From Founder to VC: My Journey Raising Fund 1 for 16vc
Hey Substack Fam,
I'm excited to share with you a significant milestone in my journey from founder to venture capitalist – raising Fund 1 for 16vc. It's been quite the adventure since I started my first startup, Famwork, amidst the chaos of the pandemic back in 2020. Famwork was an EHR software company aimed at revolutionizing healthcare management, and while the journey was challenging, it laid the foundation for what was to come.
After navigating the startup landscape with Famwork, I ventured into the world of angel investing through platforms like AngelList. It was a way for me to stay connected to the startup ecosystem while also leveraging my experience to support emerging entrepreneurs. As I gained more insight into the investment side of the industry, I realized the potential to create something more impactful.
That's when the idea of SmallFund began to take shape. I wanted to create a platform that not only provided capital to promising startups but also offered mentorship, guidance, and access to a network of experienced professionals. With the support of like-minded investors, I took the leap and established SmallFund, initially serving as the syndicate lead for an angel group on AngelList.
As SmallFund gained traction and garnered interest from investors, it evolved into something bigger – a venture capital firm with a growing roster of limited partners (LPs). The transition from angel investing to VC was a natural progression, driven by a desire to scale our impact and support startups at every stage of their journey.
Now, as the founder of 16vc, I'm thrilled to announce that we're raising our first fund. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the trust and confidence of our LPs. So, how did we do it?
Building a Strong Track Record: Our journey from founder to VC wasn't without its challenges, but each experience – from building Famwork to leading syndicates on AngelList – contributed to our credibility as investors.
Fostering Relationships: Networking played a crucial role in our fundraising efforts. By nurturing relationships with investors, entrepreneurs, and industry peers, we were able to showcase our expertise and vision for 16vc.
Articulating Our Thesis: We articulated a clear investment thesis that resonated with our target LPs. Our focus on early-stage startups with disruptive potential and a strong emphasis on founder support struck a chord with investors seeking high-growth opportunities.
Demonstrating Value: Throughout the fundraising process, we emphasized the value we bring to our portfolio companies beyond capital. From strategic guidance to access to our network, we showcased how 16vc is uniquely positioned to help startups succeed.
Transparency and Communication: Open and transparent communication was key to building trust with our LPs. We provided regular updates on our progress, addressed any concerns or questions promptly, and maintained transparency throughout the entire process.
As we embark on this new chapter with Fund 1, I'm grateful for the support of everyone who has been part of this journey. To our LPs, thank you for believing in our vision. To the founders we've had the privilege to partner with, thank you for inspiring us every day. And to the Substack community, thank you for joining me on this adventure.
Here's to the future of 16vc and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead!
Stay tuned for more updates,