Startup Studio Newsletter | ED55
This week's newsletter features stories from Polymath Ventures, Denis Kovalevich, NEXT176 + news from 25madison, Crypto Oasis, super{set}, Antler, Falmouth University, Appolica, & MeshMesh.
What sets the best Venture Studios apart from the rest?
Sure, there are many factors but if you had to pick just one - what would you say?
Maybe you’re going with funding- the best Studios have the most money. Or perhaps name brand/ famous founder. You might consider access to deals or even location.
What you’re unlikely to guess is that the best Venture Studios in the world stand out simply because they pick winning ideas and back capable founders.
Well, duh.
But HOW do they pick winners?
That’s less obvious.
Every Studio that succeeds long term has a meticulously crafted (and constantly updated) strategy for scouting, vetting, and choosing what to work on and who to work with. This is called a Deal Assessment Framework and it’s critical to success.
🤨 Do you have a clearly written Deal Assement Framework available to anyone on your team at any time?
🤨 Are all members of your team evaluating deals and founders with the same criteria?
Be honest. For most Studios, I’m going to guess the answer is no.
That’s why I wrote an arrticle this week on how to craft a Venture Studio specific Deal Assessment Framework.
Amoung many criteria unique to your Studio, here are 5 key points to hit:
🧩 Studio-Founder Fit
⏰ Market Timing
⚖️ Thesis Alignment
🚀 Idea Viability
🤝 Team Dynamics and Founder-Market Fit
In the article I break each of these down and offer some tactical examples from my experience developing Deal Assessment Fameworks for Studios I’ve worked with.
If updating or creating this Studio strategy is on your to-do list, I encourage you to 👉 read the full article.
Studio Stories
📝 Ideation, the Starting Point for Company Building - Polymath Ventures
📝 The Roast of a Startup Studio Model (part 1) - Denis Kovalevich, Founder and ex-CEO of the deeptech venture studio
🎥 Derisk your startup with a new way to build startups in Africa using a Venture Studio - How Would You Build It Podcast featuring Tramayne Monaghan, Chief Ventures Officer @ NEXT176 Venture Studio
Studio News
25madison Joins Forces with Apollo to Launch 25m Evolve, an AI Venture Studio
Crypto Oasis Ventures Opens New Venture Studio Office At DIFC Innovation Hub
Antler Publishes 2023 ESG and Impact Report, Shaping Sustainability in VC
Appolica Venture Studio Launches to Invest €600k in four startups this year
Studio Jobs
Staff Accountant - High Alpha Innovation (Remote)
Founder In Residence - Mamazen Startup Studio (On Site, Italy)
Director - SEI Venture Studio (On Site, Pennsylvania)
P.S
10 NEW Studios were added to the Global Studio Database this week - check it out!
That’s all for this issue, if you enjoyed it consider sharing with peers and fellow Studio friends. To connect with me, I’m always available on LinkedIn or Twitter!