LGBTQ+ Founder Office Hours: Meet the Investors — Part IV
The conversation around diversity and inclusivity in the workplace has evolved a lot over recent years. It’s a welcome change for all of us. Contrary to popular belief, a person’s sexual orientation is relevant to business — research suggests that being a member of the LGBTQ+ community matters in economic and social terms, and that it impacts the entrepreneurial experience. Building communities of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, investors and allies will help level the playing field for true change in the industry. Together, we can generate the social capital necessary to bridge the diversity and inclusion gap.
We are excited to join forces with StartOut, SeriesQ and investors in the US and European venture capital (VC) community for LGBTQ+ Founder Office Hours on October 22. In addition to those covered in Part I, Part II and Part III, here is the final batch of our incredible group of investors.
To learn more about the LGBTQ+ Office Hours event, visit https://bit.ly/lgbtq-office-hours
Anthemis — Luís Torres
Stage: Early–Growth
Sector: Fintech
Anthemis is an investment firm focused on cultivating change in financial services by investing in and building businesses committed to improving the world. We are founded on three guiding principles — authentic collaboration, virtuous cycle outcomes, and diversity and inclusivity. Our deep understanding of markets and models, passion for emerging technology, and values inspire everything we do. Our goal is to reinvent finance by bringing together and investing in talented entrepreneurs, thought-leaders, institutions and change-agents in the world of finance to solve the financial services’ most pressing challenges faster, better and for the benefit of all.
Founders Factory — Edward Kandel
Stage: Pre-Seed and Seed
Sector: Generalist
Founders Factory was established to help early stage companies become viable and sustainable businesses rapidly. The company has a blend of what early stage companies require: expedited pre-seed funding, agile technology development, lean acceleration and world class mentors. All its mentors have started companies and sold them. They have experienced the pitfalls and know the challenges, and have put in the time developing the networks, contacts and industry connections needed to turn the next good idea into a great business. That idea could come from you, and that next great business might be the one they help you start.
Goldman Sachs — Natalie Fratto
Stage: Series A–Growth
Sector: Fintech
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management company that provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. It seeks to partner with visionary founders and CEOs to build enduring, category-defining businesses by harnessing its global network and deep industry expertise. GS is investing in leading market infrastructure, trading technology, payments and specialty finance businesses. Founded in 1869, the company is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centers around the world.
Mouro Capital — Jillian Cohn
Stage: Series A–Growth
Sector: Fintech
Mouro Capital is a venture capital firm that backs entrepreneurs and startups that are shaping the future of financial services. With 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 its core investment team to scaling startups.
NextGen Venture Partners — Deborah Chu
Stage: Seed
Sector: Generalist
NextGen Venture Partners is a network-driven venture capital company investing primarily in seed stage companies. Its 100s of Venture Partners are top founders and innovation executives across the US whose expertise and connections help NextGen accelerate the growth of its portfolio companies.
Oxx — Philip Edmondson-Jones
Stage: Series A–Growth
Sector: Generalist
Oxx backs Europe’s promising B2B SaaS companies at the scale-up stage. The firm partners with strong entrepreneurial teams, turning promise into success. Oxx invests across applications and infrastructure broadly, but is especially excited about data convergence and the refining usage of data, the future of work, financial services infrastructure, end-use empowerment and sustainable business. Oxx likes the dark horses, the companies going after opportunities that may need a little digging to understand and appreciate — the success stories that few saw coming.
Round Hill Ventures — Cal Stock
Stage: Seed–Series B
Sector: Real Estate Tech
Round Hill Ventures (RHV) is Europe’s leading venture capital firm, supporting the founders who reshape the built environment through technology. Its mission is to be at the forefront of built world technology innovation in Europe. RHV invests from Late Seed to Series B+ rounds as lead or co-investors. The company’s unique structure grants direct access to 200+ real estate private equity professionals with knowledge of the full real estate value chain.
The Venture Collective — Cat Hernandez, Stephanie Sarelakos
Stage: Early
Sector: Generalist
The Venture Collective (TVC) is a transformational, early stage venture business that is on a mission to bridge the funding gap for underrepresented founders. The company is a support first, milestone driven investor that contributes capital, time and networks to help impactful, fast-growing companies create long-lasting businesses. At its core, TVC believes that diversity is not only good for business, but necessary for societal advancement. Its experienced team is headquartered in New York City and London, but is excited to meet founders across the United States and United Kingdom.
