This Week in Startups E1059: The Power of Accelerators E4 Sean O’Sullivan, Managing General Partner of SOSV on running capital intensive accelerators in hardware, life sciences & food science, unique follow-on strategy, cell-based meat going mainstream, China-based vs. US-based accelerators
May 13, 2020
Sean O’Sullivan, Managing General Partner of SOSV, dives into the world of capital-intensive accelerators focusing on hardware and life sciences. He shares insights on adapting operations in China during COVID and the unique advantages of in-person accelerator cohorts. Sean discusses SOSV's innovative follow-on strategies and the emergence of cell-based meat, predicting when it might rival traditional options. He also reflects on modern food science’s potential to revolutionize taste and address global food availability challenges.
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COVID-19 Impact
- Sean O’Sullivan's partner, Brad Higgins, was hospitalized with COVID-19.
- Higgins, being in his 60s, was in the ICU but has since been released and is recovering.
In-Person vs. Remote Acceleration
- SOSV focuses on in-person acceleration for hardware, life sciences, and food, unlike Y Combinator's remote approach.
- This facilitates resource sharing and fosters stronger community bonds within smaller cohorts.
SOSV Investment Strategy
- SOSV invests $250,000 in hardware and life science startups, a larger initial investment compared to others.
- They prioritize follow-on funding, with the initial check representing only 25% of total capital deployed.