Introduction

Initialized Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups. Founded by Alexis Ohanian and Garry Tan, it has a portfolio of successful companies including Coinbase, Instacart, and Cruise. In this interview, we talk to Tan Ohanian (no relation to Alexis Ohanian) and Konrad, partners at Initialized Capital, about their investment philosophy and what they look for in startups.

Investment Philosophy

Tan and Konrad believe that the best way to predict the future is to create it. They look for startups that are building products and services that they would want to use themselves. They invest in founders who are passionate about their products and have a deep understanding of their customers. They also look for companies that have a clear path to revenue and profitability.

Initialized Capital is not afraid to take risks on early-stage startups. They believe that the biggest returns come from companies that are disrupting industries and creating new markets. They also look for companies that have a strong team with diverse backgrounds and skill sets.

Investing in Diversity

Initialized Capital is committed to investing in diverse founders and teams. Tan and Konrad believe that diversity leads to better decision-making and more innovative products. They have made a conscious effort to invest in women- and minority-led startups.

They also believe that diversity is not just about gender and ethnicity. They look for companies that are inclusive and have a culture of openness and respect. They believe that companies with diverse teams are more likely to create products that appeal to a broader audience.

Investing in AI and Machine Learning

Tan and Konrad are particularly interested in startups that are using AI and machine learning to solve complex problems. They believe that these technologies have the potential to transform many industries, from healthcare to transportation.

They are also interested in startups that are using AI and machine learning to create new products and services. They believe that these technologies can help companies better understand their customers and create more personalized experiences.

Investing in Climate Change

Initialized Capital is also committed to investing in companies that are working to address climate change. They believe that this is one of the biggest challenges facing humanity and that startups have an important role to play in finding solutions.

They are particularly interested in companies that are using technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create more sustainable products and services. They believe that these companies have the potential to create significant impact while also generating attractive returns for investors.

Investing During a Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the startup ecosystem. Tan and Konrad believe that this is a time of both challenge and opportunity for startups.

They believe that the pandemic has accelerated certain trends, such as the shift to remote work and the adoption of e-commerce. They are interested in startups that are capitalizing on these trends and creating new solutions for the post-pandemic world.

Conclusion

Tan Ohanian and Konrad, partners at Initialized Capital, have a unique investment philosophy that focuses on investing in diverse teams, AI and machine learning, and addressing climate change. They believe that startups have the potential to create significant impact while also generating attractive returns for investors.