As partners at E1 Ventures, our deep involvement in the startup ecosystem over the past decade has been both a journey of informed decision-making and a process of learning from our experiences. This odyssey has led us to develop a set of convictions that align with the insights of respected figures within our network. Our narrative goes beyond a traditional investment thesis; it represents a comprehensive vision for the future, informed by years of active participation and strategic partnerships within the vibrant startup landscape.
1. Central to our investment focus is the transformative potential of machine intelligence and quantum computing. We recognize these fields as the forefront of technological evolution, poised to redefine industries and societal functions with their pervasive impact. E1 Ventures is dedicated to investments that harness these technologies, aiming to lead a new era of ubiquitous, transformative solutions.
2. Smart individuals and smart societies consistently outperform their less intelligent counterparts across multiple metrics. Our perspective is that intelligence experiences an ascending trajectory. Firstly, as an increasing number of intelligent individuals worldwide become part of the techno-capital system. Secondly, as people establish mutually beneficial connections with machines, giving rise to novel cybernetic systems. Lastly, Artificial Intelligence amplifies the capabilities of both our machines and ourselves.
3. We are committed to supporting entrepreneurs who embody the essence of Effective Accelerationism (e/acc). This philosophy underlines our belief in accelerating towards a technologically advanced future by backing innovators who drive significant societal progress through their ventures.
4. Our philosophy centers around a strategic commitment to invest in exceptional founders who have demonstrated success in education, venture building, or have deep domain expertise in their respective fields. We believe that the individuals behind the ventures are as critical as the technologies they develop, and our focus on founder experience and expertise is designed to position our investments at the forefront of technological progress.
5. E1 Ventures employs a co-investment model, partnering with leading funds to combine expertise and resources. Our strategy leverages deep connections with industry pioneers, academic institutions, and innovation hubs to identify and capitalize on the most promising opportunities.
6. We uphold a steadfast belief in the U.S. as a cornerstone of innovation, despite its challenges. Our investment approach is geared towards supporting the growth of the U.S. venture capital ecosystem, a hub for talent and groundbreaking companies, in line with our accelerationist values.
7. Our engagement with portfolio companies extends beyond financial backing. We provide strategic guidance, access to a vital network, and opportunities for engagement through events in Silicon Valley. This commitment is aimed at fostering an ecosystem conducive to innovation, strategic collaboration, and the cultivation of industry leaders for a rapidly evolving future.
Our mission at E1 Ventures is to expedite the evolution of technology and society by investing across a spectrum of pivotal sectors: AI, Biotechnology, Blockchain, Gaming, AR/VR, and Energy. Our objective extends beyond facilitating expansion, aiming to ignite a future dominated by technology’s role in enhancing societal well-being and prosperity.
Search Criteria
When making our investment decisions, we look for the following:
Founders and Teams
- Unwavering commitment to the problem, demonstrating a decade-long dedication.
- Unprecedented accomplishments or a singular track record.
Indicators
- Fundraising savvy influencing the cost of later capital.
- Unique value proposition for talent attraction.
- Ability to endure success, going the distance.
Essential criteria
- Ability to build diverse, inclusive teams.
- Articulation of next steps and goals.
- US based.
- E/acc philosophy followers.
Product and Market
- A wow-inducing product experience or remarkable early growth metrics.
- Customers eager to pay full price immediately, becoming evangelists.
- Exclusive access to customers as a competitive edge.
- Perfect timing, seizing the moment now.
Indicators
- A clear, narrow, and influential target market.
- Singular focus on a key metric, often engagement or satisfaction.
- Resisting transient business trends.
- Potential to be the market’s primary service.
- Distinct capability for actual value proposition.
- Clear understanding of direct competitors and superiority in the market.
Business and Economics
- Clear purpose for raising capital and venture capital.
Deal Terms
Indicators
- Balanced risk and reward ratio.
- Pro rata rights, information rights, and support from other investors.
- Eagerness to invest more in successful scenarios.
