Seedrun

1. Can you give a brief introduction about yourself?

I'm Lorenzo. I am currently angel investing through an impact syndicate with two other partners where we mostly focus on ClimateTech, Energy and Health. We're based in London. 

2. How did you get started in the field of investment?

I started basically on my own. During my studies, I used to invest in stocks. Then I joined a private banking department of a Swedish bank and managed investments there. Done angel investments on the side. Last year, I invested in the Milan based Moonstone Fund, thanks to them I met my partners.

3. What industries or sectors do you typically focus on for investment?

ClimateTech, Energy and Health.

4. What's your investment philosophy?

As we aspire to have a positive impact on communities, society and the planet, we invest in people with whom we share the same values, with a willingness to work together for many years to come.

5. What are the top three criteria you look for in a startup?

We focus on the team first and foremost and then we have due diligence on the technology.

6. Have you ever made an investment or formed a partnership through a networking event like Seed Run?

No

7. What trends in the startup world are you most excited about?

Excited to see what is happening in the energy sector.

8. Can you walk us through your due diligence process?

Within the syndicate, we have a network of experts on the sectors we’re investing in. We ask them what they think about the technology. We involve potential clients of the startup to see what they think about the technology.

9. What’s a deal-breaker for you when evaluating a startup?

Given the due diligence on the technology, we overall cannot convince ourselves that the business will exponentially grow.

10. Have you had any investments that didn’t work out? What lessons did you learn?

My interests were not aligned with the interests of the founders. The exit was successful for them and terrible for me. I should have understood the intentions of the founders first. Anyway, the business would not scale, I should have understood that too.

11. What advice would you give to startups looking to attract investment?

Try to get yourself in a position to talk to VC people that understand what you are doing early on, as soon as you can, build relationships with them.

12. How could we improve Seed Run?

It was super fun, it was my first run. Great atmosphere. I love mixing sports with meeting people.