Meet Teal Impact, a new venture capital firm launching with help from the VC Lab venture capital accelerator. The fund is launching to invest in Founders with a passion and business pursuing impact, and here is our interview with a founding partner, Filipe Portela.
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QUESTION 1: What did you study in school, and what were you doing before you entered the world of venture capital?
I started my career by being a physiotherapist. One of the biggest challenges was making a 180 degree shift from being a physiotherapist to becoming a startup consultant and ecosystem builder. That was quite dramatic!
QUESTION 2: Why are you inspired to be working in the field of venture capital and what most excites you about being an investor?
Venture Capital is a constant ride of challenge and leaning. With the execution of our fund, we'll achieve our vision of a 3P World: People, Planet & Profit.
QUESTION 3: What are the most important attributes that you look for in an entrepreneur when evaluating them for investment?
1 - Be you. We look for honest and transparent founders.
2 - Be clear on why you are building the business. Remember our first rule when articulating this to us.
3 - Show some traction. For us, this means having some proof that the market wants this or will pay for this.
QUESTION 4: How has having a positive impact and the Mensarius Oath affected the work that you are doing in venture capital?
We are looking to invest in Lockstep Impact business models. These are businesses that are actively contributing for a solution of a problem where the more that they sell, the higher that the positive impact will be.
QUESTION 5: In what ways has the VC Lab program and community helped you to develop your fund?
The program helped us to articulate our thesis. Teal Impact replicates the partners individual success, as we have a cumulative portfolio of 50 impact investments with a 12x return. We know how to monetize impact.
Are there any other updates that you want to share about your new fund or ask of the readers?
One of the topics that most attracts me nowadays is Biohacking. How to increase one's productivity and self just by improving eating, resting and working habits.
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This content is provided by VC Lab, the YC for VC. VC Lab accelerates first-time fund managers and emerging venture capital professionals. Learn more at:
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