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One Way Ventures is a Boston-based venture capital firm founded in 2017 by Semyon Dukach, a former Director of Techstars Boston. The firm is dedicated to supporting immigrant founders in the United States and Canada, focusing on pre-seed and seed stage investments. One Way Ventures operates under the belief that immigrant-led companies have historically outperformed their peers, a trend that Dukach has observed and aims to capitalize on.
Currently, One Way Ventures manages approximately $58 million across its funds, with a total of 85 investments made to date. The firm emphasizes that technology should serve as a force for good, ensuring that opportunities are accessible regardless of one's birthplace. Their commitment to immigrant entrepreneurs is reflected in their investment strategy and the various initiatives they run to support these founders.
One Way Ventures invests primarily in high-impact global companies founded by immigrants, targeting sectors such as fintech, consumer technology, healthcare, logistics, mobility, proptech, AI, and robotics. The firm focuses on pre-seed and seed stage investments, with check sizes reaching up to $1.5 million. Their investment thesis is rooted in the belief that immigrant entrepreneurs play a crucial role in driving innovation and economic growth, yet their success is often undervalued.
One Way Ventures seeks to remove systemic barriers tied to geographic origin, providing capital and strategic support to help immigrant founders navigate the challenges of building businesses in a new environment. The firm is committed to backing founders regardless of their immigration status or country of origin, reinforcing their mission to foster inclusivity in the startup ecosystem.
One Way Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of 85 companies, showcasing their commitment to immigrant-led startups. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies reflect the firm's focus on sectors that are critical to innovation and economic development.
Semyon Dukach - Founding Partner; previously Director of Techstars Boston, recognized as a top VC in New England by Boston Globe. He has a background in entrepreneurship with multiple successful exits.
Lex Zhao - Managing Partner; brings extensive experience in venture capital and startup growth, focusing on strategic investments.
Eugene Malobrodsky - Managing Partner; specializes in technology investments and has a strong track record in scaling startups.
Rhie Lim - Partner, Global Strategy; focuses on international market expansion and strategic partnerships.
Mimi Yagoub - Head of Communications; oversees the firm's communication strategy and public relations efforts.
Leo Arango - Venture Partner; has a background in operational roles within startups, providing insights into scaling businesses.
Masha Levin - Venture Partner; focuses on investment analysis and portfolio management.
Nadia Asoyan - Venture Partner; specializes in market research and competitive analysis.
Philippe Kalaf - Venture Partner; has experience in product development and technology commercialization.
Victor Santos - Venture Scout; identifies promising startups and emerging trends in the market.
Devan Malhotra - Venture Scout; focuses on sourcing new investment opportunities.
Nicole Glaros - Advisor; provides strategic guidance based on her extensive experience in the startup ecosystem.
Andy Sack - Advisor; offers insights into venture capital and startup growth strategies.
Simeon Simeonov - Advisor; specializes in technology investments and innovation.
To pitch One Way Ventures, founders should use the contact form available on their website or email them directly at info@onewayvc.com. It is important to include a comprehensive business plan, details about the founding team, and the startup's market potential in the pitch deck. Founders can expect a response within a few weeks, depending on the volume of inquiries.
Warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory. The firm values clarity and conciseness in pitches, so founders should aim to communicate their vision effectively.
One Way Ventures runs the Pathfinders Program, designed to support immigrant founders through mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. This program aims to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of building a business in a new environment.
Additionally, the firm hosts the One Way Summit, an annual event that brings together immigrant founders, investors, and industry experts to share insights and foster collaboration.
In Q1 2024, One Way Ventures released their latest newsletter, highlighting their ongoing commitment to supporting immigrant entrepreneurs. The firm has also announced the upcoming One Way Summit for 2025, which will focus on fostering connections among immigrant founders and investors.
In recent months, One Way Ventures has made several notable investments, including in companies like Tabs and Deduction, reflecting their focus on innovative solutions in fintech and AI. The firm continues to expand its portfolio, emphasizing the importance of immigrant-led businesses in driving economic growth.
What are One Way Ventures' investment criteria?
One Way Ventures focuses on investing in immigrant-founded companies at the pre-seed and seed stages. They target high-impact global companies across various sectors, including fintech, consumer technology, healthcare, logistics, mobility, proptech, AI, and robotics.
How can founders apply or pitch to One Way Ventures?
Founders can pitch to One Way Ventures through their website at onewayvc.com/contact or via email at info@onewayvc.com. It is recommended to include a detailed business plan and information about the founding team.
What makes One Way Ventures different from other VC firms?
One Way Ventures is uniquely focused on immigrant founders, believing that they contribute significantly to innovation and economic growth. The firm aims to remove systemic barriers tied to geographic origin, providing both capital and strategic support.
What is the geographic scope of One Way Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in the United States and Canada, supporting founders regardless of their immigration status or country of origin.
What is the typical fund size and check size for investments?
One Way Ventures manages approximately $58 million across its funds, with check sizes typically reaching up to $1.5 million.
What kind of post-investment involvement does One Way Ventures have?
One Way Ventures provides strategic support to its portfolio companies, helping founders navigate the challenges of building a business in a new environment. They run various initiatives, including the Pathfinders Program, to further assist these entrepreneurs.
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