From Quicksand to $128 Million: Renegade Partners' Co-founders on Building a Venture Fund in a Rollercoaster Market

From Quicksand to $128 Million: Renegade Partners' Co-founders on Building a Venture Fund in a Rollercoaster Market

Renegade Partners' co-founders, Renata Quintini and Roseanne Wincek, have a story to tell. They launched their first fund in March 2020, just as the COVID pandemic began. Despite the economic uncertainty, they've since raised a second $128 million fund and are now looking to invest up to $10 million in 20 promising startups.

What's their secret? Quintini and Wincek believe in the power of durable businesses—companies built to withstand market fluctuations. Their investment strategy focuses on identifying true value creators in key markets.

Shifting Away from Megafunds

The pair also noticed a trend: savvy founders are increasingly seeking out smaller, more focused venture firms. They argue that larger platforms, like BlackRock, offer a different product—one that's less tailored to the needs of startups.

This shift is driving the growth of smaller funds, spearheaded by experienced general partners from larger platforms who want to return to their roots in traditional venture capital.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on investing in durable businesses that create real value.
• Prioritize diversification to mitigate market risk.
• The venture capital landscape is evolving, with a growing focus on smaller, more agile funds.

In a volatile market, Renegade Partners' approach to building a successful venture fund is a testament to the power of a strong strategy and a commitment to long-term value.