A Unique Approach to Investment | The Venture Collective | FF Virtual Arena #339

This company has a unique approach to investment. Funding might fluctuate but this firm is trying to use it for the benefit of everyone.

In our latest Virtual Arena interview, we spoke to Nicholas Shekerdemian of The Venture Collective (TVC) to find out more about the firm’s unique investment philosophy and how they’re focusing on high-impact areas like healthcare, sustainable industries, and biotech.

There are insights on the current challenges and opportunities in Fintech and we also find out what he looks for when they bring a startup on board.

Venture capital funding is always shifting, and increasingly people are looking at how major national or global events will impact the amount of investment happening. Raising funds has also been found to be one of the major challenges facing startups. But there’s always money floating around as indicated by October’s biggest funding rounds.

Nicholas Shekerdemian, representing The Venture Collective (TVC), is well positioned to provide an outlook on the whole ecosystem.

The core investment thesis

TVC has a three pronged approach to investment. Shekerdemian describes the firm as ‘thesis-driven’ with a goal to address unmet needs in sectors that are often overlooked by conventional venture capital. For example TVC’s life improvement category covers healthcare and pharmaceutical innovations that enhance consumer health and healthcare services. They also cover world preservation and Human empowerment too. Watch the interview to find out more of those. However they are also open to other categories.

Shekerdemian notes that he subscribes to principles akin to effective altruism, advocating for transformational, large-scale change rather than relying on small, individual actions. This perspective underscores his belief that systemic impact is more achievable through major innovations rather than incremental lifestyle changes among individuals.

Their broad yet focused strategy allows them to selectively assess investment opportunities that align with their thematic pillars. As the venture capital market has evolved, so has TVC’s approach. Shekerdemian emphasizes that each investment cycle at TVC includes re-evaluating existing strategies and team expertise. For example, while early investments centered around more familiar sustainability areas like food technology, they now focus on “techno-economically viable” innovations, such as RubyBio, a company tackling the significant but often overlooked biosurfactant market—an industry foundational to cosmetics and detergents yet plagued by sustainability issues like palm oil dependence.

Navigating a Shifting Funding Landscape

Of course we also wanted to know about Shekerdemian’s thoughts on the changing dynamics within the venture ecosystem, particularly the “funding boom” period of 2020–2021 and its subsequent downturn. This cycle highlighted the resilience required of founders, as many found themselves pivoting to sustainable business models after initial capital surges waned. While some companies struggled, others demonstrated remarkable adaptability. Shekerdemian suggests that while the economic pressures have made venture funding more conservative, this reset could yield stronger, more durable startups, as only businesses with sound economic foundations will thrive. The downturn has also encouraged TVC to support founders who can innovate resiliently, viewing this period as an opportunity to refine their selection criteria.

Another aspect of this Shekerdemian highlights is the “valley of death” between Series A and Series C stages, where funding scarcity can stifle promising startups. While seed funding remains available, this funding gap requires that firms like TVC deploy resources with heightened discernment. He also anticipates that economic cycles will eventually replenish venture funds, encouraging disciplined investments and strategic scaling.

Future Portfolio Trends

Looking to the future, Shekerdemian is particularly excited about industrial transformation and life sciences, especially where AI, data analytics, and synthetic biology intersect with industry needs. He believes that industrial sectors like chemicals, agriculture, and defense are ripe for disruption as new technologies promise not just incremental improvements but transformative advances. In life sciences, he points to Helix Nano, a portfolio company pioneering mRNA therapeutics, as an example of where biotech is making strides in biodefense and cancer treatment. The company leverages simulation technology to reduce clinical risks, allowing for more informed—and less binary—decisions regarding therapeutic interventions.

Fintech’s Role in Human Empowerment

On fintech, Shekerdemian remains cautiously optimistic, acknowledging both the innovation and challenges within the sector. While TVC has some fintech companies, like Lope, which offers affordable payment solutions for SMBs, he notes the intense competition and high valuations that characterize the space. Nevertheless, fintech aligns with TVC’s human empowerment pillar, particularly when it targets underserved populations and focuses on inclusivity.

It’s a fascinating view on the funding world and the various startups that are being funded today. Check out more of our great interviews here, including many with other great VC firms.