Startups often focus on early validation and contract from key customers, which can significantly boost their valuation. However, this myopic view creates wide blind-spots if the rest of the ecosystem partners are not appropriately engaged in a timely manner. These startups do well in the beginning but cannot cross the proverbial “chasm” to reach the pragmatist buyers or major customer segment. Thus, an aspiring unicorn becomes a life-style business at the best, and loses everything a lot many times. #stuckinachasm 

As a long-time industry practitioner, product buyer, investor, and advisor to startups, I have had the privilege of observing many startups through their incubation and scaling journeys. Unfortunately, I have also seen some that dazzled early only to fickle later.

At Momo VC, we embrace an ecosystem-driven approach to venture investing. We leverage our extensive experience, active engagement and a robust network of entrepreneurial support partners including incubators, accelerators, subject matter experts, professional associations, and academia, etc. #ecosystemapproach #beyondvalidation

This approach allows us to enhance the value we provide to startups while mitigating risks.

Unique Benefits of Our Ecosystem Approach:

1. Access to Deal Flow

   • A stronger pipeline of opportunities

   • Diversified deal sources

2. Improved Due Diligence

   • Pre-vetted startups through ecosystem partnerships

   • Industry and Domain-specific insights

3. Stronger Founder Relationships

   • Early engagement with founders

   • Opportunities to serve as mentors

4. Support Infrastructure for Portfolio Companies

   • Access to partner resources

   • Comprehensive market intelligence

5. Co-investment and Syndication

   • Shared investments

   • Access to broader partnership networks

6. Access to Talents

   • Connection to founder networks

   • Engagement with advisor pools

By combining the strengths of traditional venture capital with the collaborative networks of ecosystem builders, we create a unique approach to venture investing. This model fosters rapid scaling, expands exit options, and reduces investment risks.

We are very excited about the potential of this approach to transform venture investing.