We back exceptional people, on average 36 days after their startup is incorporated.
To be exceptional, you must be the exception.
The word exceptional comes from the Latin verb excipere, meaning "to take out," originally referring to something that stands apart. By the 14th century, exception made its way into English as "something that does not follow a rule." Over time, exceptional began to carry a more positive meaning, implying that something "stands out" not just as different, but as better or superior.
If you play like everyone else, you've already lost.
Following the crowd leads to average outcomes. To achieve above-average results, you must set yourself apart, which goes against our instincts. We are wired to conform, a survival trait from our ancestors. This is why independent thinking is not easy because it often leads to conclusions that few others share. It’s not easy when there is no cover from the crowd. The courage to follow your own path might threaten your social standing, but it's the only way to fortune and glory.
Business is never a fair fight
By operating in the conditions predefined by the incumbents, startups are swimming against a current. The status quo has a big advantage because it's backed by the momentum of established habits and norms. This often makes it difficult to challenge or change the way things are done. We naturally resist departing from familiar routines due to comfort and fear of the unknown. Just as it meant in the 14th century, startups must defy conventional rules if they are to be exceptional.
We understand
the struggle.
We've started startups, hired people, raised money and acquired customers. We have faced many challenges and have a long list of things that went wrong. We have felt vulnerable on many occasions and have been humbled by the process. Because of this, we expect little and have much patience.
We believe before anyone.
We don’t expect a startup’s first business model to last. That’s why we tend to place less emphasis on the initial idea founders have. It is also why many of our investments are in startups before the founding team has a fully formed idea.
If you are thinking about starting a startup, don’t hesitate to reach out. We do not need to see a product to believe.
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