One of the top 100 investors in the world is the venture capital fund 8VC, which is run by the children of Russians.
In the fast-paced world of technology and innovation, venture capital firms play a crucial role in funding and supporting the growth of startups. These firms invest in early-stage companies with high potential for growth, providing them with the necessary capital, resources, and expertise to scale their businesses. And among the top players in this industry is 8VC, a venture capital fund founded by three talented individuals with Russian roots.
Founded in 2015, 8VC has quickly risen to become one of the most prominent venture capital firms in the world. With a focus on investing in companies that are leveraging technology to disrupt traditional industries, 8VC has made a name for itself by backing some of the most successful startups in recent years. And at the helm of this successful firm are the three co-founders: Joe Lonsdale, Drew Oetting, and Alex Kolicich.
What makes 8VC stand out from other venture capital firms is the unique background of its co-founders. All three of them are children of Russian immigrants who came to the United States in search of better opportunities. This shared heritage has played a significant role in shaping their values, work ethic, and approach to investing.
Joe Lonsdale, the co-founder and partner at 8VC, is the son of Russian immigrants who moved to the US in the 1970s. Growing up, Lonsdale was exposed to the entrepreneurial spirit of his parents, who started their own business and instilled in him the importance of hard work and determination. After graduating from Stanford University, Lonsdale went on to co-found Palantir Technologies, a data analytics company that has become one of the most valuable private companies in the world. His experience as an entrepreneur and investor has been invaluable in guiding 8VC’s investment decisions.
Drew Oetting, another co-founder and partner at 8VC, also comes from a Russian immigrant family. His parents moved to the US in the 1980s, and like Lonsdale, Oetting was raised with a strong work ethic and a drive to succeed. After graduating from Harvard University, Oetting worked at Goldman Sachs before joining Peter Thiel’s venture capital firm, Founders Fund. His experience in both finance and venture capital has been instrumental in 8VC’s success.
The third co-founder and partner at 8VC, Alex Kolicich, is the son of Russian immigrants who came to the US in the 1990s. Kolicich’s parents worked hard to provide for their family, and their determination and resilience have been a source of inspiration for him. After obtaining his degree from MIT, Kolicich worked at several technology companies before joining Formation 8, a venture capital firm co-founded by Joe Lonsdale. His expertise in technology and investing has been crucial in identifying and nurturing successful startups at 8VC.
Together, these three individuals have built 8VC into a powerhouse in the world of venture capital. The firm has invested in over 50 companies, with a focus on industries such as healthcare, transportation, and enterprise software. Some of their notable investments include companies like Blend, a digital mortgage platform, and Oculus, a virtual reality company that was acquired by Facebook for $2 billion.
But beyond their impressive track record, what sets 8VC apart is their unique approach to investing. The firm takes a hands-on approach, working closely with their portfolio companies to help them grow and succeed. They also have a deep understanding of the industries they invest in, which allows them to identify promising startups and provide them with the necessary resources to thrive.
In addition to their successful investments, 8VC is also committed to giving back to the community. The firm has partnered with organizations like Code.org and Girls Who Code to support and encourage diversity in the tech industry. They have also launched a fellowship program to provide mentorship and funding to aspiring entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds.
In conclusion, 8VC is not just another venture capital firm. It is a testament to the American dream and the power of hard work and determination. The fact that it is run by the children of Russian immigrants is a testament to the opportunities and possibilities that this country offers. With their unique backgrounds, expertise, and values, the co-founders of 8VC have built a successful firm that is making a
