The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch

20VC: How Fundraising For Funds Has Changed in The World of COVID, The Benefits of Managers Selling Part of Their GP & How To Think Through Your “Minimum Viable Fund Size” with Lo Toney, Founding Managing Partner @ Plexo Capital

Jun 26, 2020

Lo Toney, Founding Managing Partner at Plexo Capital, shares his unique journey in venture capital, emphasizing the importance of operational experience. He discusses the shifted landscape of fundraising during COVID-19, offering insights into effective communication with LPs. Toney introduces the concept of 'minimum viable fund size' and advises GPs on closing strategies. He also highlights the value of anchor LPs investing in GPs and explores promising investments, including the e-sports company PlayVS, which is transforming opportunities for high school students.

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ADVICE

Fundraising in COVID Times

Consider the impact of COVID on fundraising timelines and adjust accordingly.
Existing LPs with approved budgets will likely complete deals, but new LPs may require more time.

ADVICE

Adapting to Smaller Fund Sizes

Determine your minimum viable fund size (MVFS) and adjust your strategy if needed.
Communicate transparently with LPs about changes in risk-reward profiles.

ADVICE

Communicating Strategy Changes

Communicate transparently with LPs about any necessary changes in investment strategy.
Be open to adjusting your initial plans based on LP feedback and market conditions.

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Lo Toney is the Founding Managing Partner @ Plexo Capital, a very unique firm making both direct investments and fund investments. They have invested in Precursor, Boldstart, Female Founders Fund and WorkBench on the fund side and then PlayVS, Replicated and StyleSeat on the direct side. Prior to Plexo, Lo was a Partner @ GV (Google Ventures) and before that was a Partner with Comcast Ventures where he led the Catalyst Fund. Before venture Lo was an operator enjoying exec roles at Zynga, Nike and eBay.

In Today’s Episode You Will Learn:

1.) How Lo made his way into the world of venture with GV and how that led to his innovating on the venture model investing in both funds and directly with Plexo today? What were Lo's biggest takeaways from his 5 years as a Partner @ GV?

2.) How will GPs raising today be impacted by COVID? How does this differ dependent on the stage they invest and the size of fund they are raising? How does Lo advise managers communicating with existing and new potential LPs today?

3.) What does Lo mean when he discusses your "minimum viable fund size"? How does Lo advise GPs when it comes to closing strategies? How much do they need for first close? How many closes should there be thereafter? Should they take the money when it is on the table?

4.) How does Lo feel about anchor LPs taking/investing in the GP? What are the benefits for the manager of doing so? Why does Lo believe there is such a binary view towards it? Why does Lo disagree with the benchmarks set of what a GP commit "should be"?

5.) Why does Lo believe we will see the hybridization of GP/LP over the coming years? What are the benefits of having your LP also direct invest? What are the core challenges to the model? How does Lo envisage the world of venture evolving over the next decade?

Items Mentioned In Today’s Show:

Lo’s Fave Book: Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?: How Reginald Lewis Created a Billion-Dollar Business

Lo's Most Recent Investment: PlayVS

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