A New Dawn for LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs: Sam Eshrati Joins identity.vc
February 13, 2025, 4:28 pm
In the vibrant landscape of European startups, a new force is emerging. Sam Eshrati has joined identity.vc, Europe’s first venture capital fund dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. This is not just a career move; it’s a clarion call for change. Eshrati’s appointment signals a commitment to diversity and inclusion in a sector often dominated by traditional norms.
identity.vc is not your typical venture fund. It is a social impact fund, a beacon for early-stage companies led by LGBTQ+ founders. From pre-seed to Series A, identity.vc aims to uplift voices that have long been muted. Eshrati, with his extensive background as an angel investor and startup advocate, is poised to amplify this mission.
The startup ecosystem in Europe is a bustling marketplace. Yet, it remains a challenging arena for queer and gender-diverse founders. Many remain in the shadows, hesitant to disclose their identities. A recent report highlights that three-quarters of LGBTQ+ startup founders in the UK choose silence over visibility. This is a stark reminder of the barriers that persist.
Eshrati understands the power of community. He believes that insights come from building connections. His network is vast, and he intends to leverage it to create a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. The slogan of identity.vc, “Born to Disrupt,” encapsulates this spirit. It’s about breaking down barriers and fostering innovation.
Why focus on LGBTQ+ founders? The answer is simple: diversity drives success. Studies show that companies with diverse leadership outperform their peers. They are more innovative and yield higher returns. Eshrati’s vision aligns with this data. He sees a future where diverse teams are the norm, not the exception.
The venture capital landscape has often been likened to an old boys’ club. Access is granted through warm introductions, leaving many talented entrepreneurs out in the cold. identity.vc is changing this narrative. Their approach is refreshing. They welcome all entrepreneurs, regardless of background or resume. This openness is a game-changer.
Eshrati’s interests span various sectors, including consumer goods, health, and climate resilience. He is particularly drawn to anti-aging technologies and solutions that address geopolitical supply chain issues. These areas are ripe for innovation, and Eshrati is eager to explore them.
The founders of identity.vc, Til Klein and Jochen Beutgen, share Eshrati’s vision. They recognize the economic potential of LGBTQ+ businesses. Their mission is clear: to foster a thriving community of LGBTQ+ founders and investors across Europe. Through events and networking opportunities, they aim to connect like-minded individuals and create a robust ecosystem.
The startup scene is evolving. New funds are emerging, like the CDTM Venture Fund, which focuses on alumni-led startups. This trend reflects a growing recognition of the importance of community and shared experiences in entrepreneurship. The more we support each other, the stronger we become.
Eshrati’s role at identity.vc is not just about investment; it’s about advocacy. He is committed to raising awareness of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ founders. By sharing their stories, he hopes to inspire others to step into the light. The journey from silence to strength is a collective one.
As the venture capital landscape shifts, the need for diverse perspectives becomes increasingly clear. Eshrati’s appointment is a step in the right direction. It’s a reminder that change is possible. It’s about more than just funding; it’s about creating a culture of inclusivity.
The road ahead is not without challenges. But with leaders like Eshrati at the helm, there is hope. The startup ecosystem can become a place where everyone has a seat at the table. A place where innovation thrives, fueled by diverse voices.
In conclusion, Sam Eshrati’s joining identity.vc is a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in Europe. It’s a chance to rewrite the narrative. To build a future where diversity is celebrated, and every founder has the opportunity to succeed. The journey is just beginning, but the potential is limitless. Together, we can disrupt the status quo and create a more inclusive startup landscape.
identity.vc is not your typical venture fund. It is a social impact fund, a beacon for early-stage companies led by LGBTQ+ founders. From pre-seed to Series A, identity.vc aims to uplift voices that have long been muted. Eshrati, with his extensive background as an angel investor and startup advocate, is poised to amplify this mission.
The startup ecosystem in Europe is a bustling marketplace. Yet, it remains a challenging arena for queer and gender-diverse founders. Many remain in the shadows, hesitant to disclose their identities. A recent report highlights that three-quarters of LGBTQ+ startup founders in the UK choose silence over visibility. This is a stark reminder of the barriers that persist.
Eshrati understands the power of community. He believes that insights come from building connections. His network is vast, and he intends to leverage it to create a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. The slogan of identity.vc, “Born to Disrupt,” encapsulates this spirit. It’s about breaking down barriers and fostering innovation.
Why focus on LGBTQ+ founders? The answer is simple: diversity drives success. Studies show that companies with diverse leadership outperform their peers. They are more innovative and yield higher returns. Eshrati’s vision aligns with this data. He sees a future where diverse teams are the norm, not the exception.
The venture capital landscape has often been likened to an old boys’ club. Access is granted through warm introductions, leaving many talented entrepreneurs out in the cold. identity.vc is changing this narrative. Their approach is refreshing. They welcome all entrepreneurs, regardless of background or resume. This openness is a game-changer.
Eshrati’s interests span various sectors, including consumer goods, health, and climate resilience. He is particularly drawn to anti-aging technologies and solutions that address geopolitical supply chain issues. These areas are ripe for innovation, and Eshrati is eager to explore them.
The founders of identity.vc, Til Klein and Jochen Beutgen, share Eshrati’s vision. They recognize the economic potential of LGBTQ+ businesses. Their mission is clear: to foster a thriving community of LGBTQ+ founders and investors across Europe. Through events and networking opportunities, they aim to connect like-minded individuals and create a robust ecosystem.
The startup scene is evolving. New funds are emerging, like the CDTM Venture Fund, which focuses on alumni-led startups. This trend reflects a growing recognition of the importance of community and shared experiences in entrepreneurship. The more we support each other, the stronger we become.
Eshrati’s role at identity.vc is not just about investment; it’s about advocacy. He is committed to raising awareness of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ founders. By sharing their stories, he hopes to inspire others to step into the light. The journey from silence to strength is a collective one.
As the venture capital landscape shifts, the need for diverse perspectives becomes increasingly clear. Eshrati’s appointment is a step in the right direction. It’s a reminder that change is possible. It’s about more than just funding; it’s about creating a culture of inclusivity.
The road ahead is not without challenges. But with leaders like Eshrati at the helm, there is hope. The startup ecosystem can become a place where everyone has a seat at the table. A place where innovation thrives, fueled by diverse voices.
In conclusion, Sam Eshrati’s joining identity.vc is a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in Europe. It’s a chance to rewrite the narrative. To build a future where diversity is celebrated, and every founder has the opportunity to succeed. The journey is just beginning, but the potential is limitless. Together, we can disrupt the status quo and create a more inclusive startup landscape.