EUVC VC | E470 | Joe Seager-Dupuy & Mike Martin on Building a Specialist VC Platform Around Consumer and Retail Tech | Deep Dive Episode v1
May 16, 2025
Mike Martin and Joe Seager-Dupuy, General Partners at True, tackle the importance of sector specialization in venture capital. They share their journeys from corporate venturing to focusing on consumer and retail technology. The duo elaborates on True's investment strategy, emphasizing the balance between operational experience and network engagement. They discuss emerging opportunities in the consumer market and the significant role technology plays in reshaping consumer behavior. Their insights offer a deep dive into building a successful VC ecosystem.
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Founders' Sector Background
- The founders of True initially built their consumer and retail network through investment banking and then operated an e-commerce business.
- This deep sector and operational background forms the core advantage of True's team and investment approach.
Network-Driven Investment Flywheel
- True's network creates a virtuous cycle of knowledge sharing that benefits investment decisions and portfolio support.
- Collaboration between teams fosters sourcing, diligence, and founder assistance across the entire True ecosystem.
Communicate Fund Focus Clearly
- State your fund's specific focus clearly to founders and investors to cut through market noise.
- Leverage your broader platform ecosystem to provide unique value beyond capital to startups and LPs.