer less capital. Consider your startup's funding needs, how much control you're willing to share, and the specific benefits each program offers to make an informed decision. Related resource: Pros and Cons of Crowdfunding for Your Startup Legal and IP Considerations for Startups in Accelerators When joining an accelerator, it's crucial to carefully navigate legal and intellectual property (IP) considerations. Protecting your startup's IP is paramount, as it forms the core of your value proposition. Ensure you understand the terms of the accelerator agreement, especially concerning IP rights and confidentiality. Some accelerators may require disclosure of your IP, so it's essential to have clear agreements in place to protect your interests. Consulting with a legal expert specializing in startup and IP law can provide tailored advice, helping you safeguard your assets while benefiting from the accelerator's resources and network. Engaging in due diligence and obtaining professional legal guidance are key steps in this process. What to Expect from an Accelerator Most programs are highly structured and rigorous, designed to make the most of every minute. A typical day could include a blend of workshops, mentorship sessions, networking events, and ample amounts of time for product development. Accelerators push startups to evolve rapidly, so the schedule can be demanding. Expect long days and tight deadlines, but also a supportive, collaborative environment full of passionate people who share your entrepreneurial spirit. It’s a high-intensity period, but the pace is intentionally set to prepare you for the demanding nature of running a startup. Preparing the Team Preparing your team for an accelerator program is much like gearing up for a marathon. The program’s intensity means your team will need to be mentally prepared and resilient. Transparency is key – ensure your team understands the expectations and commitments of the program. Encourage open communication about concerns and questions. Prioritize team health and well-being to avoid burnout. Foster a culture of agility and quick decision-making, as accelerators move at a fast pace. Regular check-ins and debriefs can help the team navigate the experience collectively, learning and pivoting as needed. Setting realistic and achievable goals before entering an accelerator is crucial. Having clear objectives will help you stay focused amidst the whirlwind of activities and opportunities. Your goals could range from product development milestones, market validation, and customer acquisition targets, to preparing for fundraising. Be ambitious, but also practical – consider your team’s capacity and the program’s duration. Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Remember, these goals are not set in stone; they should evolve as you receive new information and feedback during the program. Regularly revisit and revise your goals to ensure they align with your startup’s growth and the invaluable feedback you’ll receive within the accelerator environment. Related resource: Startup Metrics You Need to Monitor Navigating Post-Accelerator Challenges After completing an accelerator program, startups face the challenge of maintaining momentum. To sustain growth, focus on continuous learning and adaptability, leveraging the network and resources acquired during the program. Establish clear, achievable goals for short and long-term growth, and continuously measure performance against these objectives. Engage with the accelerator alumni community for support and potential collaboration opportunities. Prioritize building strong customer relationships and refining your value proposition based on feedback. Lastly, maintain fiscal discipline while seeking further investment opportunities to fuel growth. Resources The most active startup accelerators and where they’re investing Accelerator connect profiles in our Fundraising CRM Seed-DB maintains a global list of accelerators and data on their funded startups. Barclays Eagle Labs: Our passion is innovation and growth so much so, that in 2015 when underused Barclays spaces became available we created Eagle Labs, a network made up of member businesses, partners, investors, corporates, mentors, banking expertise and so much more. Startup Accelerators to Check Out Buildit Accelerator And Program Info Provided by Arta Beitāne, Associate and Accelerator Program Manager About: Buildit is an accelerator that supports hardware and IoT startups in turning an idea into a tangible, market-worthy product. Sweetspot check size: $ 300K Traction metrics requirements: Must have an MVP or working prototype Thesis: At Buildit you don’t just get a product accelerator. You get a partner in development that’s invested in seeing you succeed. Program Specifics: What does the curriculum include? What skills and knowledge areas does the program focus on? “​Curriculum topics: Smart prototyping, design for manufacturing, business modelling and pricing, efficient marketing with 0$ budget, pitch trainings, Fundraising & Legalese, IP protection, Sustainability and ESG reporting since Day 1…The program focuses on setting up the startup so that the team can raise their next investment rounds – clear plans and milestones, team competencies, IP rights, etc.” Mentorship and Network: Who are the mentors and what are their backgrounds? “​Mentors are of various profiles, and the group constantly changes as we are on a constant lookout for fresh perspectives. Mentors usually are or have been founders themselves, some are investors and some are specialists in their own areas (lawyers, engineers, consultants). What networking opportunities exist within the program? What kinds of professionals will they have access to? “​Mentors (a long list of 300 experts, compiled over years) and investors mainly.” Success Stories and Track Record: What notable companies have gone through the program?” “​We’re proud [amongst others] of STRIGA, Naco Technologies, Alternative Plants to name a few.” Post-Program Support: What kind of support (if any) is offered to startups after they complete the program? “​In most cases, we invest in our program graduates. Participants are pre-selected in a way where we see high potential of a Buildit investment case. The network is quite widespread geographically and industry-wise, nevertheless, relatively closely knit, therefore, we see high likelihood in portfolio company founders helping each other + we try to host annual in-person events to facilitate relationship building and rekindling.” Aviatra Accelerators About: Aviatra Accelerators empowers women entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses faster and with more confidence. Thesis: We offer classes, coaching and community to women entrepreneurs. Our program “Capital-Ready Women” helps women get ready to successfully access capital from lenders and investors. "Our newest program for women entrepreneurs is Capital-Ready Women. It’s designed to help women get ready to successfully access capital from lenders and investors. It begins with our Free Fundability Assessment, available at FreeFundabilityAssessment.com." Union Kitchen About: Union Kitchen is a Food Business Accelerator. We build successful food businesses by bringing together our Accelerator with access to our Kitchen, Distribution, and Stores. Since starting in 2012, we’ve worked with over 650 food businesses, including DC favorites Compass Coffee, Snacklins, Mas Panadas, Caribe and many more! Union Kitchen also launched an investment fund in 2022. Are you ready to build your successful food business? Apply here: https://unionkitchen.com/apply Lair East Labs About: Lair East Labs is an early-stage venture firm based in New York City that empowers founders to expand internationally. At the heart of Lair East Labs comes our founder-centric accelerator program. Each cohort intakes 10 startups to receive curriculum content, mentorship network, office space, and investments of up to $150K. Our 4-month program combines the best of two worlds: learning from alum founders and gaining access to a diverse mentor and investor network with extensive experience navigating the Asian markets. Our portfolio companies have raised $65 million of funding after completing the accelerator. For more information, please visit https://laireastlabs.com Traction metrics requirements: Must have a MVP for software-centric startups or associated IP or research paper to validate the technology for DeepTech companies Arkley Brinc About: Arkley is an Accelerator VC that focuses on early-stage hardware startups to help them grow from prototype to IPO. Thesis: We are the most individual acceleration program on earth. Representing the bespoke model: We do what’s necessary to make you do what’s impossible. We are working with startups as a team member in order to achieve agreed operational and financial goals by using Arkley’s ecosystem. Accelerator Centre About: Accelerator Centre is a network of facilities dedicated to developing and commercializing technology startups. Thesis: The Accelerator Centre is an award-winning startup accelerator dedicated to building and scaling sustainable, globally competitive companies and giving startups the highest probability of long-term success. Dreamit Ventures About: Dreamit is a venture fund and growth-focused accelerator for Urbantech, Securetech, and Healthtech startups Sweetspot check size: $ 1M Traction metrics requirements: Seek healthtech and securetech companies with early commercial traction and proven product market fit that are focused on scaling. Thesis: Dreamit Ventures is a fund and growth program focused on startups with revenue or pilots that are ready to scale. Capital Innovators About: Capital Innovators provides top-ranked accelerator programs, venture fund management, and corporate innovation. It manages private and corporate venture funds focused on technology, consumer products, and energy innovations. Capital Innovators has helped scale 188 companies and assisted them in raising over $600 MM in follow-on investment and creating over 2,900 jobs. HARDS About: The First Brazilian Software/Hardware Accelerator Thesis: How do we acceerate your startup? It’s easy .. years of experience from our investors, partners, mentors, advisors and managers in hardware and software development, added to the experience of accelerating Darwin Startups! Village Capital About: Our mission is to reinvent the system to back the entrepreneurs of the future. Our vision is a future where business builds equity and long-term prosperity. gener8tor About: gener8tor is a nationally ranked, concierge accelerator that invests in high-growth startups. Sweetspot check size: $ 100K AngelPad About: AngelPad is a seed-stage accelerator program that finds product market fit, defining a target market to get first validation for a company. Sweetspot check size: $ 1M Thesis: Find awesome companies with founders we like to work with and spend three very intense months with them. The Alchemist Accelerator About: The Alchemist Accelerator is a venture-backed initiative focused on accelerating startups whose revenue comes from enterprises. Sweetspot check size: $ 75K Traction metrics requirements: Looking for companies from the idea stage to 15K+ in MRR FounderFuel About: FounderFuel is a mentor-driven venture accelerator that helps new startups make progress on the venture path. Sweetspot check size: $ 120K Thesis: We ignite the global success of companies by developing the leaders behind them. Amplify About: Amplify is a pre-seed fund in Venice, CA dedicated to backing strong teams at the earliest stages and supporting from first check to exit. Thesis: At Amplify, our vision is clear — help passionate technology entrepreneurs grow their startups into strong, scalable & successful companies. Flashpoint About: Flashpoint is an international tech investment manager with approx. $400 million AUM focused on international tech companies originating out of Europe and Israel. Flashpoint manages five venture funds: three VC funds, a Venture Debt Fund, and a Secondary Fund. The firm is headquartered in London and has offices in New York, Tel-Aviv, Budapest, Warsaw, Riga, and Nicosia. Global Insurance Accelerator About: The Global Insurance Accelerator is a mentor-driven business accelerator designed to foster innovation in the insurance industry through startups targeting the global insurance industry. We take in early-stage companies who are building solutions that support the insurance industry. We provide seed funding, networking with our mentors, a desk in our beautiful office in Des Moines, 100-days of on-site support and time on stage at the Global Insurance Symposium with hundreds industry executives in attendance. This is not your typical accelerator. Our investors are insurance carriers, our mentors are primarily insurance executives. Startups participating in our program find product-market fit and do customer discovery faster than they could ever do at any other accelerator. We are a strategic partner. The Deal: Investment with founder-friendly terms: $50k in the form of a post-money SAFE that converts to 5% of the company; no board seat Curated meetings with 75+ insurance-focused mentors in program; dozens more after Final presentations @ Global Insurance Symposium (~600 attendees in 2019) Additional exposure at industry conferences One-bedroom, residential-style suite at the Staybridge Suites, with amenities including daily breakfast, nightly dinner, gym, pool, and laundry (in-person nights / 2-minute walk from GIA) Office space for your entire team Typical accelerator perks (deals on hosting, marketing tools, etc) Stocked fridge at the GIA office Founders need to be in Des Moines during the program, business-related travel is supported Hardware.co About: HARDWARE.co is a global community and accelerator for entrepreneurs, industry professionals and makers dedicated to the creation of innovative hardware products and companies. HARDWARE.co is made out of several interconnected components to serve, maintain, and grow our community. The HARDWARE.co Accelerator, Lab, Meetups, and Online Platform form a multichannel resource to give community members the opportunity to create leading products and companies. We support every stage of hardware development – from ideas, to prototypes, to investments, and beyond. Looking for Investors? Try Visible Today! Use Visible to manage every part of your fundraising funnel with investor updates, fundraising pipelines, pitch deck sharing, and data rooms. Raise capital, update investors, and engage your team from a single platform. Try Visible free for 14 days. Related Resource: Accelerator connect profiles in our Fundraising CRM

Venture capital (VC) has become an instrumental force in driving innovation and growth across various industries, and healthcare is no exception. Within the article, we’ll cover venture capital within the healthcare sector, its significance, the healthcare investment landscape, the benefits it brings, and the types of healthcare companies that VCs actively invest in. The Role of Venture Capital in Healthcare Venture capital serves as a catalyst for progress in the healthcare industry. By providing funding and expertise to early-stage and high-potential companies, VCs help drive innovation, accelerate research and development, and bridge the gap between groundbreaking ideas and commercial success. With their financial resources and industry knowledge, venture capital firms empower healthcare entrepreneurs to transform their visions into tangible solutions that improve patient care, enhance medical outcomes, and reshape the healthcare landscape. The Healthcare Investment Landscape VC firms are actively seek opportunities in a wide range of healthcare sectors, including biotechnology, medical devices, healthcare IT, and healthcare services. Despite a slight slowdown, venture capital funds managed to raise an impressive amount of nearly $22 billion in 2022, making it the second-largest fundraising year on record. The positive momentum continued into Q1 2023, with the fundraising pace accelerating slightly to $6.8 billion. Notably, early-stage investors showed a preference for seed and Series A investments, indicating their confidence in backing promising startups at the initial stages of their growth journey. As venture capital funds still have a significant amount of capital yet to be deployed in the healthcare sector, it is expected that top companies will continue to attract investor interest. However, this interest is likely to come with investor-driven valuations, as investors seek to balance risk and returns in an increasingly competitive market. The abundance of available capital presents a unique opportunity for healthcare startups to secure the necessary funding to fuel their growth and innovation. Although the overall investment pace experienced a slowdown in Q1, with investors navigating macro uncertainty and market downturns, they remained focused on supporting their promising later-stage portfolio companies. This support was evident through insider extensions and bridge rounds, allowing companies to bridge the funding gap and continue their growth trajectory. Looking ahead to the second half of 2023, there is an expectation of an uptick in larger, outsider-led funding rounds. These rounds may see valuations being adjusted to better reflect market conditions, potentially resulting in down rounds or flat “engineered” rounds that include incentives for new investors. “CVS is betting big on primary care. Here’s a breakdown of its 5 biggest deals of 2023. CVS is aggressively investing in and acquiring digital health companies while competitors retrench. We dig into the pharmacy giant’s recent primary care moves.” Anand Sanwal, founder of CBInsights, Newsletter Benefits of Venture Capital in Healthcare Venture capital firms play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare by providing critical funding, expertise, and strategic guidance. Access to Capital One of the primary advantages of venture capital in healthcare lies in its ability to bridge the funding gap for early-stage companies. Healthcare ventures often require substantial financial resources to advance research, conduct clinical trials, and navigate complex regulatory landscapes. Expertise and Guidance Beyond financial support, VC firms bring a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to the table. Seasoned investors offer strategic guidance, mentorship, and operational expertise to healthcare entrepreneurs. Their deep understanding of the sector helps startups refine their business models, overcome regulatory hurdles, and optimize their commercialization strategies. The invaluable insights and advice provided by venture capitalists significantly enhance the chances of success for healthcare ventures. Validation and Credibility Securing VC funding serves as a powerful validation for healthcare startups. The rigorous due diligence process conducted by venture capitalists not only validates the viability of the company’s products or services but also enhances its credibility in the eyes of other stakeholders. This validation opens doors to additional funding opportunities, attracts potential partners and customers, and positions the company as a trusted player in the industry. The stamp of approval from venture capitalists acts as a strong endorsement, driving confidence in the startup’s vision and mission. Network and Partnerships Venture capital firms possess extensive networks within the healthcare ecosystem, comprising key players such as healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, regulatory bodies, and industry experts. By partnering with venture capitalists, startups gain access to these invaluable networks, which can facilitate collaborations, strategic partnerships, and distribution channels. The connections offered by VCs are instrumental in accelerating market adoption, expanding reach, and tapping into new markets. The network effect of venture capital opens up a world of possibilities for healthcare startups to thrive and make a significant impact. Long-Term Support and Sustainability Unlike short-term investors or traditional lenders, venture capital firms typically take a long-term view when investing in healthcare companies. They are committed to supporting startups throughout their growth journey, providing follow-on funding rounds as needed. This long-term support ensures the sustainability and continuity of healthcare ventures, enabling them to focus on innovation, research, and achieving long-term objectives. The stability and backing of venture capitalists give healthcare startups the confidence and resources to navigate challenges and pursue ambitious goals. Types of Healthcare Companies VCs Invest In Venture capital firms invest in a wide array of healthcare companies, each with its unique value proposition and growth potential. These are some of the top healthcare industries that are attracting VC investment along with some other trending industries as well Biotech Companies Biotech companies leverage biological processes and living organisms to develop innovative therapies, diagnostic tools, and research solutions. VCs invest in biotech firms due to the tremendous potential for groundbreaking discoveries, the ability to address unmet medical needs, and the prospects of substantial returns on investment. Subindustries within Biotech include: Gene Editing: Companies developing innovative gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9, enabling precise modification of genetic material for potential therapeutic applications. Immuno-oncology: Companies focusing on immunotherapies that enhance the body’s immune system to target and fight cancer cells, including cellular therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Precision Medicine: Companies that leverage genomic data and advanced analytics to develop personalized medicine approaches, tailoring treatments to individual patients based on their genetic makeup, biomarkers, and other unique characteristics. Check out our investor list article, The Top VCs Investing in BioTech. Medical Device Companies Medical device companies focus on developing advanced medical technologies and devices that enhance patient care, improve treatment outcomes, and streamline healthcare delivery. These companies often require significant financial backing for research, development, clinical trials, and regulatory approvals. VCs invest in medical device companies to support their growth and innovation in this rapidly evolving sector. Subindustries within Medical devices include: Minimally Invasive Surgical Devices: Companies develop innovative medical devices and instruments for minimally invasive surgeries, offering improved patient outcomes, reduced recovery time, and enhanced surgical precision. Digital Health Monitoring Devices: Companies create wearable devices and remote monitoring technologies, enabling continuous tracking of vital signs, remote patient monitoring, and real-time health data analysis. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Medical Imaging: Companies combining AI and medical imaging to improve diagnostic accuracy, automate image analysis, and assist radiologists in interpreting medical images such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans are attracting investment. Healthcare IT Companies Healthcare IT companies play a vital role in transforming the delivery of healthcare by leveraging technology to address industry challenges and improve overall outcomes. They develop innovative solutions that enhance clinical workflows, optimize administrative tasks, ensure data security and privacy, and facilitate seamless interoperability among various healthcare stakeholders. They do this through creating software, systems, and platforms that streamline processes, improve patient care, enhance data management, and enable efficient communication within the healthcare ecosystem. VCs are attracted to companies that bring innovative and disruptive solutions to the industry, leveraging technologies like AI, machine learning, and big data analytics. These solutions have the potential to transform healthcare practices and enhance patient care. Additionally, companies that focus on cost reduction and operational efficiency by automating tasks and streamlining workflows are interesting to VCs. These companies enable healthcare providers to optimize resources, minimize errors, and achieve cost savings. VCs also acknowledge the importance of regulatory compliance and data security in the healthcare sector. Companies specializing in robust cybersecurity measures and privacy protection tools are in high demand. Subindustries within Healthcare IT include: Telehealth Platforms: Companies developing telehealth platforms, telemedicine apps, and remote patient monitoring solutions to support virtual consultations, remote diagnostics, and remote care delivery. Health Data Analytics: Companies specializing in advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence to derive insights from healthcare data are receiving investments, supporting population health management, personalized medicine, and improved clinical decision-making. Cybersecurity and Privacy: Companies focusing on healthcare data security, patient privacy protection, and compliance with regulations such as HIPAA. These companies develop solutions to safeguard electronic health records, secure data sharing, and prevent data breaches. Healthcare Services Companies Healthcare services companies encompass a wide range of organizations dedicated to providing essential healthcare services to individuals and communities. These companies, can include hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home healthcare providers, and diagnostic services. VCs recognize the increasing demand for healthcare services due to factors such as population aging and rising healthcare needs. Investing in healthcare services companies allows VCs to capitalize on this growing market and generate favorable financial returns. Moreover, VCs seek out healthcare services companies that bring innovation and differentiation to the industry. Companies that introduce novel care delivery models, leverage technology advancements and enhance patient experiences attract VC investments. By investing in such companies, VCs aim to support the transformation of healthcare services delivery and improve patient outcomes. Subindustries within Healthcare services companies include: Digital Health Platforms: Investment is flowing into companies offering comprehensive digital health platforms, integrating electronic health records (EHRs), patient engagement tools, telehealth capabilities, and data analytics to improve care coordination, patient outcomes, and operational efficiency. Home Healthcare Services: Companies providing innovative home healthcare services, including remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and personalized care delivered in the comfort of patients’ homes, are attracting investment. Mental Health Services: Investments are being made in companies focusing on digital mental health solutions, such as online therapy platforms, mental health apps, and virtual support networks, to address the increasing demand for accessible and convenient mental healthcare. 6 Venture Capital Firms Investing in Healthcare Numerous firms are actively investing in healthcare innovation and shaping the future of the industry. Below we’ll explore six notable venture capital firms that have made significant contributions to the healthcare sector. These VCs bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and financial resources to support the growth and success of healthcare startups and companies. Their strategic investments have helped drive advancements in biotechnology, medical devices, healthcare IT, and healthcare services, propelling the industry forward and improving patient care. 1. Felicis Ventures Felicis Ventures is a boutique VC firm that backs iconic companies reinventing existing markets and creating frontier technologies. At Felicis Ventures we back the world’s iconic companies of today and tomorrow. We have a passion for products and out-of-the-box thinking. Company Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B, Growth ​​Location: Menlo Park, California, United States Portfolio Highlights Guild Predibase Operant 2. New Enterprise Associates New Enterprise Associates is a global venture capital firm investing in technology and healthcare. NEA’s proven investment strategy spans all stages of a company’s growth, from seeding innovations in emerging markets to funding early-stage companies in high-growth markets to fueling the growth of market leaders. Any stage of growth is the right stage to partner with NEA. We can add value and offer expert guidance throughout your company’s lifecycle—whether your big idea is at its inception or has already progressed to be a viable reality. Company Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth Location: Menlo Park, California, United States Portfolio Highlights PixieBrix Regression Games Timescale 3. BoxGroup Investing in dreams at the earliest stage with companies like Plaid, Airtable, Ro, Ramp, and many more. We support companies based on conviction in the team. We believe in “founder market fit” – the concept that certain teams are able to unlock specific markets. This is the first step to get to “product market fit.” Ideas tend not to be equal opportunity which means that it requires the right team to bring a vision to life. Company Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A ​​Location: New York, United States Portfolio Highlights Plaid Airtable Ramp 4. SV Health Investors SV Health Investors, formerly SV Life Sciences, is a leading healthcare and life sciences venture capital and growth equity firm. Their goal is to transform healthcare – one investment at a time – by supporting the entrepreneurs who create and build breakthrough companies and treatments. In biotechnology, we are venture-focused. In healthcare services and digital health, we seek growth equity opportunities. In medical devices, we pursue a range of opportunities from early stage/venture-focused to early commercialization to growth equity. Company Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Growth ​​Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States Portfolio Highlights Therini Bio Nimbus Therapeutics Quell Therapeutics 5. Elevate Capital For some populations, there is a noticeable gap in gaining access to investment capital. These aspiring entrepreneurs are both underserved and overlooked, yet they have the courage and vision it takes to start and scale a business. At Elevate Capital, we believe there is a tremendous opportunity to invest early and offer mentorship to these entrepreneurs. We provide the venture capital and guidance they need to turn their startups into great companies. Elevate Capital is the nation’s first institutional venture capital fund that specifically targets investments in underserved entrepreneurs—such as women and ethnic minorities, or those with limited access regionally to capital and opportunities. We support visionaries with disruptive ideas and products through two specialized investment vehicles. Company Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Location: Portland, Oregon, United States Portfolio Highlights TrovaTrip The Bacon HacWare 6. StandUp Ventures StandUp Ventures is a Toronto-based, seed-stage venture capital fund focused on investing in high-growth ventures with at least one female founder in a key leadership role. We believe that women-led companies think outside the box, recruit great talent, and serve bigger markets. We invest in seed-stage, for-profit technology companies with at least one woman in a C-level leadership position within the company and an equitable amount of ownership. We’re dedicated to curious, confident, and fearless entrepreneurs building ground-breaking technology companies. We partner with ambitious founders across Canada to break through from Seed to Series A. Company Stage: Seed ​​Location: Toronto, Canada Portfolio Highlights ODAIA Acerta Analytics TealBook 7. Civilization Ventures Civilization Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on cutting edge innovations in exponential health tech and biology. Company Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B ​​Location: San Francisco, California, United States Portfolio Highlights Foresight Diagnostics Evonetix Infinimmune Partner With VCs Investing In The Future of Healthcare with Visible Venture capital has emerged as a powerful catalyst for progress in the healthcare industry. By bridging the funding gap, providing expertise, and fostering innovation, VCs enable healthcare startups to thrive and create transformative solutions. Funding not only drives financial success but also cultivates a future where patient care is enhanced, medical outcomes are improved, and the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare are continually pushed. Check out Visible’s investor database, Connect, to find VCs investing specifically within the healthcare space. Also here are two more of our list articles, 10+ Founder Friendly Venture Capital Firms Investing in Startups The 12 Best VC Funds You Should Know About Companies should leverage VCs expertise and resources to accelerate their growth, navigate regulatory challenges, and scale their impact. Also, get access to Visible for free for 14 days: https://app.visible.vc/create-account

Since launching Visible Data Rooms last month, thousands of founders have leveraged them to distribute fundraising assets and data to their current and potential investors. Most Popular Data Room Folders Using our own data, we were able to pull the most popular “folders” created so far. Check them out below: Legal and Corporate Docs – Confirms your business is a legitimate company (incorporation docs, formation docs, IP, etc.) Financials – In the early days, keep this section light – especially around projections. As you scale from pre-seed to series A, this section will become more important. Be sure the data here matches your pitch decks, other documents, etc. Team and Stakeholders – This generally goes hand-in-hand with “Legal and Corporate Docs.” This helps investors confirm you have employee structure, contracts, signed PIAAs, etc. Cap Table – Most, if not every investor, will ask for this. Investors want to understand if you have a “clean” cap table. Market Data – Considered a “nice to have” but can still be valuable. Later-stage investors will likely do their own analysis and research here. Every business and investor is different. Be sure to build and share the information that is right for your business. Build a Data Room with Visible Visible Data Rooms integrate directly with Visible Decks, Dashboards, and Updates. Manage every aspect of your fundraise with Visible and spend more time on what matters most — building your business. Give it a try here.

The Extended reality (XR) industry which includes Agumentented Reality (AR), Virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) is changing the way we experience the world by creating an immersive experience in a virtual world (VR) or merging the real and virtual worlds together (AR). Immersive technologies has become a focus for some of the largest tech companies and investors alike thanks to rapid advancements of AR and VR technology, increased popularity within gaming, and new innovations such as the introduction of the metaverse. These technologies are also now being developed for a wide range of uses, such as industrial, communication, training exercises, and gaming. Statista forcasted the global AR, VR, and mixed reality (MR) market to reach 30.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2021, rising to close to 300 billion U.S. dollars by 2024. There’s never been a better time for AR and VR, spiking the interest of startups as well as investors looking to take advantage of the market. Visible looks to help connect founders with investors all over the world. Below, we highlight 15 of our favorite AR/VR venture capitalists. Search through these investors and 13,000+ more on Visible’s Connect platform. Related Resource: 14 Gaming and Esports Investors You Should Know Bloomberg Beta Location: San Fransisco & New York City, California, United States About: Invests in powerful ideas that bring transparency to markets, achieve global scale, with strong, open cultures that embrace technology. Thesis: We believe work must be more productive, fulfilling, inclusive, and available to as many people as possible. Our waking hours must engage the best in us and provide for our needs and wants — and the world we live in too often fails to offer that. We believe technology startups play an essential role in delivering a better future. We can speed the arrival of that future by investing in the best startups that share these intentions. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Early Stage Recent Investments: Fiddler AI Chef Robotics Weights and Biases Tonic Ware Related Resource: The 11 Best Venture Capitals in San Francisco Dune Ventures Location: New York, New York, United States About: An early stage venture firm backing the founders shaping interactive content. Thesis: Dune Ventures: a new early stage venture firm investing in gaming, esports, and interactive technology. We invest globally and back founders building content studios, social platforms and infrastructure that will define the next generation of entertainment. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B Recent Investments: Starform Ramen VR Medal DreamCraft IndiGG HCVC Location: San Francisco, California, United States About: HCVC is the first global venture capital fund dedicated to full-stack and hardtech startups. Thesis: We are looking for outstanding founders, building game-changing products or technologies and targeting large potential markets Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Recent Investments: Anello Photonics Augmenta Giraffe360 Span Full Speed Automation Intel Capital Location: Santa Clara, California, United States About: Intel Capital is a force multiplier for early-stage startups – inspiring and investing in the future of compute via investments in Cloud, Silicon, Devices, and Frontier. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Growth Recent Investments: 3D Glass Solutions Grip Security Landing AI Astera Labs Untether AI 7 Percent Ventures Location: London, England, United Kingdom About: Early stage tech investing in UK, EU & US. Seeking the most ambitious founders with deeptech or transformative moonshot ideas to change the world for the better Thesis: We invest in early stage tech startups which represent billion dollar opportunities. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Recent Investments: Vauban Dent Reality Breeze Humanity Safely You Related Resource: 15 Venture Capital Firms in London Fueling Startup Growth Type One Ventures Location: Los Angeles, California, United States About: We are a venture capital fund investing in Seed and Series A startups with operational expertise, capital, and industry resources. The startups we invest in have dynamic teams and are building technical products with the capability to progress humanity forward. At Type One, we help founders harness their superpowers so they can change the world. Thesis: Progressing humanity towards a type one civilization Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Growth Recent Investments: Emerge RoboTire Emerge Gravitics Radian GFR Fund Location: San Francisco, California, United States About: GFR Fund is a venture capital fund that invests in early-stage startups that are disrupting the consumer entertainment industry Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Recent Investments: Phiar Technologies Omeda Studios ProGuides BoostVC Location: San Mateo, California, United States About: Boost VC is a family of founders making Sci-Fi a Reality. Twice a year Boost VC invests in 20+ startups. The three month accelerator program includes housing and office space in Silicon Valley. Portfolio consists of 150+ companies, who have raised over $200M after joining Boost VC. Investment Stages: Accelerator, Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Recent Investments: FitXR Alta Sidequest JigSpace Giblib Tvori Tribe WXR Fund Location: Marina del Rey, California, United States About: The WXR Fund invests in gender diverse seed stage companies that are transforming business and human interaction with spatial computing (VR/AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). We are the only venture firm at the intersection of the next wave of computing and female founders. Thesis: The WXR Fund invests in two of the greatest opportunities of our time: the next wave of computing + female entrepreneurs. Investment Stages: Accelerator, Pre-Seed, Seed Recent Investments: Obsess mpathic.ai Scatter Prisms of Reality Embodied Labs The Venture Reality Fund Location: San Francisco, California, United States About: The Venture Reality Fund drives innovation and investment at the intersection of immersive, spatial, and intelligent computing for consumer and enterprise sectors Thesis: Investing in Early Stage VR and AR Startups Investment Stages: Series A, Series B Recent Investments: Phiar Technologies Obsess Doorstead Lux Capital Location: Silicon Valley, California, United States About: VC based in NYC and Menlo Park investing in counter-conventional, early-stage science and tech ventures, with $2.4B AUM across 8 funds. Thesis: Lux Capital invests in emerging science and technology ventures at the outermost edges of what is possible. Investment Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B Recent Investments: Runway Clarafi A-Alpha Bio Benchling Plexium OCA Ventures Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States About: OCA Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on equity investments in companies with dramatic growth potential, primarily in technology Investment Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B Recent Investments: GrayMatter Robotics Balto Osso VR Placer.ai VeriSIM Life Ludlow Ventures Location: text About: VC is a customer service business. Whether it’s testing product, pushing pixels, leveraging our network, or forcing people to download your app, we’re here to help. You make our dream jobs possible and we’re forever thankful for that. Thesis: We believe in VC without ego. We invest with insane conviction and love backing the right teams when others think it’s too early. Investment Stages: Seed, Series A Recent Investments: Point One Navigation Headout Notarize Lev Density Craft Ventures Location: San Francisco, California, United States About: Craft Ventures is an early-stage venture fund specializing in the craft of building great companies. Thesis: We invest in outstanding teams that are creating market-defining products. Investment Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B Recent Investments: Trusted AgentSync TryNow Voiceflow ClickUp Creandum Location: Stockholm, Stockholms Lan, United States About: Creandum is a leading European early-stage venture capital firm investing in innovative and fast-growing technology companies. Thesis: We are a venture capital advisory firm powering innovation from Stockholm, Berlin, and San Francisco. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B Recent Investments: Lokalise Pleo Meditopia Seon Craft Docs Related Resource: Atlanta’s Hottest Venture Capital Firms: Our Top 9 Picks Start Your Next Round with Visible We believe great outcomes happen when founders forge relationships with investors and potential investors. We created our Connect Investor Database to help you in the first step of this journey. Instead of wasting time trying to figure out investor fit and profile for their given stage and industry, we created filters allowing you to find VC’s and accelerators who are looking to invest in companies like you. Check out all our AR/ VR investors here. After learning more about them with the profile information and resources given you can reach out to them with a tailored email. To help craft that first email check out 5 Strategies for Cold Emailing Potential Investors. After finding the right Investor you can create a personalized investor database with Visible. Combine qualified investors from Visible Connect with your own investor lists to share targeted Updates, decks, and dashboards. Start your free trial here.

At Visible, we oftentimes compare a venture fundraise to a traditional B2B sales and marketing funnel. At the top of the funnel, you are finding potential investors via cold outreach and warm introductions. In the middle of the funnel, you are nurturing potential investors with meetings, pitch decks, updates, and other communications. At the bottom of the funnel, you are working through due diligence and hopefully closing new investors. Related Resource: All Encompassing Startup Fundraising Guide A strong sales and marketing funnel starts by identifying the right leads for your business. The same idea is true for founders looking to find investors for their business — find the right investors for your business. If you are a founder in Germany, check out our list of venture capital investors in your area below: 1. Global Founders Capital As put by their team, “Global Founders Capital is a globally oriented, stage agnostic venture capital firm that empowers gifted entrepreneurs worldwide. Global. We support founders in all geographies. Stage agnostic. We back companies across all stages and throughout the lifecycle. Operational. Our platform offers founders all the support they need to scale.” Learn more about Global Founders Capital by checking out their Visible Connect profile → Location Global Founders Capital is headquartered in Berlin but they invest in companies across the globe. Related Resource: 8 Most Active Venture Capital Firms in Europe Preferred industries GFC is agnostic in its investment approach and will back companies across many industries. Portfolio Highlights Some of Global Founders Capital’s most popular investments include: Canva Slack Delivery Hero Company Stage GFC is stage agnostic and will invest in companies across all stages. 2. HV Capital As put by the team at HV Capital, “Founded in 2000, HV Capital has a deep track record of spotting European winners at seed stage: HV Capital backed the first generation of German billion-dollar businesses. With over € 2.1bn under management, HV Capital has invested in about 225 disruptors from every industry, partnering with them for the long-term and sustained growth that has led to some of the most successful businesses in the German market. From early stage to growth, HV Capital has the experience to know what makes a leader – which is why HV Capital is the leading all-stage investor in the German market, and one of the leading investors in Europe.” Learn more about HV Capital by checking out their Visible Connect profile → Location HV Capital has offices in Berlin and Munich. HV Capital funds companies across Europe. Related Resource: Berlin Venture Capital Investors and Accelerators to Know Preferred industries HV Capital is agnostic in its investment approach and backs companies across many sectors. Portfolio Highlights Some of HV Capital’s most popular investments include: Delivery Hero HelloFresh Tourlane Company Stage As put by their team, “HV Capital leads seed rounds from €0.5-5m, growth stage investments of up to €20m, and follow-on investments with up to €100m per company. HV Capital supports companies for 10 years or longer and deploys capital at all growth stages.” 3. High-Tech Grunderfonds As put by their team, “HTGF is a venture capital investor for innovative technologies and business models. We successfully support the best founders whose ideas can revolutionise entire industries and improve people’s lives – from seed to exit. As a seed investor, we have financed 700 start-ups in the industrial tech, digital tech, life sciences and chemicals sectors. We have overseen more than 160 exits, including IPOs. When founding your company together with us, you benefit from an experienced partner at your side.” Learn more about High-Tech Grunderfonds by checking out their Visible Connect profile → Location HTGF has offices in Bonn and Berlin and invests in companies that are headquartered in Germany. Preferred industries HTGF traditionally invests in companies in the following industries: Digital tech Industrial tech Life sciences Chemicals Portfolio Highlights Some of High-Tech Grunderfonds’ most popular investments include: 4GENE Anybill Covalo Company Stage HTGF is focused on seed-stage investments Related Resource: Seed Funding for Startups 101: A Complete Guide 4. Earlybird Venture Capital As put by their team, “Founded in 1997, Earlybird invests in all development and growth phases of technology companies. Among the most experienced venture investors in Europe, Earlybird offers its portfolio companies not only financial resources but also strategic support plus access to an international network and capital markets. The Digital West Fund focuses primarily on early stage digital technology opportunities in GSA, Nordics, UK, Benelux, France and Southern Europe, while the Digital East Fund is focused on early stage ICT investment opportunities in Eastern Europe and Turkey, being the leading tech VC in this region. The Health Fund focuses on early and later stage opportunities in digital health, medical devices, diagnostics, enabling technologies and biopharma across Europe. Earlybird-X backs deep tech innovation, including robotics, AI, and mobility, at the earliest stages – tapping into a network of leading European universities.” Learn more about Earlybird by checking out their Visible Connect profile → Location Earlybird has offices in Berlin and Munich and invests in companies across all of Europe. Preferred industries Earlybird invests in companies across many sectors and industries depending on the fund. Related Resource: 10 VC Firms Investing in Web3 Companies Portfolio Highlights Some of Earlybird’s most popular investments include: Hive ShapeShift Aiven Company Stage Earlybird invests across many stages but is focused on early-stage companies. 5. Point Nine Capital As put by the team at Point Nine Capital, “What we do: We invest mostly at seed (AKA the v0.9 stage). Occasionally we make pre-seed, “Seed II”, or “early Series A” investments. Our initial ticket size is €0.5-5 million. If you raise a seed round from us, ‍we commit to participating in your Series A. We’re geo-agnostic. Europe is our home market, but 20-30% of our investments are in the US, Canada, and other countries.‍ We obsess about helping you win, and it shows in the numbers: More than 65% of the companies that we back at the seed stage raise a Series A, and more than ten are already at $100M+ ARR (and counting).” Learn more about Point Nine Capital by checking our their Visible Connect profile → Location As put by their team, “We’re geo-agnostic. Europe is our home market, but 20-30% of our investments are in the US, Canada, and other countries.” Preferred industries Point Nine Capital is focused on B2B SaaS and Marketplace companies. Portfolio Highlights Some of Point Nine Capital’s most popular investments include: Algolia Delivery Hero Loom Company Stage As put by their team, “We invest mostly at seed. Occasionally we make pre-seed, “Seed II”, or “early Series A” investments. Our initial ticket size is €0.5-5 million. If you raise a seed round from us, ‍we commit to participating in your Series A.” 6. Cherry Ventures As put by their team, “Cherry Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm led by a team of entrepreneurs with experience building fast-scaling companies such as Zalando and Spotify. The firm backs Europe’s boldest founders, usually as their first institutional investor, and supports them in everything from their go-to-market strategy and the scaling of their businesses.” Learn more about Cherry Ventures by checking out their Visible Connect profile → Location Cherry Ventures has an office in Berlin and typically invests in companies across Europe. Preferred industries Cherry Ventures invests across all sectors and industries. Portfolio Highlights Some of Cherry Ventures’ most popular investments include: FlixBus Infarm Forto Company Stage As put by their team, “We invest throughout Europe and in pre-seed and seed-stage startups.” 7. b2venture As put by their team, “b2venture is an early-stage venture capital firm supported by an unparalleled community of angel investors, bringing unique expertise, entrepreneurial experience, and hands-on support to our portfolio companies. We draw on the collective power of our angel investor community to help us find and foster unique entrepreneurs, maverick ideas, and outlier companies from all over Europe. We invest in the pre-seed, seed and across later stages as well.” Location b2ventures has offices across Europe and invests in companies across Europe. Preferred industries b2ventures is industry agnostic and invests across many sectors and industries. Related Resource: 17 Travel & Tourism VC Investors that can Fund Your Startup Portfolio Highlights Some of b2ventures most popular investments include: Raisin Sumup Ledgy Company Stage As put by their team, “b2venture is an early-stage venture capital firm. We invest in companies in the Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A financing rounds with tickets from EUR 250’000 to EUR 5’000’000. Our average ticket size amounts to EUR 1’000’000. We are prepared to invest significantly in follow-on financing rounds in later stages of your company.” 8. Project A Ventures As put by their team, “Project A invests in digital companies that challenge the status quo of their industries. With over $1 billion of assets under management, we start with investments of $1 million to $10 million and reserve up to $30 million for future rounds, from pre-seed to Series A and beyond. In addition to capital, we provide our portfolio companies with exclusive operational support by our team of 120 in-house experts including all areas across product, growth, data and people. Since 2012 Project A has invested in more than 100 companies.” Learn more about Project A Ventures by checking out their Visible Connect profile → Location Project A Ventures has offices in Berlin and London and invests in companies across Europe. Preferred industries Project A fund’s digital companies — these can span many industries and business models as shown below: Portfolio Highlights Some of Project A’s most popular investments include: Trade Republic Kry Sennder Company Stage As put by their team, “We start with investments of $1 million to $10 million and reserve up to $30 million for future rounds, from pre-seed to Series A and beyond.” Take your fundraising efforts to the next level with Visible As we mentioned at the beginning of this post, a venture fundraise often mirrors a traditional B2B sales and marketing funnel. Just as a sales and marketing team has dedicated tools, shouldn’t a founder that is managing their investors and fundraising efforts? Use Visible to manage every part of your fundraising funnel with investor updates, fundraising pipelines, pitch deck sharing, and data rooms. Raise capital, update investors, and engage your team from a single platform. Try Visible free for 14 days.