The venture studio model represents a revolutionary approach to startup creation, combining the best of entrepreneurship with the strategic oversight of seasoned investors. However, the ecosystem surrounding venture studios is currently fragmented, underfunded, and lacks the necessary infrastructure to thrive. Here’s a comprehensive 10-year vision to not only address these issues but to transform the venture studio landscape entirely.

A Major Venture Studio Fund of Funds:
- Lead & Anchor Role: The first step towards enhancing the venture studio model is establishing a major fund of funds that can act as both a leader and an anchor for emerging studios. This fund would not only provide the initial capital but also assist in crafting the unique narrative of each studio, helping them resonate with potential investors.
- Fundraising Support: Fundraising in the venture studio space is notoriously challenging. A dedicated fund of funds could ease this process by actively participating in raising and closing funds for studios, leveraging deep industry knowledge to navigate common pitfalls and challenges.
- Expertise and Guidance: Understanding the nuances of the venture studio model is crucial. This fund would offer advice, share best practices, and help solve operational challenges faced by studios.
Studio Accelerator Program:
- Co-Design with Founders: The accelerator would work closely with founders to co-design aspects of the studio model, ensuring that each studio aligns with both the vision of its founders and the market’s needs.
- Initial Funding: By funding the development of the first two portfolio companies (portcos), the accelerator provides a tangible proof of concept, reducing risk and attracting further investment.
- LP Anchor Position: Once a studio proves its model, this fund would take a leading Limited Partner (LP) position, further solidifying the studio’s financial foundation.
Building the Asset Class:
- Data and Insights: One of the primary needs in elevating venture studios to a recognized asset class is robust data. This involves creating detailed reports and insights that can guide investment decisions, educate stakeholders, and highlight successful case studies.
- Media and Storytelling: Developing media channels specifically for venture studio stories can significantly enhance visibility and understanding of how studios work, their impact, and their potential.
- Ecosystem Education: Education is key to growth. By hosting workshops, publishing articles, and speaking at industry events, we can demystify venture studios, making them a more accepted and understood part of the investment landscape.
Why This Vision Matters:
- Support in Fundraising: The venture studio model often struggles with securing funds due to its relatively novel approach. A dedicated LP partner who understands the model can be transformative.
- Expertise, Time, and Capital: Building a studio from scratch demands a lot. By providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and time, we can ensure that studios are set up for success from the start.
- Maturity of the Asset Class: For venture studios to be taken seriously, they need to evolve from a niche to a recognized asset class with clear data, narratives, and educational content.
This vision isn’t about quick wins but about laying down the groundwork for a sustainable, impactful future for how companies are built. It’s a call to those who believe in the studio model, are passionate about innovation, and are ready for the long haul.
Join the Movement:
If you see the potential in venture studios, want to help shape this future, and are prepared to commit to this vision, let’s connect. Together, we can build not just studios but the entire future of company building.