Equal Ventures

Equal Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on transformative companies across emerging markets and industries. It emphasizes industry transformation, the importance of digital-first platforms, sustainable energy, efficient supply chains, and innovative business models. The firm values deep research, founder partnerships, and a proactive approach to investment.

Venture Capital Industry Transformation Digital Platforms Sustainable Energy Supply Chain Management Innovative Business Models Startup Ecosystem Investment Strategies Technology and Innovation Market Trends

The hottest Substack posts of Equal Ventures

And their main takeaways

Welcoming Liz Hart to Equal Ventures!

59 implied HN points • 25 Jan 22
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Entrepreneurship Finance Sustainability
  1. Bringing talented individuals together is crucial for a company's success. Each new hire is an opportunity to further strengthen the company's goals.
  2. Liz Hart, joining Equal Ventures, brings a diverse background in areas like private equity, entrepreneurship, and climate justice. Her valuable skills and passion make her a great addition to the team.
  3. Liz Hart's role at Equal Ventures will involve utilizing her research skills across multiple sectors such as climate, retail, supply chain, insurance, and care economies. She is expected to contribute significantly to the NYC venture community.

A Note to Founders as We Head into 2023: Become the Leader Your Team Needs

19 implied HN points • 06 Jan 23
💼 Business Leadership Entrepreneurship Startups Management Investing
  1. Great companies require great leaders, who are developed through feedback and support from those around them.
  2. In 2023, founders need to focus on fundamentals like unit economics, maintain a steady hand amid market turbulence, and have patience for the long-term success of their companies.
  3. Founders should be decisive on talent, transparent about challenges, and ensure their own needs are met to be effective leaders for their teams.

Introducing the Equal Ventures Talent Network

79 implied HN points • 16 Jun 21
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Networking Recruitment Entrepreneurship
  1. Startup founders can leverage VCs to determine which startups are promising to join, as VCs have access to valuable information.
  2. Equal Ventures has launched the Talent Network to help startup operators connect with opportunities and roles in a more organized and scalable manner.
  3. The Talent Network portal assists individuals in exploring roles in venture-backed companies and also helps in finding executives and founding team members for incubations.

Buildings as Power Plants

19 implied HN points • 03 Dec 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Energy transition Decentralization Sustainability
  1. The virtual power plant (VPP) opportunity exists in sub-scale, BTM assets.
  2. Storage is the keystone of the energy transition. With storage, you are the market maker, unlike solar, where you're the price taker.
  3. Higher volatility strengthens the business case for storage and VPPs. As the grid becomes more volatile, buildings will turn to decentralized energy sources. Combining storage and VPPs enables buildings to operate as power producers.

What Matters Most: How We Develop Conviction at Seed

39 implied HN points • 14 Mar 22
💼 Business Venture Capital Decision-making
  1. Developing conviction at seed stage involves looking beyond basic metrics and focusing on long-term potential.
  2. Key factors for investing include evaluating moat trajectory, proximity to product-market fit, and identifying catalysts for market entry.
  3. Team evaluation is crucial, prioritizing qualities like grit, decision-making, and founder-market fit over pedigree.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Lessons from Plaid for a Future Energy Unicorn

39 implied HN points • 11 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Energy Data API
  1. The energy sector is undergoing a digital transformation moving towards decentralized operations with renewables, envisioning a grid that resembles the internet.
  2. Data infrastructure plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the energy industry, with a focus on API solutions specific to the energy sector.
  3. Equal Ventures shared insights on the topic with Climate Tech VC, highlighting the importance of preparing for the evolving energy landscape and advocating for data-driven solutions.

Companies Build "Capabilities" Before They Build "Moats"

19 implied HN points • 23 Oct 22
💼 Business Strategy Competitive advantage Organizational Design
  1. Companies need to focus on building 'capabilities' before establishing 'moats' for sustainable long-term value.
  2. Capabilities, like network effects and organizational design, are intangible assets driving competitive advantage.
  3. Understanding and actively working on developing specific capabilities is essential for building a strong competitive strategy.

Equal Ventures Hiring MBA Research Interns

59 implied HN points • 09 Aug 21
💼 Business Recruiting Venture Capital Research Investment Finance
  1. Equal Ventures is hiring MBA Research Interns to work on specific verticals like Care Economies, Climate / Energy, Insurance, Retail, and Supply Chain / Logistics.
  2. The role focuses on developing investment themes and a research database, providing a ground-level view at a high-growth VC fund.
  3. Ideal candidates for the internship are professional, intellectually curious, self-directed, and friendly, with experience in market research.

Welcoming MVMNT to the Equal Ventures Portfolio

19 implied HN points • 05 Oct 22
💼 Business Investment Technology Supply Chain Financial Services
  1. Equal Ventures invested in MVMNT, a platform democratizing access to software for freight shippers and brokers
  2. They use a freemium model to address the low willingness of non-digitally native industry buyers to pay for software
  3. MVMNT monetizes through fintech products like QuickPay, insurance, and payments, making their offerings free to customers

Promotions at Equal Ventures: Congratulations to Chelsea & Simran!

39 implied HN points • 21 Jan 22
💼 Business Venture Capital
  1. Equal Ventures announced promotions for Chelsea Zhang and Simran Suri, recognizing their significant contributions to the company.
  2. Chelsea Zhang's journey from intern to Senior Associate showcases her impactful work in Supply Chain and Retail, driving investments and bolstering the company's confidence in the food industry.
  3. Simran Suri's dedication to Climate and the Care Economy, despite joining remotely, demonstrates her expertise and innovative contributions, making her a valuable asset to the firm.

4 Key Trends Emerging from ITC

19 implied HN points • 03 Oct 22
💼 Business Insurance M&A Climate Risk Startups
  1. Insurance startups are exploring opportunities beyond traditional insurance, including tech-enabled solutions and business development pathways.
  2. After a decline in valuation multiples, the interest in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) within the insurance industry is resurging.
  3. Focusing on climate risk is becoming a key priority for insurers, leading to changes in underwriting approaches and investment in climate-related initiatives.

Industry Transformation: Enablement, Disruption and Competitive Dynamics Along the Value Chain

59 implied HN points • 07 Jun 21
💼 Business Transformation Disruption Industry Analysis
  1. Industry transformation involves more than just disruption; it includes enablement and impacts the entire value chain.
  2. Successful companies in industry transformation both disrupt some stakeholders and enable others within the value chain.
  3. Understanding competitive dynamics of the value chain is crucial for founders aiming to transform industries.

What is a “Prepared Mind” and why does it matter?

59 implied HN points • 18 Apr 21
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Investing
  1. Having a "prepared mind" means having an informed perspective in a specific industry or space, enabling meaningful partnerships with founders.
  2. In traditional venture capital, past experiences of VCs in specific industries were crucial for adding value to startups.
  3. As venture expands to new sectors, having a "prepared mind" tailored to those industries becomes essential for effective support and investment.

"Why Now?" and Why It Matters

39 implied HN points • 04 Oct 21
💼 Business Investment Trends Systems Innovation
  1. Investors should focus on long-term value creation rather than short-term trends.
  2. Identifying catalysts for system redesign can lead to significant impacts on industries.
  3. Having a 'prepared mind' and industry knowledge can give an edge in spotting trends early.

Equal Ventures Hiring Insurtech/Fintech Associate

39 implied HN points • 10 Aug 21
💼 Business Hiring Insurtech Investment Networking Venture Capital
  1. Equal Ventures is hiring an Insurtech Associate to focus on research, investments, and supporting founders in the insurtech space.
  2. Ideal candidates should have experience in consulting, equity research, or private equity, and a strong interest in startups and the venture ecosystem.
  3. Applicants are required to submit responses to specific questions along with their LinkedIn profile/resume for consideration.

Welcome WeeCare to the Equal Ventures Portfolio

19 implied HN points • 12 Apr 22
💼 Business Investment Startups Funding
  1. The childcare industry in the U.S. is facing challenges due to a lack of supply coupled with high demand, resulting in long waitlists and expensive tuition rates.
  2. The existing childcare market is fragmented, with a significant portion being in-home daycares, making it difficult for parents to find suitable care, leading to workforce productivity issues.
  3. WeeCare addresses the childcare accessibility problem by offering a network of daycares, nannies, and babysitters as a benefit for employers, helping parents find affordable options and manage costs efficiently.

Congrats to SmartHop! $30m more to democratize the road for truckers

19 implied HN points • 06 Apr 22
💼 Business Finance Technology Transportation Industry Entrepreneurship
  1. SmartHop received $30m to improve conditions for truckers and democratize the industry.
  2. Guillermo, the founder/CEO of SmartHop, aims to empower all truck drivers, not just a select few.
  3. Through SmartHop's innovative platform, drivers have increased earnings and efficiency, attracting industry leaders to invest in the company.

David vs. Goliath — Doubling down on David Energy to build a cleaner, more efficient and resilient energy future for us all

19 implied HN points • 28 Mar 22
💼 Business Energy Technology Investment Startups Finance
  1. Investing in energy management technology for buildings can be a strategic and cost-effective path to decarbonization.
  2. Providing energy services for free can lead to significant savings for customers and open up new monetization paths.
  3. David Energy's approach leverages energy market volatility as an opportunity and demonstrates network effects within the power industry.

Navigating the Energy Transition Amidst Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

19 implied HN points • 25 Mar 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Renewable Energy Natural Gas
  1. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has significant impacts on global energy markets due to Russia's key role as a major energy supplier.
  2. The crisis may lead to challenges in the supply chain for renewable energy materials like rare earth minerals, potentially impacting the production of green technologies like EVs.
  3. The need for energy independence and security may drive a shift towards natural gas in the short term, highlighting the importance of investing in grid infrastructure for a successful energy transition.

“Give it away, give it away, give it away now” — Counter positioning in legacy industries

19 implied HN points • 07 Mar 22
💼 Business Software Monetization Technology Adoption Business strategy
  1. Counter positioning, giving away software for free, can be a powerful strategy in getting past barriers and driving adoption in legacy industries.
  2. For some users, especially those who are not digitally native, the willingness to pay for software can be very low, creating a challenge for traditional monetization models.
  3. Identifying alternative means of monetization, such as providing superior services while offering software for free, can help companies succeed in legacy industries and encourage digital transformation.

What is a "Moat" and why does it matter?

19 implied HN points • 28 Feb 22
💼 Business Startups Investing Venture Capital Economics Strategy
  1. In the startup world, having 'moats' or durable competitive advantages is crucial for long-term success.
  2. Moats are defined by being proven, perpetuating, and permanent, providing economic leverage and sustainable margin growth.
  3. Investing in building strong moats early on can help businesses sustain value over time and outperform competitors in the long run.

The Next Mile in the Journey — Congratulations to SmartHop on their Series A led by USV

39 implied HN points • 10 Feb 21
💼 Business Investment Logistics Technology Entrepreneurship Startups
  1. SmartHop closed a $12m Series A round led by Union Square Ventures, a significant milestone demonstrating their impact in the industry.
  2. By partnering with brokers and enhancing load network efficiency, SmartHop offers better rates for drivers and cost savings without increasing IT budget.
  3. SmartHop's platform empowers truckers by providing tools to grow their businesses, enabling them to earn livable wages and supporting them through challenges like the pandemic.

Welcoming David Energy to the Equal Ventures family

39 implied HN points • 09 Feb 21
💼 Business Technology Energy Investment Startups Sustainability
  1. Equal Ventures welcomes David Energy to their family, focusing on using technology to address climate change challenges.
  2. Commercial buildings offer significant opportunity for energy efficiency improvements, with estimates suggesting major carbon footprint reduction is possible through real-time energy management solutions.
  3. David Energy aims to revolutionize energy management by providing real-time solutions, potentially democratizing access to leading energy management capabilities.

Equal's 2022 Climate Wish List

19 implied HN points • 01 Feb 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Renewable Energy Circular Economy Climate tech
  1. 2021 saw record climate funding and renewed focus on climate policy, but 2022 is anticipated to be even more promising with new talent, capital, and digital innovations entering the climate tech space.
  2. Key areas of interest in 2022 include empowering the green workforce through software solutions, turning buildings into digital power plants using batteries and EVs, and establishing data connectivity services to manage distributed energy resources effectively.
  3. The shift towards circularity is expected to grow, especially in areas like food, packaging, and materials, driving the need for software solutions that enable businesses to operate more efficiently and sustainably.

Congratulations to Leap on its $50M Series B

19 implied HN points • 28 Jan 22
💼 Business Retail Investment Startups Funding Expansion
  1. Leap, a retail platform, raised $50M in its Series B led by BAM Elevate, showing significant growth post-pandemic.
  2. Covid accelerated digital transformation, impacting the retail sector, but Leap's unique business model simplified complexities and drove costs down, leading to industry-leading results.
  3. With this funding, Leap plans to scale its platform from dozens to hundreds of locations, meeting customer demand and enhancing profitability for both the company and its customers.

2022 - A Reflection on 3 Years of Equal

19 implied HN points • 13 Jan 22
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Investing Reflection Entrepreneurship
  1. Equal Ventures had a significant year in 2021 with early investments reaching success, showcasing potential for more growth ahead.
  2. The journey of investment in ThreeFlow highlights the challenges and risks faced in venture capital, and the importance of strong support networks.
  3. Reflecting on the past three years, Equal Ventures emphasizes gratitude for supporters and aims to continue being a dedicated venture firm with a strong team and innovative approach.

What is a Tech Company?

19 implied HN points • 13 Sep 21
🕹 Technology Venture Capital Software Tech Companies
  1. Companies are starting to leverage their technological advantages instead of just selling them, expanding investment opportunities beyond traditional software companies.
  2. Some disruptors in industries like insurance are struggling with unsustainable financials, emphasizing the need for a solid business model and competitive advantage.
  3. Investors need to focus on digital leverage and creating a sustainable competitive advantage when evaluating potential tech companies to invest in.

The Rebirth of Retail

19 implied HN points • 08 Sep 21
💼 Business Retail Investment Economics Business Growth
  1. Establishing a shared offline retail platform using data optimization can result in a monopolistic advantage.
  2. Leap, a retail platform, showed resilience during the pandemic and demonstrated success in improving store performance and payback periods.
  3. The platform dynamics of Leap have led to lower operating costs, higher revenue, and increased brand trust, positioning it as an effective retail platform.

Concentration > Diversification

19 implied HN points • 30 Aug 21
💼 Business Venture Capital Investing Startups Relationships
  1. In the venture ecosystem, focusing on concentration over diversification can be crucial for survival and success.
  2. Venture firms with disciplined fund sizes and concentrated bets have a track record of achieving massive returns.
  3. Building strong relationships with founders and providing hands-on support can set a venture firm apart in a competitive market.

Hiring VC MBA Interns with experience in Insurance, Supply Chain / Logistics & Climate / Energy

19 implied HN points • 23 Mar 21
💼 Business Venture Capital Internships Recruiting Insurance Supply Chain
  1. The company is hiring MBA interns with experience in Insurance, Supply Chain/Logistics, and Climate/Energy
  2. Interns will research industry themes and investment opportunities remotely for 10 weeks in the summer, with a stipend included
  3. Ideal candidates should have experience in these sectors, be intellectually curious, professional, self-directed, and friendly

Announcing the Emerging Manager Circle

19 implied HN points • 22 Feb 21
💼 Business Venture Capital Startup Community Networking Entrepreneurship
  1. Starting a new venture fund can be both exciting and terrifying, with challenges like setting up back office procedures and managing communications.
  2. Connecting with a community of peers facing similar challenges can provide valuable support, mentorship, and resources.
  3. The Emerging Manager Circle initiative aims to democratize access to venture capital and support emerging GPs in starting their own firms.

4 Supply Chain Themes for 2021

19 implied HN points • 30 Jan 21
💼 Business Supply Chain Logistics Finance Technology Small business
  1. 2021 will be a record year for supply chain investing due to problems to solve and available capital.
  2. The rise of FBA sellers has created demand for multi-channel logistics solutions, especially for D2C brands.
  3. SMBs and mid-market seek working capital, presenting an opportunity for startups to embed trade finance solutions within the supply chain stack.

Equal’s Top Climate Themes for 2021

19 implied HN points • 27 Jan 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Electric Vehicles
  1. The economics of new energy are becoming more viable, with costs decreasing and technology advancing, leading to increased investments in green businesses.
  2. There is a growing focus on building electrification and automation in the climate tech industry, particularly in utilizing energy storage solutions within buildings to manage energy volatility and generate revenue.
  3. Efforts are being made to democratize renewables and address environmental issues in industries like fashion, along with Biden's plan to create green jobs and support workforce development in clean energy sectors.

4 InsurTech Themes We’re Excited About In 2021

19 implied HN points • 24 Jan 21
💼 Business Insurtech Investment Collaboration Innovation Healthcare
  1. Embedded Insurance trend continues with products distributed through digital platforms, offering customized solutions easily accessible like fintech products.
  2. Rising interest rates to push insurers towards reducing loss ratios and improving underwriting practices, driving innovation in distribution and data processing.
  3. Collaboration across the insurance value chain increases, with carriers and brokers focusing on digital adoption for efficient distribution and enhanced customer experience.

Finding “Founder <> Investor Fit”

19 implied HN points • 16 Jan 21
💼 Business Venture Capital Investor Relations Startups Entrepreneurship Company dynamics
  1. Investor-founder fit is crucial in venture dynamics. This involves understanding if you need a cheerleader or a trainer investor.
  2. Investors can be categorized as cheerleaders or trainers - those who offer support and those who push for improvement.
  3. Knowing the type of investor you want, whether hands-on or hands-off, is important for aligning expectations and achieving success in your startup.

Announcing the Seed and Series A of ThreeFlow

19 implied HN points • 15 Jan 21
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Technology Insurtech Entrepreneurship
  1. ThreeFlow announced funding and rebranding as a benefits placement system connecting brokers and carriers.
  2. Equal Ventures led ThreeFlow's seed round after building a relationship and seeing potential in the company.
  3. ThreeFlow has become a rapidly growing company in the insurtech landscape by focusing on efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Promoting Ali Afridi to Principal

19 implied HN points • 11 Jan 21
💼 Business Venture Capital Entrepreneurship Promotion Team Building Career development
  1. Ali Afridi's determination and eagerness to learn led him to drop out of college to pursue a career in the venture community, showing his unique perspective and intelligence.
  2. Cognitive diversity is valued in the workplace, as demonstrated by Ali Afridi's ability to bring impactful insights and expose blind spots, making the team smarter and better.
  3. Ali Afridi's promotion to Principal after his impactful contributions and continuous pursuit of knowledge showcases the value of investing in talented individuals within a firm.

The Turning Point

19 implied HN points • 08 Jan 21
🕹 Technology Innovation Capital Markets Democracy Society History
  1. Innovation cycles start with epochal events and lead to wealth accumulation, societal disruption, and increased wealth gaps.
  2. During Turning Points, society becomes contentious with growing inequality, political polarization, and historic patterns of chaos.
  3. The future may bring either a Golden Age of broad prosperity or a darker path of dismantling institutions, emphasizing the need for historical understanding and empathy.