Raising a first-time fund in 2024: Real talk for Fund Managers and Investors

Connie Bowen Farmhand Ventures

It has never been easy to be a first-time fund manager. Diverse-owned firms manage only 1.4% of the $82 trillion in assets under management in the U.S. For emerging managers trying to break into this world and raise their first fund, understanding the LP landscape, bootstrapping startup costs, and operating as a solo GP are all persistent challenges. These challenges are even more pronounced for managers pursuing more creative strategies, like venture studios or revenue-based financing, or those with an explicit focus on impact. This session is intended to reduce barriers for new fund managers and provide guidelines for investors seeking to support emerging fund managers.

Track

Capital Flows for Impact: Dialogues Around the State of Impact Investment

Format

Panel (3 speakers)

Speakers

  • NameConnie Bowen
  • TitleGeneral Partner
  • OrganizationFarmhand Ventures
  • NameTessa Flippin
  • TitleGeneral Partner
  • OrganizationCapitalize VC
  • NameMargot Kane
  • TitleChief Investment Officer
  • OrganizationSpring Point Partners

Description

It has never been easy to be a first-time fund manager. Diverse-owned firms manage only 1.4% of the $82 trillion in assets under management in the U.S. For emerging managers trying to break into this world and raise their first fund, understanding the LP landscape, bootstrapping startup costs, and operating as a solo GP are all persistent challenges. These challenges are even more pronounced for managers pursuing more creative strategies, like venture studios or revenue-based financing, or those with an explicit focus on impact. This session is intended to reduce barriers for new fund managers and provide guidelines for investors seeking to support emerging fund managers.

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