Harry Stebbings, founder of 20VC, has launched his third venture fund, 20PRODUCT, with an initial capital commitment of $5 million. Building upon the success of his previous funds, 20SALES and 20GROWTH, 20PRODUCT aims to provide early-stage founders with access to a curated group of seasoned experts to assist them in building, growing, and scaling their companies. Essentially, the fund offers founders the opportunity to leverage the collective expertise of experienced operators, enhancing their cap table with valuable insights and support.
Investment Strategy and Focus
20PRODUCT will focus on making investments ranging from $100,000 and beyond in pre-seed, seed, and Series A stage companies. Unlike traditional venture funds, 20PRODUCT will not engage in follow-on investments, emphasizing its commitment to early-stage support and mentorship. The fund’s approach stems from Stebbings’ belief in the importance of providing founders with access to operational expertise, rather than relying solely on traditional investor support.
Leveraging Operator Expertise
The genesis of 20PRODUCT arose from Stebbings’ recognition of the limitations of conventional venture capital support for founders. By harnessing the insights and experiences of seasoned operators from leading companies such as Shopify, Nubank, Spotify, and LinkedIn, 20PRODUCT aims to bridge the gap between investors and founders. The fund’s founding partners, including Hugo Barra, Jack Brody, Geoff Charles, and others, bring a wealth of industry-specific knowledge and strategic insights to the table.
Part-Time Engagement and Commitment
While the founding partners will continue their roles at their respective companies, they will participate in 20PRODUCT on a part-time basis, offering their expertise and guidance to portfolio founders. This unique approach allows the fund to leverage the collective wisdom of its partners without disrupting their existing commitments. Additionally, Stebbings’ involvement as a limited partner and advisor further strengthens the fund’s network and resources.
Empowering Founders with Tailored Support
For Stebbings, 20PRODUCT represents a novel approach to venture capital, one that prioritizes founder support and empowerment. By assembling a diverse team of industry experts and offering tailored support to early-stage companies, the fund aims to redefine the investor-founder relationship. With its focus on delivering tangible value and actionable insights, 20PRODUCT is poised to make a meaningful impact on the startup ecosystem, one founder at a time.