Sebastian J. Sam

🌟Innovative VC Firm Overcomes Exits Drought with Secondary Sales🌟 ⛵Navigating a challenging landscape where exits are scarce, Santa Barbara Venture Partners (SBVP) has pioneered a novel approach to sustain its growth and attract investors for its second fund: secondary sales. Instead of waiting for traditional exits like IPOs or acquisitions, SBVP opted to sell shares of its portfolio companies, demonstrating its ability to generate returns for investors and stand out in a competitive market. 🎤According to Dan Engel, founder and managing partner of SBVP, these secondary transactions have been a game-changer, sparking investor interest and bolstering the firm's credibility. By leveraging its recent successes, including a lucrative stake in sports-betting company DraftKings Inc.' acquisition of digital lottery app Jackpocket, SBVP seized the opportunity to return profits to its limited partners (LPs) and pave the way for its second fund. 💡Engel highlighted the challenges faced by young VC firms in raising subsequent funds, particularly amid a downturn in exit activity and heightened investor scrutiny. With traditional exit routes becoming increasingly elusive, the pressure is on for firms to demonstrate tangible returns and establish a track record of success. ✨"For us, secondary sales have been a game-changer. They've helped us return profits to our LPs and attract investors for our second fund," said Dan Engel. 💰For SBVP, the decision to pursue secondary sales was driven by the need to provide liquidity to LPs and validate its investment thesis in the eyes of prospective investors. By strategically offloading portions of its holdings in high-performing portfolio companies like Bark Technologies and Rad AI, SBVP not only generated substantial returns but also bolstered investor confidence in its ability to deliver results. ⚠Despite the complexities and potential stigma associated with early share sales, Engel emphasized the importance of prioritizing investor returns and seizing opportunities to unlock value for stakeholders. With a focus on profitability and transparency, SBVP remains committed to its mission of delivering sustainable growth and maximizing returns for its LPs. 🔍 "Returning profits to our investors is our top priority. By strategically selling shares, we're proving our commitment to delivering results and driving value for our stakeholders," added Engel. As SBVP continues to explore secondary transactions and expand its investor base, the firm stands as a testament to innovation and resilience in the face of market challenges. 🚀 ✅ Looking to raise capital for your #fund and increase the international pool of your LP #investors?   🤝 Need warm #LP introductions?   📝 Selling #secondaries to increase liquidity?   🧐 Looking for co-investments?   ▶ G+QUANT's link for inquiries and fund decks: https://lnkd.in/gjC_EuTE #VCInnovation #SecondarySalesSuccess #InvestorReturns #ValueCreation 

2

Create Health Ventures Launches Inaugural $21M Fund for Early-Stage Digital Health Startups  Create Health Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on early-stage digital health companies, has closed its debut fund, raising $21 million, surpassing its initial target. Launched in 2024, Create Health Ventures is based in Austin, TX, and Chicago, IL. The firm focuses on technologies that enhance healthcare access, improve patient experiences, and deliver value across payers, providers, and pharmaceutical companies. *Its primary focus includes:   1. Payer-Facing Technologies: Solutions that improve member experiences, enable seamless data and workflow integration, and scale technology across geographies.   2. Clinical Trial Enablement: Tools to help pharmaceutical companies recruit and retain participants for late-stage clinical trials as demand increases. *Founders and Approach:   Create Health Ventures was co-founded by Emma Cartmell and Amit Aysola, healthcare veterans with over 45 years of combined experience. They bring operational expertise, regulatory insight, and an extensive network to portfolio companies. The firm exclusively invests in startups led by healthcare industry founders, leveraging its unique value-added platform for scaling businesses.  *The platform includes: - Business development support   - Access to executive coaches   - Connections to healthcare leaders   - Cross-selling opportunities among portfolio companies  *Key Quotes by GPs:  - Emma Cartmell: “Founders from the healthcare industry understand the challenges and opportunities to improve patient outcomes. Supporting them is the most impactful way we can positively transform healthcare.”   - Amit Aysola: “Payers and pharmaceutical companies are driving demand for connected, scalable solutions, and we are investing in companies to meet these needs.”  *Investments and Impact:  The firm has made five investments so far and partners with foundations, impact investors, and strategic healthcare veterans to mentor portfolio companies.  *Portfolio CEO Feedback:   - Dr. Chip Grant (Watershed Health): “Create Health Ventures has been invaluable in scaling operations and fundraising.”   - Shara Cohen (Carallel): “They are the most collaborative and active investor team I’ve worked with.”   - Neil Batlivala (Pair Team): “They’ve helped us manage growth and reach underserved communities.” If you are experiencing difficulties in raising fresh capital and would require warm introductions to new LPs, contact G+QUANT     ▶ Please use G+QUANT's link for inquiries and fund decks, or send your inquiry directly to [email protected] #VentureCapital #DigitalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #Startups #ClinicalTrials #PatientCare #HealthTech #HealthEquity #CreateHealthVentures

7

TechCrunch broke news of an amazing #AI play with EGYM raising $200M at a $1.2B. What is amazing about this is that they are based in Europe, and they are actually generating meaningful revenue via their #AI play optimized for going to the gym as opposed to other plays that want you to work out at home. This will be a very interesting company to watch and should give #AI Investors pause for more generic plays that are 1) Raising more funds, 2) At higher valuations, 3) With less revenue. What do you think? #management #venturecapital #privateequity #capitalmarkets #ehealth

1

1 Comment

The entrepreneurial journey is one of grit, passion, and unwavering belief. I'm truly excited about what Raj Shekhar Singh, Jyotika Gupta , and Sudarshan Ravi Jha are building with z21 Ventures. Their vision resonates deeply with me. As a founder, I know firsthand the rollercoaster of highs and lows that come with building something from the ground up. It's a path that tests you in ways you never imagined, but it's also incredibly rewarding. We've been fortunate to have exceptional investors like Sumir Chadha and WestBridge Capital in our corner. Their support went beyond just capital - they've stood by us through our triumphs and, more importantly, our setbacks. That kind of belief in your vision is invaluable. I'm hopeful and confident that Raj, Jyotika, and Sudarshan will create similar transformative experiences for a new generation of purposeful founders. They understand that true innovation often comes from those daring to challenge the status quo, those driven by a desire to make a real impact. To all the founders out there: Your journey may be hard, but it's worth it. Stay true to your purpose, embrace the challenges, and remember that your ideas have the power to make meaningful change in the world. With supporters like z21 Ventures backing you, there's no limit to what you can achieve. Let's build a future where innovation thrives and where purposeful entrepreneurship creates lasting positive change. The road ahead may be tough, but with determination and the right support, anything is possible.

59

5 Comments

👀 HOW DO WE GET DIGITAL HEALTH TO REFOCUS ON PREVENTATIVE CARE?👀 Enter Inbal Tirosh co-founder and CEO of the incredible Livez on this week's episode!! My favorite question to ask founders is what is your founding story? Tune in to hear Inbal explain her founding story, and how they are impacting patients lives and futures! Livez is built to make preventative care easy, convenient, and reduce claims. The Livez screening solution detect 85% of preventable diseases!! Reduces a whopping 75% of healthcare claims. How do they do this? Inbal jumps into it all with me, explaining, "All together if you take every person and they get a plan of what they need to get screened for, based on their individual profile, and their specific data, you can do that with fusion of big data, and you take them on a journey to prevent their predicted risks, based on family history and their own history and so on..." Then you automatically book them with follow up appointments. This is backed by health authorities, and by large insurers! Key Points 🗝 🌐 Livez screening solution covers more than 50 clinical domains and 120 screenings and vaccines, impacting 75% of healthcare claims. Livez is a preventive health platform that focuses on holistic screening and interventions to prevent chronic diseases. 🏥 The platform helps employers and health plans prioritize the health of their population by identifying health risks and guiding individuals towards appropriate interventions. This is an absolutely fascinating conversation about the new frontier of preventative care. Get on board, and tune in to this week's episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights Podcast Also- major teaser that their pricing is FULLY at risk. Why NOT? Learn more about preventative care, and how Digital Health is continuing to evolve!

53

10 Comments

🚀 Healthcare investing: Not for the faint of heart, but for the visionaries who dare to change the world! 💡 Why it's unique: 🔄 Pivoting isn't just costly—it's potentially catastrophic 📊 Metrics as complex and sub-sector specific 🌐 A delicate ecosystem of stakeholders tugging in different directions 😃 But get it right, and you might just revolutionize healthcare while reaping substantial returns. 💰🏥

14

1 Comment

We are excited to share our progress in our turnaround at BODi (NYSE: BODi). We just reported our Q1 2024 financial results with: ·      Our first Free Cash Flow positive quarter since going public in 2021 ·      Our first sequential revenue growth in 2 years ·      First consecutive positive Adjusted EBITDA since going public   Our liquidity position improved by $10 million from Q4 2023 to Q1 2024. While our turnaround plan is still in the execution stage, we all have to acknowledge that after 9 months into the plan, this is incredible progress!    @Carl Daikeler, @Marc Suidan and I will be hosting the conference call will also be available to interested parties through a live and recorded webcast at https://lnkd.in/gHs8TXXj.   Q1 2024 Earnings Release: https://lnkd.in/gpfTdkKq       #Shareholdervaluecreation #DigitalFitness #DigitalHealth

56

24 Comments

Another edition of VCs Doing Work: Slauson & Co. 🎉Congrats to raising $100M for your second fund continuing your mission to make a difference!🎉 Wait... What and who is Slauson and Co? Slauson & Co. is a Los Angeles-based venture capital firm focused on early-stage technology investments, founded by Austin Clements and Ajay Relan. The firm's mission centers on economic inclusion and democratizing access to entrepreneurship for underrepresented founders. Slauson & Co. primarily invests in: Preseed and seed SMB Tech (tools supporting small and medium businesses) Consumer technology The firm typically writes checks between $500,000 and $2 million, aiming to lead most rounds. Since its launch in 2020, Slauson & Co. has made significant strides: Raised a $75 million Fund I, exceeding its initial $50 million target Backed 38 companies, with a majority led by people of color and at least half by women Recently closed a $100 million Fund II, demonstrating continued investor interest in their inclusive approach The firm has garnered support from prominent investors and organizations, including: PayPal Ron Conway (veteran technology investor) Ashton Kutcher will.i.am True Capital Management Alpaca VC Slauson & Co. is just getting started! If you think you have a startup that fits their thesis and stage, reach out! #diversity #inclusion #venturecapital #consumer #smb Brittany Crockett #longla #losangeles #celebration #vcsdoingwork

97

4 Comments

This week Mikal Ventures brings you a 4-week breakdown of the non-US capital market with an emphasis on the Mikal verticals. The 4-week period ending November 25 saw just over 1,300 new companies added, bringing the total to 112,141 companies included in the non-US Health Tech, Med Tech, AI Tech Fin Tech and Ed Tech verticals. Non-US AI Tech again saw the greatest percentage growth in new companies at 16%, vs. the vertical average of 12% for the period. Non-US HeathTech led the group in transactions. Non-US Med Tech led in SEC Filings and news articles.   Mikal Ventures publishes these stats on a rolling 4-week basis to provide a perspective on how the verticals and new startups move through time. We hope you find them informative and thought-provoking. VC Investors are always adjusting their "Play Book" with a variety of options for investing. Mikal Ventures is one of those alternatives, offering curated solutions to real world problems. Reach out if you have questions on how we can be of assistance and bookmark https://mikalventures.com/ for additional insights and information.

9

2 Comments

HealthCap Africa: Pioneering Sector-Focused Investment At HealthCap Africa, we are committed to our strategic focus on healthcare and fintech, recognizing that specialization is key to success in Africa's vibrant startup ecosystem. The data reflects this, affirming our approach in a market ripe for innovation. We extend our gratitude to Scott Kupor Managing Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, one of the world's leading venture capital firms, for his insightful commentary on the increasing preference among founders for sector-specific investors. This validation from such esteemed industry figures underscores the importance of our mission-driven investment strategy. #HealthTech #FinTech #VentureCapital #InnovationInAfrica #SectorSpecialists

16

4 Comments

Big news from ŌURA yesterday: Dexcom has invested $75M, valuing the company at $5B+ 🤯 This partnership marks a big step toward more holistic health monitoring. I believe it’s the perfect time to integrate health data into everyday tools to make it truly actionable. That’s why we’re building Lifestack by DeMind Inc. —the first productivity tool (a calendar app) powered by health data. It’s an exciting time to be building in this space!

60

4 Comments

A few spots left for this awesome workshop with Justin Gray of In Revenue Capital. Every successful founder I know learns to develop and maintain high performing relationships. This is a skill like anything else and can be developed. Founders, if you want to build a high-growth company, learn to build high-performing relationships. This workshop will help you do that. Hope you can join us.

15

118 VCs (one hundred eighteen!) are gathering in San Diego next week - to meet with 30 SD startups. But it's so MUCH bigger than just those 30 co's. It brings VCs back - when they see quality companies. It helps those who are next-in-line and adjacent. It enables us to send deal flow all year 'round. It attracts talent and other companies. It inspires entrepreneurship. Connect is working for SD. Together, we're building the best damn innovation ecosystem on the planet. Year over year. Five.Ten.Thirty.

263

25 Comments

🚀 SOSV Announces $306M Close of SOSV V Fund to Fuel Deep Tech Innovation in Human and Planetary Health 🌍💡 🔬 Led by Sean O'Sullivan, SOSV is a multi-stage deep tech venture investor with a focus on "human and planetary health". 💼💉 🌱 The fund will prioritize investments in deep tech startups contributing to decarbonization and re-industrialization, alongside ongoing support for health-related ventures spanning from therapeutics to medical devices. 🛠️🔍 🌐 Limited partners include corporates, sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, and private family offices globally. 🌎💰 👨‍💼 SOSV operates startup development programs IndieBio and HAX, supporting founders from pre-seed through later stages, resulting in about 200 investments annually. The ecosystem spans 40 countries, with 800+ startups in its portfolio. 🚀🌟 💼 In the past 18 months, the firm has opened two new spaces—IndieBio New York at 7 Penn Plaza and HAX in Newark, NJ—with $25M in grants each from Empire State Development (ESD) and New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), and also relocated and expanded the IndieBio San Francisco location. 💡💼 ✅ Looking to raise capital for your #fund and increase the international pool of your LP #investors?   🤝 Need warm #LP introductions?   📝 Selling #secondaries to increase liquidity?   🧐 Looking for co-investments?   ▶ G+QUANT's link for inquiries and fund decks: https://lnkd.in/gjC_EuTE #VentureCapital #DeepTech #Innovation #HealthTech #PlanetaryHealth #Decarbonization #Startup #Investment #SOSV #TechInnovation #GlobalInvestors #EconomicDevelopment

3

Here's your Techstars June Update Super proud of these unstoppable Techstars portfolio company founders for all they’ve accomplished in June. Some fundraising news highlights: → Twelve Labs (Techstars 2021) raises $50M in Series A funding to fuel the ongoing development of its industry-leading foundation models dedicated to all aspects of video. I also did a podcast with them, at the link below. → Alexi (Techstars 2018) has closed $15M CAD ($11M USD) in Series A financing as it looks to expand its team this year. → Linq (Techstars 2023) raises $6.6M to use AI to make research easier for financial analysts. → Pipedream Labs (Techstars 2021) raises $13M to pioneer the underground food delivery revolution. → Innerlogic (Techstars 2024), an AI-based culture transformation company, closes $1.3M plus in an oversubscribed seed round. Congratulations to these founders and their teams! 🚀 See what else we’ve been up to at Techstars (and check out that podcast): https://lnkd.in/gMP_ViiU 

208

12 Comments