Koushik Sekhar’s Post

When I first started out in venture, I would only hang out with founders - never other VCs. I thought my focus should be solely on sourcing deals and staying close to the people building the future. And, as far as I’m concerned, If I’m going to get caught in any groupthink, I’d rather it be founder-focused so I can better relate to the people I’m backing. But I’ve since come to see there’s real value in connecting with other VCs; they provide a unique mix of support and competition that’s both challenging and nurturing. Don’t get me wrong - I still believe in prioritizing time with founders. Spending time with them keeps my thinking fresh and “at the edge,” where the real innovation is happening. But venture capitalists are just as likely to collaborate on deals as compete for them. In such an intimate, high-stakes community, it’s in all of our best interests to know each other's strengths and know which investors are aligned with your approach to company building. For example, when founders get multiple offers and need advice, they go to their existing investors. In these cases, having a VC who knows me and can genuinely vouch for my strengths has tipped the scale my way more than once. Situations like this also taught me to be mindful while competing. Respect goes a long way and trash-talking other VCs always has a way of coming back to bite you. Instead, I focus on why I’m the best fit for a founder, without putting anyone else down. By keeping our focus on those we serve while also connecting with industry peers, we make ourselves and our whole community stronger. Collaboration and competition don’t have to be at odds; together, they make us sharper and better at what we do.

🚀 Are you an entrepreneur looking to grow your business with venture capital? 💼 Curious about how to get started with investing in local startups? Join Launch Mid Valley for a unique opportunity to connect with leaders from local venture funds at their upcoming PubTalk – How to Access Venture Capital, co-hosted by the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network. Date: Wednesday, October 30th, 2024 Time: 5:00 PM Venue: Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry Whether you’re a founder looking to tap into venture capital or an aspiring investor, you’ll gain valuable insights on accessing capital and making community-focused investments. 👉 Founders: Discover what it takes to become investable. 👉 Investors: Learn how local VCs approach investments in Oregon-based companies and how you can contribute to the growth of your community. Secure your spot now and take a step toward business growth and investment success! Registration link in the comments.

Who Are the Venture Capital Stars Reshaping Our World in 2024?" Business Insider is actively seeking nominations for the brightest, most audacious trailblazers in the venture capital game. These are not your typical financiers; they are forward-thinking pioneers shaping business futures and enabling growth beyond traditional boundaries. Whether they're funding groundbreaking tech startups, supporting sustainable projects, or promoting promising talent within overlooked demographics - we want to spotlight them 🌟! Join the celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship by chiming into this exciting quest! Are you one of these up-and-coming venture capitalists? Maybe you’ve crossed paths with someone who left an indelible mark on your corporate journey? Tag them along! Business Insider caters to over 160K decision-makers & innovative founders – outstanding visibility is guaranteed. Moreover, imagine what could happen if some of these VC stars lens their revolutionary thoughts towards Ignite Corporate Innovation’s incredible AI solutions and automation processes. With an all-powerful potency to ignite unprecedented growth, such collaborations could transform innovation strategies into successful ventures 💡🚀. Go ahead & book your exploration meeting: https://lnkd.in/gH39iDY3 Let's lean into this narrative together as we spotlight & celebrate fresh faces revolutionizing finance, technology and business landscapes through investments that shape our tomorrow 🔮💼🎉 Nominate here: https://lnkd.in/dgNqt-Rz #VentureCapital #BusinessInsider #RisingStars #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Startups #TechInvestment #SustainableVentures #CorporateGrowthTactics #Gamechangers

Who Are the Venture Capital Stars Reshaping Our World in 2024?" Business Insider is actively seeking nominations for the brightest, most audacious trailblazers in the venture capital game. These are not your typical financiers; they are forward-thinking pioneers shaping business futures and enabling growth beyond traditional boundaries. Whether they're funding groundbreaking tech startups, supporting sustainable projects, or promoting promising talent within overlooked demographics - we want to spotlight them 🌟! Join the celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship by chiming into this exciting quest! Are you one of these up-and-coming venture capitalists? Maybe you’ve crossed paths with someone who left an indelible mark on your corporate journey? Tag them along! Business Insider caters to over 160K decision-makers & innovative founders – outstanding visibility is guaranteed. Moreover, imagine what could happen if some of these VC stars lens their revolutionary thoughts towards Ignite Corporate Innovation’s incredible AI solutions and automation processes. With an all-powerful potency to ignite unprecedented growth, such collaborations could transform innovation strategies into successful ventures 💡🚀. Go ahead & book your exploration meeting: https://lnkd.in/gH39iDY3 Let's lean into this narrative together as we spotlight & celebrate fresh faces revolutionizing finance, technology and business landscapes through investments that shape our tomorrow 🔮💼🎉 Nominate here: https://lnkd.in/dgNqt-Rz #VentureCapital #BusinessInsider #RisingStars #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Startups #TechInvestment #SustainableVentures #CorporateGrowthTactics #Gamechangers

Who Are the Venture Capital Stars Reshaping Our World in 2024?" Business Insider is actively seeking nominations for the brightest, most audacious trailblazers in the venture capital game. These are not your typical financiers; they are forward-thinking pioneers shaping business futures and enabling growth beyond traditional boundaries. Whether they're funding groundbreaking tech startups, supporting sustainable projects, or promoting promising talent within overlooked demographics - we want to spotlight them 🌟! Join the celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship by chiming into this exciting quest! Are you one of these up-and-coming venture capitalists? Maybe you’ve crossed paths with someone who left an indelible mark on your corporate journey? Tag them along! Business Insider caters to over 160K decision-makers & innovative founders – outstanding visibility is guaranteed. Moreover, imagine what could happen if some of these VC stars lens their revolutionary thoughts towards Ignite Corporate Innovation’s incredible AI solutions and automation processes. With an all-powerful potency to ignite unprecedented growth, such collaborations could transform innovation strategies into successful ventures 💡🚀. Go ahead & book your exploration meeting: https://lnkd.in/gH39iDY3 Let's lean into this narrative together as we spotlight & celebrate fresh faces revolutionizing finance, technology and business landscapes through investments that shape our tomorrow 🔮💼🎉 Nominate here: https://lnkd.in/dgNqt-Rz #VentureCapital #BusinessInsider #RisingStars #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Startups #TechInvestment #SustainableVentures #CorporateGrowthTactics #Gamechangers

📈 Dive into the world of venture capital with 'Not From Concentrate'! 🚀 🌐 Sign up here: https://pomjuice.app/ With over 5 years of experience backing 100+ early-stage founders and hosting 9 cohorts, I'm excited to share exclusive insights with you. Our bi-weekly newsletter delves deep into private capital markets, unpacking past, present, and future trends. Plus, we offer curated deal flow for Day 0 to Series A companies currently fundraising or gearing up to. Did you know there are ~6,742 Pre-seed, Seed, and Series A Venture Funds in the US alone? PomJuice's mission? To empower decision-making, streamline deal flow, and provide crucial insights into LP markets. We're here to support emerging managers, angel syndicates, and angel investors who are juggling multiple responsibilities and need to stay in the know. 💰 Investors: Gain access to VC profiles and fund theses, connecting with our 2K+ founder community worldwide. 🏣 Founders: Get your startup in front of 200+ Venture Funds, Micro-VC Funds, and Angels. Don't miss out on exclusive market insights! Subscribe to 'Not From Concentrate' today! 🗞️ 🌐 Sign up here: https://pomjuice.app/ #VentureCapital #Investing #Startups #Newsletter

Who Are the Venture Capital Stars Reshaping Our World in 2024?" Business Insider is actively seeking nominations for the brightest, most audacious trailblazers in the venture capital game. These are not your typical financiers; they are forward-thinking pioneers shaping business futures and enabling growth beyond traditional boundaries. Whether they're funding groundbreaking tech startups, supporting sustainable projects, or promoting promising talent within overlooked demographics - we want to spotlight them 🌟! Join the celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship by chiming into this exciting quest! Are you one of these up-and-coming venture capitalists? Maybe you’ve crossed paths with someone who left an indelible mark on your corporate journey? Tag them along! Business Insider caters to over 160K decision-makers & innovative founders – outstanding visibility is guaranteed. Moreover, imagine what could happen if some of these VC stars lens their revolutionary thoughts towards Ignite Corporate Innovation’s incredible AI solutions and automation processes. With an all-powerful potency to ignite unprecedented growth, such collaborations could transform innovation strategies into successful ventures 💡🚀. Go ahead & book your exploration meeting: https://lnkd.in/gH39iDY3 Let's lean into this narrative together as we spotlight & celebrate fresh faces revolutionizing finance, technology and business landscapes through investments that shape our tomorrow 🔮💼🎉 Nominate here: https://lnkd.in/dgNqt-Rz #VentureCapital #BusinessInsider #RisingStars #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Startups #TechInvestment #SustainableVentures #CorporateGrowthTactics #Gamechangers

In the world of startups, finding the right venture capital firm is akin to finding a long-term partner on a dating app. It's often heartbreaking and filled with gaslighting, but when you find the right fit, it's magical. A stellar VC firm embodies a synergy of essential qualities: strategic alignment, industry expertise, a supportive network, long-term partnership, and unwavering transparency and trust. Imagine a partner who not only invests in your venture but also champions your mission, understands your industry nuances, and leverages a vast network of seasoned professionals to propel your growth trajectory. Picture a relationship built on trust, where open communication and shared values pave the path for mutual success. This is the essence of a good VC firm. At F5 Collective, we're not looking for a quick fling, we're looking to partner for the long-term and help you create change. As an APAC-focused fund, we are fervent advocates for women entrepreneurs driving high-growth ventures with a global impact. We are more than investors; we are catalysts for change, empowering female founders to realise their potential and revolutionise industries through technology and social/environmental impact. Join the F5 Collective and embark on a transformative journey towards unlocking your full potential. Together, let's shape the future and redefine what's possible in the world of entrepreneurship. Your success is our mission, and with F5 Collective by your side, the possibilities are limitless. #VentureCapital #FemaleFounders #Empowerment #F5Collective

Roy Rubin and I founded R-Squared Ventures as a natural extension of our experiences as founders, CEOs, and close friends investing together as angel investors. Over two decades, we built deep relationships within the tech and venture communities in Israel and the US. After our personal exits, venture investors and founders invited us to join their cap tables - as advisors, board members, and angel investors. This gave us the chance to engage deeply with early-stage founders, and it quickly became clear: our passion wasn’t just about investing - it was about becoming true partners. Our approach centers on open, honest, founder-to-founder communication, with a no-nonsense attitude and actionable support. Whether it’s pricing, hiring, product, or go-to-market strategies, or the daily challenges founders face, we’ve been in their shoes and are here to help when needed, and preempt challenges whenever possible. We strive to be the most trusted and close partners - offering sound, experienced advice, especially on topics and challenges that founders face and sometimes hesitate to share with boards or lead investors. These relationships, rooted in trust and mutual respect, are extremely impactful, and often evolve beyond business into friendships. After making quite a few personal investments together and seeing our results and deal flow grow, we decided to institutionalize our efforts. In 2021, we launched our first fund, followed by the second in 2022 (and the third on the horizon). Backed by over 85 exceptional LPs - industry executives, investors, and founders who extend their networks, experience, and support to our portfolio companies - we’re committed to standing by founders and the tech ecosystems, continuing this journey for years to come.

Dispelling Misconceptions: A Perspective from Angel Investors In the world of startup investing, misconceptions abound. As angel investors, it's our mission to clarify and debunk these myths, empowering founders to reach their fullest potential One common misconception revolves around the notion of "lifestyle businesses" versus venture backed companies. Too often, great founders and innovative products are dismissed as "lifestyle businesses" simply because they don't fit a certain mold Let me set the record straight: as angel investors, we invest in founders and products, not just in the pursuit of raising millions in venture capital. We believe in the vision, the passion, and the potential for growth Yes, we've encountered incredible companies and visionary founders who adamantly reject the label of a "lifestyle business." They envision scaling to new heights, disrupting industries, and achieving unicorn status. And you know what? We believe in them too However, it's important to recognize that not every startup is destined for massive VC funding or a billion-dollar valuation. And that's perfectly okay. Some businesses thrive on sustainable growth, profitability, and making a meaningful impact without chasing unicorn status So, to all the founders out there who've been told they're "just a lifestyle business," I urge you to stand tall, stay true to your vision, and never let anyone diminish your potential. Whether you aim to raise millions or build a sustainable, profitable enterprise, know that your journey is valid and worthy of investment As angel investors, we're here to support you every step of the way, regardless of the path you choose Thoughts?