Why do we do the things we do?
Full disclaimer: I'm sleep deprived, bored, and in a writing mood. Please excuse the word vomit.
After attending a healthcare conference for the past two days, I can finally unwind and relax (sort of, I still need to drive home). As time goes by, I notice myself becoming more introverted. Working full-time and constantly engaging with people has made me truly appreciate the tranquility and solitude that comes with my free time. Being introverted or extroverted isn't solely about how we interact with others, but rather about what recharges us. Currently, I find solace in the peaceful atmosphere of my hotel room, and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to write a blog post—an activity that helps me recharge.
During the conference, another attendee asked me why I decided to join/start a venture fund after running a startup. I jokingly responded that I must have a penchant for punishment. In many ways, though, it seems like I've merely substituted logos and mission statements, as the same challenges and hardships persist.
I explained that over the past few years, I've experienced several pivotal "life-defining" moments, leading me to devote my time to endeavors that can truly make a significant impact. I believe that investing my all into a venture fund presents the greatest opportunity for me to positively influence society. I realize it may sound cliché, but it holds true. My aim is to support ambitious startups with groundbreaking ideas that have the potential to change the world. In today's world, we can use all the help we can get. Will every startup we invest in achieve that grand goal? It's highly unlikely. However, that's the beauty of venture capital—you only need one success to trigger a massive butterfly effect, yielding substantial returns and, more importantly, positively changing people's lives.
My initial attempt to change the world was to popularize Yonder. In many respects, it didn't succeed as planned, but it remains one of the most rewarding endeavors of my life. I still cherish every message from parents who expressed gratitude, validation, and encouragement for making their children's dental visits fear-free and anxiety-free with Mimi the Hippo and Yonder. I like to think these children are now on a better path toward healthy and happy dental visits for the rest of their lives. Even if our contribution was minor, the impact is immeasurable.
Of course, there are days when I ponder the "what ifs" and what could have been with Yonder. What if there had been no pandemic? What if I had been a more skilled salesperson? What if I hadn't given up? However, that chapter has come to a close. From failures arise opportunities, and as Yonder set, a new dawn emerged with Tundra Ventures.
This current chapter has proven more challenging than I anticipated. For the past 18 months, it has felt like a full-time job to face constant rejections, setbacks, and simple "no's." Don't get me wrong—I knew it would be tough. However, I may have been a bit too optimistic, thinking it would be slightly easier than being a startup founder. In the end, it's a similar journey with a different storyline.
Yet, every "yes" we receive from our incredible group of limited partners rejuvenates our spirits and fuels us with renewed enthusiasm to face another day in pursuit of the hope that tomorrow brings.
I genuinely enjoy pitching. I enjoy speaking about the thesis that Tundra Ventures is built upon. I enjoy laying it all out there, in the open for investors to scrutinize. It's a thrill to meet people and pour my passion into each interaction, even during the vulnerable stages. Want to be humbled? Share your dreams of raising a venture fund. From a logical standpoint, I understand why some hesitate to invest in first-time fund managers. On a personal level, it can be frustrating. Who could be more committed than those who need to succeed to maintain their profession? We cannot afford to fail. We have toiled relentlessly for this opportunity and mustn't let it slip away.
We're on our rookie deal, and it feels like a make-or-break year. Every single day.
Why am I rambling about all this? I suppose I'm simply grateful for where our fund stands at the moment. We still have plenty of work ahead, but hearing stories from others who are also striving to secure funding has allowed me to reflect on how far we've come. It's essential to celebrate the wins. After all, the joy of victory is only half as sweet as the pain of defeat, so we must savor our victories twice as much.
I can promise you three things… I refuse to wear a suit coat to these conferences, I refuse to wear dress shoes, and I’m always diving in head first.
Thanks for reading, and don’t be afraid to chase your dreams and swim in the deep blue open waters; you never know what’s on the horizon.
Until next time, but maybe never, but probably sometime… The most random newsletter on the internet is signing off here. Thanks for reading.
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