Finding Founders Left of Launch

In the fast-paced world of startups, particularly in the cutting-edge realms of Web3 and AI, timing isn't just important—it's everything. At Else Ventures, we've honed in on a critical yet often overlooked phase of startup development: what we call "Left of Launch."

What is 'Left of Launch'?

The 'Left of Launch' phase encompasses the earliest stages of a startup's journey—from the spark of an idea to the moments just before a product hits the market. This includes:

• Idea inception

• Pre-registration of companies

• Pre-seed and seed stages

• Pre-MVP (Minimum Viable Product) development

It's in these nascent stages that Else Ventures thrives, rolling up our sleeves and getting involved as early as possible.

Why 'Left of Launch' Matters

In the world of startups, timing is everything. Our narrative is about focusing on the critical 'left of launch' phase—the pre-seed and seed stages where the foundations of success are laid. Our approach is not just about funding; it's about building resilient, market-ready ventures from the ground up focusing on finding the right founding team, choosing the right core technologies (the stack), and getting real feedback from customers as early as possible. Modeling Antler's Approach

Antler, a global early-stage venture capital firm, has pioneered an innovative approach to startup creation that begins even before the inception of an idea. Their unique acceleration program takes a "founder-first" approach, focusing on assembling high-potential individuals into complementary founding teams.

• Pre-idea stage: Assembles high-potential individuals into founding teams before ideas are formed

• Selection: Chooses participants based on skills, experience, and entrepreneurial drive

• Program structure:

  • Several months of collaboration and ideation

  • Resources and mentorship provided

  • Teams form around promising business concepts

The Else Ventures Approach

By engaging at the 'Left of Launch' stage, we offer unique advantages:

1. Co-Founder Partnership

   : We're not just investors; we position ourselves as co-founders on the cap table. This means we're fully invested in your success from day one.

2. Foundational Support

   : We help lay the groundwork for success, from assembling the right founding team to choosing the optimal tech stack.

3. Early Customer Insights

   : We emphasize the importance of getting real feedback from potential customers as early as possible, helping to shape the product for market fit.

4. Comprehensive Resources

   : Our involvement goes beyond capital. We bring our extensive network, technical expertise, and market insights to the table.

5. Risk Mitigation

   : By addressing potential issues early, we help startups navigate common pitfalls that often derail young companies.

Building for Success

Our 'Left of Launch' approach is about more than just early-stage involvement—it's about building resilient, market-ready ventures from the ground up. We believe that the decisions made in these early stages can make or break a startup's future.

By focusing on the critical elements of team composition, technology choices, and early customer validation, we set the stage for sustainable growth and success. We're not just preparing for launch; we're building a launchpad for long-term success in the competitive worlds of Web3 and AI.

The information contained in this article is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, financial advice, an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities, or a recommendation of any particular security or investment strategy. You should always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.