Paige Finn DohertyFounding Partner, Behind Genius · Founding Partner at Behind Genius Ventures

How did Invariantes Fund Co-Founder Fernando Pontaza become an investor in Hustle Fund?

15 Mar 2023 · 1 min

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In this interview segment, the speakers discuss the pathway that led Fernando Pontaza, co‑founder of Invariantes Fund, to become an investor (LP) in Hustle Fund. The conversation highlights the hybrid LP model, the pivotal role of a referral from Danielle that connected them to Elizabeth Yanon and Eric, and the influence of their first ticket—a commitment to the 1517 Fund, which originates from the Thiel Fellowship and backs founders outside traditional college routes. The speakers describe how this trusted recommendation triggered their vetting process, leading to an early visit during Hustle Fund’s first fundraising round, where they met the founders and quickly formed a strong personal and professional rapport, solidifying the investment relationship.

Chapters

You're an LP in Hustle Fund, right? We had Elizabeth Yanon quite recently. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
We are lucky to be there. And that relationship in itself is a testament to this hybrid model because we got introduced to Hustle Fund thanks to our first ever ticket, which was a commitment to 1517 Fund, which is a fund out of, well, back then they were based in San Francisco, but fund that comes from the Thiel Fellowship, and they invest in people outside the college system. And Danielle referred us to Elizabeth, and that was the clear example of our vetting process in action. If a recommendation comes from our good friends, Yeah. we pay close attention to Elizabeth and Eric. We took advantage of an early trip there while they were raising their first fund in its current shape. They invested before, but I got to meet them and immediately fell in love with them as well.