Backed VC, a London-based seed-stage venture capital firm, launched its scout program in July 2019 to expand deal sourcing and invest in promising early-stage companies. The scout program represents a shift toward distributed sourcing, recognizing that exceptional founders and companies often exist outside the traditional venture networks of major VC firms. The program was designed with careful attention to scout incentives and firm dynamics. Scouts receive compensation for successful referrals that result in either company investments or internal hires at Backed portfolio companies, creating alignment between scout activity and firm outcomes. The inaugural cohort included five scouts, among them Cambridge machine-learning student Jessica Yung and Femstreet newsletter author Sarah Noeckel, demonstrating Backed's focus on recruiting talent with specialized expertise and strong founder networks. Backed positions the scout role as a meaningful extension of the firm, not a transactional arrangement. Scouts sit in on investment committee deal flow meetings, gaining direct exposure to how the firm evaluates opportunities. Executive coaching for six months helps scouts refine their investment thesis and sourcing skills. The firm emphasizes pride in its scout network, with Backed leadership stating: "When scouts are representing us, we're proud of that." This speaks to a deliberate strategy to recruit scouts who embody the firm's values and brand.