About Sunshine Ventures
The mission of Sunshine Ventures is to level the playing field for a new generation of hungry entrepreneurs who are often ignored by most investors. Sunshine.vc invests in both consumer and enterprise-focused companies built by talented under-represented or immigrant founders with promising traction and going after billion-dollar opportunities.
Why Underrepresented and Immigrant Founders
I started companies (LoveWithFood, EdgiLife) as an immigrant, as an under-represented founder. I’ve been told that I would never be able to raise money because I didn’t go to Stanford or MIT. I’ve been told that I would never be able to raise money because I didn’t fit in the typical Silicon Valley pedigree. Seven years later, I sold my company. I wouldn’t have succeeded if it wasn’t for a group of investors who believed in my grit, my passion more than the “pedigree” checklist.
I’ve been in your shoes. I get it. I know the struggles and biases faced by under-represented and immigrant founders. One of my early investors once said that the cards were stacked against me but all I needed was a little push. I created Sunshine.vc to provide the same push that was generously given me to at the start of my entrepreneurial journey.
The Stats
- 50 immigrant-founded unicorn startups have a combined value of $248 billion
- Women-led startups received just 2.3% of VC funding in 2020
- Black and Latinx founders have received just 2.6% of VC funding in 2020
Thesis
Sunshine.vc invests primarily in tech-driven companies with at least one under-represented or immigrant founder building and innovating in AI/ML, Ecomm infrastructure, back-office infrastructure, fintech, consumer tech or consumer brands. We are particularly interested in investing in companies that broaden opportunities and leverage market-based solutions to address social and economic issues.
Syndicate Structure and Guidelines
- Stage, industry, geography agnostic
- Invest in deals mostly in pre-seed through Series A
- Invest in startups with innovation in AI/ML, ecomm infrastructure, back-office infrastructure, fintech, consumer tech or consumer brands
- Invest in startups with traction
- Invest in startups with underrepresented or immigrant founders
- Minimum LP investment: $1,000
- Management Fee: 0%
- Carried Interest: 20%
Why You SHOULDN'T Join Sunshine.vc Syndicate
- Running a startup is hard. Founders go through more tough times than rainbows and sunshine! If you can’t handle the rollercoaster ride for the long term, this is NOT the place for you.
- Joining a syndicate gives you the flexibility to invest on a deal-by-deal basis. You’ll get notified when there’s a new deal in the pipeline. If you prefer a lower touch approach, e.g. let a fund manager decide where to invest your money, this is NOT the place for you.
Dealflow comes through multiple channels like my personal founder network, investor networks, relationships with other syndicates, leading accelerators and venture funds. Here are some of the ways I stay close to the startup ecosystem:
- I’m a partner at XFactor Ventures and I’ve led investments in Fairly.ai, TheXPlace.ai, PodFoods.co, Zibrio.com and EmTech.com.
- I mentor startups at 500 Startups and Techstars.
- I’m a LP in several funds
