Decibel

Positive Sum helps founders build their companies and tell their stories. We devote time to meeting the most talented entrepreneurs and investors in the world, and we strategically deploy our network on behalf of our portfolio companies. What we look for in companies The creation of new businesses, especially those fueled by technology, can lead to Positive Sum outcomes: where companies, customers, and investors all win together. Our team searches for such companies, with the following criteria guiding our way. Life’s Work: We look for founders doing their “life’s work.” We always ask how the founding team came upon the problem they are solving and assess the alignment between that problem and their own path in life. We find that these founders tend to be driven and obsessive, they tend to build domain knowledge quickly, and they tend to be disagreeable, with their own clear point of view for how things ought to be. We love these qualities. Ultimately, we find that founders doing their “life’s work” become magnets for talent and have the perseverance necessary to survive and thrive in difficult periods. Synchronized Team: Speed is an unbelievable advantage for young companies. Teams that communicate well ship products faster. We look for smart and efficient team communication, chemistry, and the right mix of business and technical talent. Market Signal: We can evaluate teams directly, but markets help us evaluate products. We look for clear signals from customers that a given idea or product is valuable. We deeply respect a market signal even if we don’t yet understand what is behind it, but then seek to understand the customer’s motivation in a deep way. A Compounding Customer: The question “will customers use this product often, and will the product get better and more valuable as they do?” is at the center of our investigation. Products that get embedded in their user’s lives or workflows tend to be more defensible. Compounding has to start somewhere, and our experience suggests that companies focused on “one thing” early on maximize the odds they can do more things in the future, because the customer grows to love them for the original solution. Profit Persistence: We want to invest in companies that can earn enormous profits over time. The odds of this happening go up when 1) a business demonstrates (or we can foresee) positive unit economics, 2) the business model can scale with demand and 3) the product gets harder for others to copy as it grows. We look for all three components. Timing, Alignment, and Impact: We focus intently on why now is the right time to build this company. New technologies, changes in regulation, cultural shifts, and other enabling factors create opportunities for unnatural growth in a business. We always look for alignment between a company and the world at large. We also want great alignment between our two teams. We hope to have decades-long relationships with the companies we support, so the fit between Positive Sum and the founding team is paramount. We make fewer investments than many comparable funds so that we can be closer with portfolio companies and spend more time with each of them.

Brinc is a different breed of venture capital and accelerator firm. Core to our business is our belief that some of the world’s biggest challenges can be solved by entrepreneurs, who we like to call GAME CHANGERS. More game changers will make a positive impact on the world if they are given the right backing. And that’s what we’re here for. To support and mentor founders and their teams from across the world and provide investment to help them grow. Today, we believe that technology focused startups, with the right backing and support can fundamentally change how we move, what we eat, how we feel and where we live for the better. Accelerators We run global accelerator programs to help founders solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Funds We invest into Pre-Seed to Series A startups through Partners Funds and our own funds: BrincArtesian & Arkley Brinc VC. Partners We help ecosystems think and act like disruptors by engaging with startups to achieve their long-term innovation objectives.

WE HELP SUPPORT TALENTED ENTREPRENEURS’ WILDEST DREAMS. WE PROVIDE THEM WITH AN ECOSYSTEM OF GLOBAL PARTNERS AND PURPOSE-DRIVEN THINKERS – ALL WITH SHARED VALUES FOR CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND POSITIVE IMPACT. THE IDC VENTURES TEAM UNDERSTANDS THE POWER OF FOUNDERS AND SHARING PLATFORMS TO BUILD FUTURE WINNERS. Our network is valuable. That’s how we’ve successfully helped investors provide value in deal flow, diligence, and market and industry expertise. As entrepreneurial experts, we’ve enabled partnerships and new opportunities for founders since 2019.

Contrary is a venture firm, backed by the world's most iconic entrepreneurs, that identifies and invests in exceptional talent. We invest up to $2M in a small number of startups each year, and work closely alongside them to build enduring businesses. We're built like the startups we serve. We combine sophisticated software, a world-class talent team, and scouts to identify and invest in the world’s top talent – first – and then relentlessly support them from seed to scale. Because at the root of every category-defining startup are exceptional people.

Relapse Ventures is a dynamic early-stage venture capital firm with a mission to identify, support, and invest in innovative, creative, and disruptive entrepreneurs across North America. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach, working closely with our partners to help them achieve their goals and bring their vision to life. Our experienced team of investors and advisors brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, and we work tirelessly to ensure that our partners have the support they need to succeed. We are looking for passionate & talented founders who will shape our futureWhat is venture capital? Venture capital is a type of financing that is provided to early-stage startups and businesses in exchange for equity in the company. Venture capitalists typically invest in companies with high growth potential, and they often provide not only funding but also mentorship, advice, and connections to help the company succeed. How do I know if my startup is a good fit for venture capital funding? Venture capital funding is typically best suited for startups with high growth potential, a scalable business model, and a strong team with a track record of success. If your company fits these criteria and you are seeking significant funding to help you scale your business, venture capital may be a good option for you. What are the benefits of working with Relapse Venture Capital? Working with Relapse Venture Capital can provide your startup with not only funding but also valuable mentorship, advice, and connections to help you grow your business. Venture capitalists often have extensive experience in the industry and can help you navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship. Additionally, having a venture capital firm as a partner can lend credibility to your business and attract additional investors. Funding Venture capital firms invest in early-stage startups and businesses in exchange for equity in the company. Mentorship and advice Many venture capitalists have extensive experience in the industry and can provide valuable mentorship and advice to the startups they invest in. Networking connections These connections can be leveraged to help the startup access new opportunities, partnerships, and customers. Due diligence Before investing in a startup, venture capitalists typically conduct due diligence to ensure that the company is a good investment.

We are a founders’ led sector agnostic technology focused micro-VC fund investing in seed and pre-seed stage companies with emphasis on green signals indicating high quality teams. Who are we? At Warmup Ventures, we've walked the path of entrepreneurship, scaling businesses, raising capital, and fostering strong core teams and culture. With our entrepreneurial DNA and unwavering energy, we bring more than just capital to the table. Our collective experience in angel investing has allowed us to witness the transformative power of early-stage support. From intro to the next round of investors to connections with CEOs of large tech companies/startups for business synergies, from planning your GTM to making a key tech hire, we offer the ammunition founders are seeking to propel their startups to new heights. What sets us apart is our network of Limited Partners (LPs), comprising successful startup founders, investment professionals, senior business and product leaders, and successful business leaders. Our LPs understand the challenges and opportunities that founders face, as they have built and grown their own businesses. This unique composition creates a powerful ecosystem where angel(truly) capital meets firsthand entrepreneurial knowledge. Size: Co-investment Cheques of up to $750K Stage: Seed and Pre-Seed. Preferably the first investment after founders Sector: Sector agnostic technology focused