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Visible Hands is a venture capital firm founded in 2020 by Justin Kang, Daniel Acheampong, and Yasmin Cruz Ferrine. The firm is based in the United States and focuses on supporting underrepresented founders, particularly women and people of color, in launching high-growth startups. Visible Hands addresses barriers to accessing capital, resources, and connections, aiming to create a more inclusive startup ecosystem.
As of now, Visible Hands manages an $11 million fund and has made over 57 investments across various sectors. The firm operates programs such as the VHNYC and VHBOS Founder Fellowships, which provide tailored support to founders. The firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its operational model, which combines venture capital with accelerator programs.
Visible Hands has established partnerships with organizations like Google for Startups and Amazon, enhancing its support for underrepresented founders. The firm’s notable milestones include the successful launch of its fellowship programs and a growing portfolio that spans multiple geographic locations.
Visible Hands invests primarily in early-stage, underrepresented founders who are building high-growth, tech and tech-enabled businesses. The firm focuses on pre-seed and seed stages, with a check size range of $25,000 to $200,000. Key sectors of interest include consumer products, fintech, healthcare, beauty, enterprise software, and financial services.
The firm’s investment strategy emphasizes addressing barriers to capital access and providing tailored support to its founders. Visible Hands seeks to partner with founders who demonstrate a strong vision and the potential for scalable growth. The firm’s structured pipeline programs, including fellowship initiatives, help identify and develop promising founders before investment.
Visible Hands operates globally, with a particular focus on the United States. The firm’s commitment to diversity is reflected in its investment thesis, which prioritizes women and founders of color. This approach not only enhances the startup ecosystem but also drives innovation across various sectors.
Visible Hands has made over 57 investments, showcasing a diverse portfolio of companies across various sectors and locations. Notable portfolio companies include:
The portfolio spans various locations, including New York, Boston, Chicago, Lagos, and Nairobi, reflecting the firm’s global investment strategy. Visible Hands continues to actively deploy capital into early-stage companies, focusing on those led by underrepresented founders.
Yasmin Cruz Ferrine: General Partner at Visible Hands, Yasmin has a background in venture capital and entrepreneurship. She has previously worked with various startups and has a strong focus on supporting underrepresented founders.
Daniel Acheampong: General Partner, Daniel has extensive experience in venture capital and has led investments in multiple sectors. He is dedicated to fostering diversity in the startup ecosystem.
Justin Kang: General Partner and co-founder, Justin has a background in technology and finance. He has been instrumental in shaping the firm's investment strategy and operational model.
Hannah Griffin: Director of Platform Strategy & Operations, Hannah oversees the firm's operational initiatives and ensures that founders receive the necessary support throughout their journey.
Kerry Ingram: Director of Brand & Marketing, Kerry is responsible for the firm's branding and outreach efforts, helping to raise awareness about Visible Hands and its mission.
Monica Roman: Chief of Staff, Investments, Monica plays a key role in managing the investment process and supporting the firm's portfolio companies.
Eli Ogues: Executive Assistant, Eli provides administrative support to the team and helps facilitate communication within the firm.
Michelene Wilkerson: Platform Network Manager, Michelene focuses on building and maintaining relationships within the firm's network to enhance support for founders.
To pitch to Visible Hands, founders should visit the firm's website at Visible Hands and apply through the designated fellowship programs. The firm prefers applications that include a clear business plan, market analysis, and details about the founding team. Founders should expect a response time of several weeks, as the firm carefully evaluates each application.
Visible Hands encourages founders to provide information on how their startup addresses barriers faced by underrepresented communities. A warm introduction is beneficial but not required, as the firm is committed to supporting diverse founders.
Visible Hands runs the Visible Hands Fellowship programs, including VHNYC and VHBOS, which provide tailored support to early-stage founders. These programs offer mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities to help founders navigate the challenges of building a startup.
Eligibility for the fellowship programs typically includes being an underrepresented founder with a tech or tech-enabled business at the pre-seed or seed stage. Interested applicants can apply through the Visible Hands website for more information on how to participate.
As of March 2023, Visible Hands has made over 57 investments in early-stage companies led by underrepresented founders. The firm operates programs such as the VHNYC and VHBOS Founder Fellowships, which provide tailored support to its founders.
Visible Hands continues to actively deploy capital, utilizing a two-check model that includes an initial investment of $25,000 and up to $150,000 in follow-on funding. The firm has established partnerships with organizations like Google for Startups and Amazon to enhance its support for underrepresented founders.
In 2022, Visible Hands launched its VHLX program specifically for Latino/Latinx founders, further expanding its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the startup ecosystem.
What are Visible Hands' investment criteria?
Visible Hands primarily invests in early-stage startups led by underrepresented founders, particularly women and people of color. The firm focuses on pre-seed and seed stages, with a check size range of $25,000 to $200,000. Key sectors include consumer products, fintech, healthcare, and beauty.
How can founders apply or pitch to Visible Hands?
Founders can apply through the Visible Hands website. The firm encourages applications through its fellowship programs rather than cold pitches. Interested founders should visit Visible Hands for more information.
What makes Visible Hands different from other venture capital firms?
Visible Hands is dedicated to supporting underrepresented founders and addresses barriers to accessing capital and resources. The firm combines venture capital with a structured accelerator program, providing comprehensive support to its founders.
What is the geographic scope of Visible Hands' investments?
Visible Hands invests globally, with a primary focus on the United States. The firm has made investments in various locations, including New York, Boston, Chicago, Lagos, and Nairobi.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Visible Hands have?
Visible Hands offers a full founder development platform, including a 14-week accelerator program, fellowship programs, and wellness retreats for founders. The firm partners with organizations like Google for Startups and Amazon to enhance support for its portfolio companies.
What is the fund size and how many investments has Visible Hands made?
Visible Hands manages an $11 million fund and has made over 57 investments to date, focusing on early-stage companies led by underrepresented founders.
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