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Retina Equity Partners LLC is a micro-venture capital firm founded in January 2021 and based in Oakland, California. The firm originated in Houston, Texas, before expanding its operations to Oakland. Retina Equity Partners focuses on closing the generational wealth gap for minority investors by crowdsourcing investments in early seed-stage funds for minority startups globally. This approach allows individuals who typically lack the connections or financial means to invest in startups to participate in the venture capital landscape.
The firm currently manages a diverse portfolio of 100 companies, emphasizing its commitment to investing in minority-founded businesses. Retina Equity Partners operates without a traditional institutional LP base, instead relying on contributions from minority individuals, which start at $1,000 to $5,000. This model enables the firm to pool these investments to meet the typical $25,000 minimums required for seed fund access.
Retina Equity Partners aims to build generational wealth in underserved communities through its community-driven investment model. The firm is actively promoting its mission to increase minority representation in venture capital and create opportunities for minority investors.
Retina Equity Partners adopts an industry-agnostic investment strategy, focusing on minority-based startups across various sectors. The firm targets seed-stage and Series A investments, specifically seeking companies with a market size of $300 million or more that are poised for growth. Their investment criteria include a full-time founder and a strong founding team, along with a clear problem-solving focus and an attractive valuation.
The firm emphasizes its commitment to democratizing venture capital access for minority investors. By pooling small contributions from individuals, Retina Equity Partners enables these investors to participate in funding minority-founded startups. This approach not only increases deal flow but also fosters a sense of community among investors and entrepreneurs alike.
Retina Equity Partners maintains a diverse portfolio of 100 minority-based startups in their seed stage. While specific portfolio companies are not listed, the firm emphasizes its commitment to investing in businesses that align with their investment criteria. This includes a focus on minority-founded companies across various industries, reflecting their industry-agnostic approach.
The firm’s portfolio strategy is designed to support startups that have the potential for significant growth and impact. By investing in these companies, Retina Equity Partners aims to contribute to the economic empowerment of minority communities and help close the wealth gap.
Jonathan Michael Amos - Founder and Managing Partner. Jonathan has a background in venture capital and entrepreneurship, focusing on increasing minority representation in the industry. He has led various initiatives aimed at empowering minority investors and supporting minority-founded startups.
To pitch to Retina Equity Partners, founders should reach out via email at Jonathan_Amos@Retinaequitypartners.com. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the startup's vision, market opportunity, and team qualifications. The firm encourages pitches that highlight the startup's potential for growth and its alignment with their mission of supporting minority-founded businesses.
Response times may vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, but cold outreach is also accepted.
As of October 2023, Retina Equity Partners continues to promote its mission of closing the wealth gap for minority investors. The firm has been actively engaging with the community to raise awareness about the importance of diversity in venture capital.
Recent activities include outreach efforts to attract minority investors and partnerships with organizations that align with their mission. While specific investments or exits have not been detailed, the firm remains committed to its goal of investing in 100+ minority-based businesses over the next 20 years.
What are Retina Equity Partners' investment criteria?
Retina Equity Partners invests in minority-founded startups at the seed and Series A stages. They look for companies with a market size of $300 million or more, a full-time founder, a strong founding team, and a clear problem-solving focus.
How can I apply or pitch to Retina Equity Partners?
Founders can pitch their startups by reaching out via email at Jonathan_Amos@Retinaequitypartners.com. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Retina Equity Partners different from other VC firms?
Retina Equity Partners focuses on closing the wealth gap for minority investors by crowdsourcing investments from individuals. This community-driven model allows for smaller contributions, making venture capital more accessible to those who typically lack the means to invest.
What is the geographic scope of Retina Equity Partners' investments?
The firm primarily invests in minority-based startups located in North America, but they are open to opportunities globally that align with their mission.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Retina Equity Partners pools individual contributions ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to meet the typical $25,000 minimum investment thresholds required for seed funding.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Retina Equity Partners have?
While specific details on post-investment involvement are not disclosed, the firm emphasizes building generational wealth in underserved communities, suggesting a commitment to supporting portfolio companies beyond the initial investment.
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