On the TechTO stage ×1
First seen on the TechTO stage in 2019. Every talk is searchable — ask the archive about John ↗
In their words
There's a stat out there which is a reality — 90 percent of seed-funded companies don't get to a Series B. We've got 10 years of data. It's about 50 percent of our companies get to a Series B.
Our modal first cheque is four to seven hundred thousand for ten percent of a company. We tend to start pre-revenue, before the technology risk and the product market fit risk has really been sorted out.
We're very engaged investors. We tend to lead rounds, sit on boards, and work to help our companies succeed.
Around the web ×1
Quick answers
What is ff Venture Capital?
A New York seed and early-stage firm Frankel founded in 2008. Its own site says it has funded over 150 seed and early-stage companies and focuses on emerging industries with a strong emphasis on AI, manufacturing, energy, robotics and security.
What did he tell TechTO about seed survival rates?
That roughly 90% of seed-funded companies never reach a Series B, against about 50% of ffVC's own portfolio over ten years of data — his argument that leading rounds and taking board seats is what earns the difference. Figures are as stated on stage in February 2019.
What did he do before venture?
Twenty-one years at Goldman Sachs across technology development, reengineering and capital markets. He began his business career in London at Arthur Andersen after reading mathematics, philosophy and logic at New College, Oxford.