In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Urben, Managing & General Partner of the Synergos Fund, an innovative firm that is challenging the traditional VC model. They've launched a "continuum fund," a new structure designed to support transformative companies through their entire lifecycle, from seed to commercialization.

We dive deep into why they "don't invest for an exit," their mission to build "very durable companies that we want to own forever," and how they are tackling some of the world's biggest problems, from the global energy demand to recycling spent nuclear fuel.

⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com

Synergos Fund - https://www.synergosholdings.com/general-7

Michelle Urben on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-boquiren-urben-0538852

🎙️ Hosted by Prashant Choubey

Follow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab

Topics discussed:

- The Continuum Fund Model

- Conscious Capitalism and Impact Investing

- Long-Term Investment Strategy vs. Quick Exits

- Nuclear Energy and Spent Fuel Recycling

- The Evergreen Fund Structure and Investor Flexibility

& lots more

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to Michelle Urben and Synergos Fund

(02:22) What makes a Continuum Fund different from traditional VC funds

(06:55) Solving the critical problem of access in late-stage startups

(07:30) Structure of the Continuum Fund compared to typical venture capital funds

(10:12) Defining conscious capitalism and ensuring returns for investors

(11:27) Investment deployment and flexibility for investors

(14:45) Transparency and meaningful stakes in portfolio companies

(18:02) Balancing patient capital with investor expectations

(19:04) Advantages of Washington, D.C. for the companies they're backing

(22:02) Navigating political uncertainty around clean energy and funding

(25:19) Electricity demand from AI and clean energy solutions

(27:31) Balancing active investing with community building in Washington, D.C.

(31:06) Investor reception to the new investment model

(33:02) Biggest learning from investing in startups

(34:27) Rapid fire round begins - sectors, stages, and investment approach

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