Notes on a Thesis

Posts on the construction, findings & output of my Investment thesis

Articles on the development, creation, & findings of my Investment Thesis

I never wrote a senior thesis to graduate from college. It was optional for Economics and Political Science majors at Columbia College and generally only those students striving for honors — which saying that I was a long shot for honors would be kind. So in the academic arena, I never wrote a thesis. However, when I began working as an equity research associate in 2007, I started to see the practical benefits of developing a thesis in the investing world. My two bosses, relied on me to bring them company-specific and macroeconomic data points that would help them iterate on their investment strategies for their financials/REIT coverage universe. Those lessons that I learned early on in my career still ring true in my role as an early stage investor.

Despite there being considerably less company-specific information in the early stage tech world in comparison to the public financials/REIT sector, I’ve discovered it is even more important to have a great understanding of how macro trends are creating opportunities for startups to disrupt large industries. So a few months ago, I decided to provide formalize my investment thesis on tech-enabled businesses within three industries I have followed closely for my entire life — education, financial services, and real estate. My goals for sharing the methodology, findings and output of my 3 investment theses are as follows:

1. Present my research, to the general startup community, for why certain startups are positioned for success in the next 10 to 20 years.

2. Connect with startup founders within my 3 verticals that believe their company fits within my respective thesis.

3. Create a discussion based on my investment theses, with other venture capitalists who are interested in these sectors.

4. Provide an example for aspiring VCs on how to build, develop, and present an investment thesis for a sector they are interested in.

Below are the associated posts to my update investment thesis for the edtech, fintech, & real estate tech sectors. Feel free to provide any feedback, comments, or questions below.

Mind the Gap
Why Edtech Solutions Should Look to Address the Skills Gapmedium.com

Regulations & reputations have limited growth for banks
But have opened the door for Fintechmedium.com

Safe & Secure
Why security will be a high-growth area in fintechmedium.com

Let’s Get Real….Estate Tech
Why some tech solutions are positioned for success in REmedium.com

An Aspiring VC’s Guide to Building an Investment Thesis
Tips on how to construct and present your investment POVmedium.com

SlideShare: Real Estate Tech Thesis
Example 1 of my aspiring VC presentationsmedium.com

SlideShare: Fintech Thesis
Example 2 of my aspiring VC presentationsmedium.com

SlideShare: Edtech Thesis
Example 3 of my aspiring VC presentationsmedium.com

Earnest Sweat is an Entrepreneurial Engineer for Camelback Ventures and an Investor in Residence for Backstage Capital. If you have any questions or requests please connect with Earnest through LinkedIn, Twitter, or AngelList.

If you liked what you read tap or click “♥︎” to help to promote this piece. #readingEarnest