Molly Mielke on What Makes a Founder Worth Betting On
Collaborative Investing: The Power of Smaller Checks
Mielke advocates for writing smaller, collaborative checks rather than leading rounds, believing this allows her to provide more impactful, generalist support without the pressure of being the lead investor. This strategy fosters deeper, more honest relationships with founders and allows her to play a unique role across various funding scenarios.
The Role of Grants and Goodwill
Mielke views her grant program as a marketing expense and a way to demonstrate her fund's mission and long-term commitment to people, even without direct investment returns. These grants support individuals who she believes should be taken seriously, fostering goodwill and supporting the broader ecosystem. She notes that her Limited Partners (LPs) have not raised concerns, likely due to filtering mechanisms that ensure alignment with her fund's ethos, and because other funds often spend significantly more on marketing.
