Perspective - Upside Partnership

Let others chase the wind, while we search for fire.

We invest in people, not themes. Others may want proof of concept, but we love this stage because it carries the spirit of investing early. We hold an unshakable belief in mentorship, knowing when and how to guide Founders—from first round to last. Transparency, freedom, and a devotion to their vision sets the foundation for cultivating impactful leaders. And it's great leaders who create great companies that change our world as we know it. We’ll never claim to have a blueprint for success, but our philosophy has proven a few things along the way: our relationships have longevity, our investments are our reputation, and the Founders we back are inevitable.

We could write a book about our approach, but here’s a short story instead.

If you're only looking for money, we're not a fit.

Funding is important, but dollars are a commodity. We invest in people with our capital, time, and insight. Our guidance serves to enhance a Founder’s freedom to make choices and pursue their vision, unpolluted by self-interest or venture politics. We want to work alongside you.

Build a community, share the success.

Every founder we invest in becomes a partner in our fund. When you join us, you share in the economic success of our fund, alongside a community of like-minded Founders across industries and stages. We all do well by helping each other do well.

We prefer not to take a seat.

Board seats can burden the relationship between investors and entrepreneurs. Declining a seat is strategic and gives us permission to counsel with transparency and aligned interests. We’re confidantes, not obstacles.

Reference us by the founders we’ve backed.

If you really want to know who we are and what we’re about, talk to those who know us firsthand. We’re happy to let our relationships speak on our behalf.

Our fund is heavily reserved.

70% of our fund is reserved for follow-on investments. We support founders for the long-term, through multiple rounds of funding.

Tip the scale for Founders.

The hardest part about venture is navigating venture. We help Founders develop momentum and stay on their own course through multiple rounds, competing interests, complicated term sheets, evolving company structures and needs.

Actions speak louder than investments.

We engage in tangible ways—in both strategy and time. Sometimes that means being a soundboard, other times it means helping with a pitch deck. Consistent behavior and quick response are the strongest form of support.