# How to choose a venture capital fund for cooperation?

Funding is not just about getting money. This is an agreement that can determine the fate of a startup for several years to come. An erroneous choice of fund leads to conflicts, loss of time, loss of control over the company. If you haven't interacted with venture investors before, this article will help you figure out what to look for, how to behave and what questions to ask.

## Why you shouldn't agree to the first option

When choosing an investor, it is important not to rush. Some startups, having received an offer from the fund, accept it without unnecessary questions - simply because there is an offer. It can be costly.

Example: An agrotech startup received investments from a fund that had no experience in hardware solutions. A few months later, conflicts arose: the investor did not understand how production cycles work, and demanded reporting that the team could not provide. As a result - failure to meet deadlines, increased tension, disbandment of the team.

The fund should be suitable not only for the amount of investment, but also for expectations, communication style, experience and level of support.

## What distinguishes a suitable fund from an unsuitable one

There are three main criteria by which you can tentatively understand whether the fund is suitable for your project.

### Stage at which the fund operates

Funds vary in what stage of development they are willing to invest. Some work with ideas and prototypes, others only with companies that already have revenue.

Before going to the fund, you should ask yourself questions:

* At what stage is my startup;
* Do we have revenue;
* Are we ready to show an increase in metrics

If your project is at the idea stage, you should not waste time on funds that only work with Series A.

### Industry specialization

Funds usually focus on certain markets: fintech, healthcare, AI, SaaS, ecology. Even if the fund is ready to invest in you, but does not understand the specifics of your field, it is unlikely to be a useful partner.

Check the fund portfolio. If there are similar companies among portfolio projects, this is a plus. This suggests that the investor knows how processes work in your area and will be able to connect expertise and connections.

### Reputation and transparency

Funds rarely share failures. Therefore, it is best to communicate with the founders who have already worked with this fund. Ask directly:

* Did the investor help after the deal
* Did you interfere with operations
* Were there any difficulties at the stage of going out of business

Funds with bad reputations can put the brakes on a company's growth, create internal conflict or simply fail to deliver on promises.

## Questions worth asking an investor

It is important to remember: this is not an exam where an investor evaluates you. This is a dialogue. You also have to understand who you're going to work with. Below is a list of questions to ask a representative of the foundation at the first or second meeting:

![](img/снимок-экрана-2025-05-14-150727.png)

These questions will help identify the weaknesses and strengths of the potential partner.

## How to look for funds

1. Step-by-step instructions:
2. Identify the stage of your startup: prototype, growth, scaling 
3. Make a list of funds operating at this stage. Use sources:\
   Crunchbase,Dealroom, AngelList, accelerator and venture studio websites
4. Select funds by industry
5. Explore briefcase and cases
6. Find warm contacts through mentors, consultants, entrepreneurs
7. Interview
8. Ask portfolio funders for feedback

## Examples of successful fund selection

### Reface + Andreessen Horowitz

Reface has entered the international market with a product in the field of generative technologies. The foundation evaluated the potential of personalized content and provided funding without interfering with governance, but helping with entry into the U.S. market.

### Preply + Hoxton Ventures

EdTech startup Preply was looking not just for money, but for support in entering the European market. Hoxton Ventures invested at an early stage and became a link with new partners in the UK.

### People.ai + Lightspeed Venture Partners

The American-Ukrainian startup received support from the fund with expertise in B2B sales. The fund helped not only with money, but also with the strategy of entering the US market.

### What to do after the fund interests you

1. Find at least two funders from the fund's portfolio and chat with them
2. Ask for details on standard conditions
3. Clarify who will be your primary contact in the fund
4. Check the legal aspects of the agreement through an independent lawyer
5. Don't be afraid to refuse if conditions don't meet expectations

## Final thoughts

Choosing a venture capital fund is not a search for money, but a search for a partner. The more carefully you approach this process, the more chances that your business will grow sustainably and without unnecessary conflicts. There is no universal "best fund" - there are those that are right for you. And it is quite possible to find it if you take your time and ask the right questions.

This article will help you figure out what to look for, how to behave and what questions to ask.

How to choose a venture capital fund for cooperation?

# Gen Z as founders, how they are acting?

The face of entrepreneurship is getting younger. Gen Z — those born between 1997 and 2012 — are stepping into the startup game with bold ideas, a native fluency in technology, and a defiant attitude toward outdated systems. Unlike previous generations who followed the traditional playbook of college degrees, corporate ladders, and slow career growth, Gen Z is rewriting the rules in real-time. They’re not waiting for permission or funding to build businesses — they’re doing it in their bedrooms, on Discord servers, and through social platforms. But what’s really behind this shift? Why are Gen Zers turning to entrepreneurship in such large numbers — and how are they reshaping what it means to be a founder?

Let’s break it down!

## A generation raised on the internet

To understand Gen Z’s approach to entrepreneurship, you need to understand the environment they grew up in

This generation didn’t witness the birth of the internet — they were born into it. By the time many Gen Zers hit their teens, smartphones and social media were already deeply integrated into everyday life. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok didn’t just entertain them — they educated and inspired them. Gen Z had access to tutorials, startup journeys, side hustle breakdowns, and business failure post-mortems all at their fingertips

They saw creators like Emma Chamberlain go from YouTube vlogger to fashion icon and business owner. They watched Ben Francis build Gymshark into a billion-dollar brand before turning 30. They followed startups like Glossier and Canva — led by young founders disrupting legacy industries. And the message was clear: you don’t have to wait until you're older or have an MBA to start something meaningful.

![Image by cake.com](img/снимок-экрана-2025-04-10-143007.png "Image by cake.com")

Image by [cake.com](https://cake.com/empowered-team/gen-z-workforce-statistics/)

## Why is Gen Z choosing entrepreneurship?

There are several key reasons why Gen Z is increasingly choosing to launch their ventures instead of pursuing traditional 9-to-5 careers

### 1. Economic uncertainty

Gen Z came of age during — and after — the Great Recession. They saw their Millennial siblings struggle with debt and underemployment. Then the pandemic hit during their formative years. These repeated economic shocks made it clear that job security no longer exists. A 2023 report by Deloitte found that 46% of Gen Zers say they live paycheck to paycheck and 75% believe they will need side hustles to make ends meet.

Rather than relying on traditional employment, many are choosing to create their own sources of income. It’s not just about passion — it’s a practical response to a broken economic system

### 2. Access to free tools and platforms

The barrier to entry for starting a business has never been lower. Gen Z doesn’t need a lot of capital or connections to build a company. They can launch a product on Shopify in a weekend, design their brand using Canva, promote it on TikTok for free, and accept payments through Stripe or Venmo. This is a generation of digital builders

A report by Morning Consult found that 50% of Gen Z adults have considered starting a business — and many already have. The rise of "micro-entrepreneurship" — where people run one-person brands from their phones — is driven by these tools

### 3. Values-driven innovation

Gen Z isn’t just building businesses to make money — they want to make a difference. According to a 2022 IBM survey, 75% of Gen Z respondents said it’s important that a brand reflects their values. That translates into how they build their own companies. They prioritize sustainability, mental health, inclusivity, and transparency

Ziad Ahmed, founder of JUV Consulting — a Gen Z-led marketing agency that advises Fortune 500 companies on how to better connect with youth. He launched the company as a teenager because he felt brands were constantly talking down to his generation. Now, JUV has worked with brands like Nike and Unilever, helping them reshape their messaging through authentic youth voices

## Notable Gen Z founders making waves

The headlines are catching up — Gen Z entrepreneurs are already building impressive businesses that defy expectations

* Mikaila Ulmer, founder of Me & the Bees Lemonade, started her company at just four years old and turned it into a national brand stocked in Whole Foods. Now in her early 20s, she’s a sought-after speaker and investor in youth entrepreneurship
* Alana Andrews, founder of So Positive Initiative and author of “Creating Confidence”, used her own struggles with confidence and entrepreneurship to launch a program that empowers other Gen Z kids to lead with impact
* Josh Browder, born in 1997, created DoNotPay, the “world’s first robot lawyer” to help people fight parking tickets and navigate legal bureaucracy without hiring expensive attorneys. He was just 19 when he launched the service
* Ben Pasternak, who dropped out of school at 15, built several apps and eventually founded SIMULATE, the plant-based food tech startup behind NUGGS, a viral chicken nugget alternative
* Avery Akkineni, president of Vayner3, entered the Web3 space early and led global campaigns for brands exploring NFTs and blockchain experiences — all before turning 30

## Stats that show the shift

The trend isn’t just anecdotal — the data backs it up

* According to a 2022 GoDaddy report, one in five Gen Zers say they already run their own business
* A Shopify study found that 62% of Gen Z entrepreneurs started their business as a side hustle, and 44% want to make it their full-time job
* In a survey by SCORE, 38% of Gen Z respondents said they believe entrepreneurship offers the best career path, compared to 25% of Millennials
* Y Combinator, the legendary startup accelerator, saw a 38% increase in founders under 25 in its 2022 cohort

## Rewriting the founder playbook

Gen Z doesn’t follow the Silicon Valley model of founders in hoodies pitching VCs in boardrooms. They are building in public, validating ideas on social media, and growing communities before they even register a company. Platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and Discord have become their idea labs — where product-market fit is tested through memes and comment sections

They’re skeptical of traditional hierarchies and prefer flatter, more collaborative structures. Many don’t even identify as “CEOs” — they’re creators, operators, or community leads. They’re less obsessed with raising millions and more focused on building sustainable businesses that reflect who they are

## Challenges they face

It’s not all hype and hustle. Gen Z founders face serious challenges

* Age bias: Investors and customers sometimes don’t take young founders seriously
* Mental health strains: The pressure to hustle, perform, and constantly be “on” can lead to burnout
* Funding gaps: Despite their innovation, Gen Z founders often struggle to access traditional venture capital — particularly if they’re from underrepresented communities

But true to form, they’re building around those obstacles too. They’re raising funds through crowdfunding, building lean businesses, and prioritizing balance and authenticity over growth at all costs

## The future is peer-led

What makes Gen Z founders especially powerful is how peer-driven their success is. They support each other — promoting friends’ businesses on social media, sharing resources in group chats, and building networks of digital collaborators around the world. They believe in community over competition

As they grow older and gain influence, Gen Z entrepreneurs will redefine work culture, reshape industries, and create entirely new sectors. We’re already seeing this in climate tech, creator economy startups, femtech, and mental health platforms — all areas where Gen Z is innovating faster than legacy companies can keep up

## Final thoughts

Gen Z isn’t waiting for permission to lead — they’re already doing it. They’re founding businesses not because it’s trendy, but because it’s necessary. They want more autonomy, more meaning, and more impact — and entrepreneurship gives them that path

They are not here to play by the rules — they are here to rewrite them.

And the rest of the world is starting to pay attention.


What does the next era of entrepreneurship look like?

Gen Z as founders: Why young entrepreneurs are rewriting the rules

## Must attend startup events in spring 2025

Spring 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting season for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and investors. With a lineup of game-changing conferences across Europe, now is the perfect time to connect with industry leaders, discover groundbreaking startups, and explore the latest innovations. But with so many choices, where should you focus your attention? Here’s your guide to the must-attend events and what makes each one a standout opportunity.

## **[March 25-26: Tech.eu Summit (London, UK)](https://tech.eu/event/2025/summit-london/)**

**Why Attend?** Europe’s tech ecosystem is booming, and Tech.eu Summit is where the biggest names in the industry gather to discuss investment trends, startup scaling, and corporate innovation. This is a must-attend event if you’re looking to gain insight into Europe’s startup landscape and network with investors ready to fund the next big idea.

## **[April 24-25: EU Startups Summit (Valletta, Malta)](https://www.eu-startups.com/summit/)**

**Why Attend?** This event is all about early-stage startups. If you’re a founder looking for funding, this is the place to pitch your idea to top investors. Plus, with Malta’s growing reputation as a hub for digital nomads and fintech startups, the networking opportunities here are unmatched.

## **[May 7-8: Turing Fest (Edinburgh, Scotland)](https://turingfest.com/)**

**Why Attend?** A perfect blend of product development, marketing, and startup growth strategies. Turing Fest is the go-to event for those looking to scale their business while staying ahead in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Plus, Edinburgh’s rich history and tech-friendly atmosphere make it an inspiring backdrop.

## **[May 8-16: ViennaUP (Vienna, Austria)](https://viennaup.com/)**

**Why Attend?** ViennaUP is more than a conference—it’s a festival of innovation spread across multiple venues in the city. From sustainability and social impact to AI and fintech, this event brings together startups, investors, and corporates to shape the future of technology.

## **[May 12-14: PODIM (Maribor, Slovenia)](https://podim.org/podim-story-since-1980/)**

**Why Attend?** If you’re looking for a more intimate setting to connect with top investors and innovators, PODIM is the place to be. Known as one of the best deal-making events in the region, it provides a platform for startups to secure funding and scale internationally.

## **[May 12-16: Iceland Innovation Week (Reykjavík, Iceland)](https://www.innovationweek.is/)**

**Why Attend?** The coolest innovation event in the world—literally. Set against Iceland’s stunning landscapes, this event is all about bold ideas, deep tech, and sustainability. It’s where creative minds meet to push the boundaries of what’s possible in tech.

## **[May 21-23: Latitude59 (Tallinn, Estonia)](https://latitude59.ee/)**

**Why Attend?** Estonia is a digital powerhouse, and Latitude59 reflects that. This event is a hotspot for tech startups, government officials, and investors discussing the future of digital societies, blockchain, and AI-driven solutions.

## **[May 28-29: Infoshare (Gdańsk, Poland)](https://infoshare.pl/)**

**Why Attend?** One of the biggest tech conferences in Central and Eastern Europe, Infoshare is where developers, marketers, and founders come together to discuss software, AI, and business growth strategies. The mix of technical workshops and business networking makes it a must-visit.

## **[May 28-29: Dublin Tech Summit (Dublin, Ireland)](https://dublintechsummit.tech/)**

**Why Attend?** If you want to experience Ireland’s thriving tech scene, this is the place to be. Dublin Tech Summit brings together global tech giants, fast-growing startups, and investors to discuss everything from AI and cybersecurity to fintech and Web3.

### **Finding the perfect event for you!**

No matter your focus, there’s a tech event tailored to your needs this spring. If you’re a startup founder looking to scale, EU Startups Summit and PODIM offer the best opportunities to secure funding and strategic partnerships. Interested in the future of deep tech and innovation? Iceland Innovation Week and ViennaUP should be at the top of your list. For those eager to network with global tech leaders and investors, Dublin Tech Summit and Tech.eu Summit provide the perfect stage.


Startup conferences of spring 2025

Which event will you be attending?

# What happens when startups start evaluating algorithms rather than people

Traditionally, venture capital is about flair. An experienced fund partner "hears" the correct intonation in the funder's voice, feels that the idea falls into the zeitgeist, and may agree to invest even without a clear business plan. This model has worked for decades - and still does. But the world is changing, and with it, the rhythm and scale of the industry.

In recent years, analytical platforms built on machine learning have begun to enter the venture capital market. Their goal is to replace intuition with calculation, structure with algorithm, and charisma with metrics. This is not an attempt to remove a person from the process, but rather a significant shift in the role that person plays, instead of an "investor-visionary" - an analyst who relies on the forecasts of the system.

Such a transition is not loud, but irreversible. And startups should understand how decisions are now made about who will be given money, and why.

![Image from FreePik](img/dall·e-2023-11-30-12.00.14-a-corporate-and-sophisticated-digital-banner-16_9-aspect-ratio-for-the-article-stability-ai-positioning-itself-for-acquisition.-the-design-should-1024x585.jpg)

## Why did you even need AI in venture capital?

Over the years, investors around the world have received hundreds of thousands of pitches. Even if the fund works with a specific focus, for example, only with fintech in Southeast Asia or only with SaaS platforms, up to several dozen applications can come in per day. You cannot view, structure, or filter this stream manually.

This is where artificial intelligence comes in. Next-generation platforms such as EQT Motherbrain, SignalRank, and Tribe Capital's System of Intelligence are taking over the work of the first layer of filtering. They do not just automate the selection, but build a logically based assessment model for each startup, based on a huge amount of data.

### What exactly does AI analyze?

* Company website and its structure
* Press mentions
* LinkedIn activity
* Attendance growth rate
* Team composition and biography
* Volumes and frequency of code updates (in the case of a tech startup)
* Patents
* Market structure
* Open source user behavior
* Tone of mentions

All this is compared with the base of successful and failed startups, and a model of probable success or failure is built. This is not about guarantees, but about an informed assumption of who is more likely to "take off".

## What changes for funds

Funds are starting to think like data companies. Instead of relying entirely on meetings, they integrate tools that suggest: "Pay attention to this project, it looks like successful cases three years ago". Or vice versa - "this startup has too many red flags, although they were convincing at the presentation".

The human factor is still important, but now it is not at the beginning, but closer to the end of the funnel. Instead of 200 meetings, 20. And each, after selection based on models that take into account thousands of factors.

It saves time, reduces costs, and helps funds not miss worthwhile projects that could pass by simply because of the lack of the right intro or a bad slide.

### How startups can now prove their worth

The most noticeable change is the diminishing role of charisma. Yes, it still works in the late stages. But at the entrance of the funnel, it is not enough. The algorithm does not recognize emotions, it is not interested in your slogans. He looks at the growth trajectory, at the logic of product development, at the coincidence of patterns.

This means that founders should better document their actions, track metrics, form open sources of information, develop command pages, and make them understandable for machine analysis.

A startup with a strong idea but zero digital transparency will fail. But a young project with provable metrics, even without connections, has a chance to be noticed and rise higher in the ranking.

## And if the algorithm is wrong?

Wrong - of course. Because AI doesn't understand the context. He can "hack" an idea that will later turn out to be revolutionary. It does not work well with rare, non-standard hypotheses. He builds a forecast based on the past, and breakthroughs often run counter to the logic of previous successes.

That is why in new systems, AI does not replace a person, but helps them. In the fund model, AI can act as a "scout", "analyst", or "partner assistant". But the investor still has the final word, especially when it comes to non-standard or risky solutions.

The principle is simple: the car shows the field, and the person chooses which one to play.

![Image from FreePik](img/gettyimages-1164885329.png)

## This is just the beginning

Today, only part of the large funds work with such approaches. But the trend is obvious. Small and medium-sized funds connect API tools, integrate assessment platforms, and hire data science specialists inside teams.

Startups, in turn, are starting to monitor how they look in the digital space. How they can be analyzed, what signals they send to open sources, and how much they correspond to the patterns of successful companies.

AI in venture is not about replacement. This is about the restructuring of thinking. Instead of the question "in whom we believe," the question "what can be justified" appears. Intuition does not go anywhere, but now it must go hand in hand with evidence-based analytics.

If you are a founder, do not wait until you are noticed in person. Make the data speak for itself.

If you're an investor, don't rely on old methods. New capabilities require new tools.

And if you just watch the industry, remember this moment. This is one of those rare cases when not only the product, but also the very way of making decisions, becomes technology.

AI-investors are coming: what does this mean for the funders and funds?

What to expect from AI investors?

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