In 2016, I founded HardworX to help growth-stage startups and SMEs scale their operations successfully and sustainably. HardworX provided hands-on execution support across business operations, supply chain, and manufacturing. HardworX also developed and delivered immersive innovation programmes for hardware innovators focused on unlocking the power of hardware by demystifying manufacturing and hardware supply chain.
Through a process of discovery, I realised that my background and skills as an experienced operations and supply chain leader, and my formal background in engineering and computer science, could be applied to many different industries and roles. As part of this exploration, in 2020 I took on HardworX’s first non-hardware client: Tenacious Ventures, an agri-food venture capital firm. I also applied to the Startmate Fellowship program with the aim of better understanding my transferable skills and expertise.
This journey of self-discovery resulted in a career pivot with my taking on a full-time role as COO & Operating Partner at the AgThentic Group, which includes Tenacious Ventures & Agthentic Advisory.
By documenting and sharing my experience, learning and insights gained from this journey I hope to help other people who are considering a career transition, or looking to reposition their expertise, especially those looking at operations roles within the venture capital ecosystem.
Published as a PDF e-book, the document can be accessed by clicking on the image below. This will open a new tab with the PDF document embedded. For the best viewing experience, I recommend using full-screen mode which can be accessed from the toolbar (icon circled in red on the image below).
PDF e-book:
An Exploration of Venture Capital Fund Operations
The PDF contains embedded links to interactive mind maps and resources. These can be found under the venture capital and personal development resources on this site - here is a quick reference list:
Interactive version of my VC fund ops mind map
Summary of non VC learnings, insights and reflections from my fellowship experience
A collection of ‘advice gems’ compiled by me during the fellowship
Want to kickstart your journey into VC?
Here are some links to recommended readings, courses and podcasts:
Venture Deals Course - Kauffman Fellows course
Venture capital dashboard - Key statistics on AU VC funds
Crunchbase & Fundcomb - Company, investor and funding data
Venture Evolved - Curated list of resources by Jason Heltzer
This week in startups - Jason Calacanis podcast
How Do Venture Capitalists Make Decisions? - Research paper
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