Yes, this is the real 16VC.
And yes — we know what Google shows you.
From Reddit threads to media articles, a lot has been said about us.
So instead of letting headlines define us, here’s the full story — directly from the founder.
🧠 Who We Are
16VC backs bold founders building the future of AI & Tech.
We’re a newly launched venture capital fund with $20M AUM, investing globally at the Pre-Seed and Seed stages.
🚀 Fund Snapshot
Detail Info Registered 2025 (UK-based) Fund Size $20M AUM Stage Pre-Seed / Seed Cheque Size $250K – $2M Focus Agnostic – AI, Infra, SaaS, Tools Status Actively investing (2025)
🛤️ My Journey: From Healthtech to Venture Capital
I’m Sridhar Arunagiri, founder and general partner of 16VC.
My background isn’t in finance or big VC firms — it’s in healthcare.
In 2020, I founded Famwork, a healthcare EHR startup during the pandemic.
I worked directly with doctors, clinics, and health systems — solving real operational issues.
Over time, I gained the trust of doctors and health professionals who later backed me as LPs when I moved into venture investing.
By 2022, I had formed an angel investing group.
By 2024, that evolved into a formal venture capital fund, and in 2025, 16VC launched with $20M AUM.
This journey wasn't institutional — it was built on trust and track record with real operators and professionals.
⚠️ Why the Backlash Happened (2024–2025)
You may have seen headlines or Reddit posts calling 16VC a “scam” or criticizing our hiring. Here's what really happened — no spin.
🔥 The “Unpaid Jobs” Controversy (Early 2025)
In January 2025, I posted several open roles at 16VC.
These included a 1-month unpaid trial period, after which performance-based offers would follow.
The intention: fast learning, real collaboration, early-stage experience.
The reaction: “This is exploitation.”
The backlash was loud — and justified.
📰 National coverage:
We removed the roles. We stopped all unpaid trials. And we took responsibility.
🇩🇪 The Berlin Studio & Visa Issue (Late 2024)
We also attempted to launch a Berlin-based product studio, hiring remote-first talent with plans to relocate.
We hired engineers and operators globally.
Visa logistics were handled by third-party immigration consultants.
Candidates paid their own visa processing fees.
Due to visa delays and EU waitlists, the relocation failed.
The Berlin studio was shut down.
Reddit painted it as a scam.
We never charged anyone for a job — but our execution created confusion and real damage.
🔗 Reddit Discussions & Controversy Threads
Here are the public discussions where we were criticized — and why:
We understand the frustration. And while we may not agree with all interpretations, we accept the outcomes and have made structural changes since.
🧠 What We’ve Learned
No unpaid trials. Ever again.
International hiring must include full visa sponsorship and support — not just good intentions.
Founders are responsible for every outcome tied to their name.
Transparency is a must — before things go wrong, not after.
🎙️ How We Responded
We addressed the backlash through:
🎙️ Unfiltered 16VC Podcast – honest founder reflections
📺 16VC YouTube – startup stories, interviews, and lessons learned
📝 Internal restructuring of all hiring, communication, and relocation policies
We didn’t hide. We showed up — imperfectly, but openly.
✅ Where We Stand Now
Despite what the internet says, 16VC is alive and building.
We are:
💸 Actively deploying our $20M fund in 2025
🧠 Running the 16VC Fellowship and Accelerator to support early founders
📩 Hiring selectively, with structured, paid roles
🛠️ Still backing the most daring builders in tech
Here’s our public roadmap:
🙏 Final Words
You’re welcome to form your own opinion. Just make sure it’s informed.
We’ve made real mistakes. But we’ve also done real work — and we’re still here doing it.
If you’re a founder, operator, or future partner:
Thank you for reading this with an open mind.
––
Sridhar Arunagiri
Founder & General Partner, 16VC