Exclusive: UK crowdfunder Seedrs launches venture partner program

The Seedrs venture program's first cohort with CEO Jeff Kelisky (middle). (Courtesy of Seedrs)
Equity crowdfunding platform Seedrs has launched a new venture partner program to help investors source deals and support European startup growth.

The program, which is open to VCs, accelerators, operators and founders, is intended to pool members' expertise and networks. It shares similarities to VC scout networks, which are gaining traction in Europe, in that partners are expected to source and share potential deals with other members in return for a cut—at least £1,500 for every deal that successfully funds with Seedrs.

The difference, according to Seedrs CEO Jeff Kelisky, is that there is a greater emphasis on mentorship and operational support to startups within the network, which is particularly needed in more challenging market conditions.

"In the same vein that it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to really support founders," he said. "We found that most successful entrepreneurs will have stories about connections that pointed them in the right direction, or helped them when times were tough. We're creating a space where people who have the scars of building a business can connect with those who need it."

Through the program, partners will share content, education and one-on-one support with each other and startups, which can help solve issues ranging from product pain points to new market entry. They'll also be able to educate startups on alternative avenues for funding such as Seedrs—which, given the downturn, are likely to see an uptick in interest.

The program will also look to improve diversity within the startup community by recruiting partners who are focused on closing the funding gap for underrepresented founders.

"We're seeing a lot more demand at the moment because of [the downturn]," Kelisky said. "Founders are looking for solutions and ways to access capital and markets, so it is a good time to launch. The program's ability to foster global deals will help our partners to support founders in and outside the Seedrs community in this new reality."

The current cohort includes 15 partners with founder and/or investor experience. Among them are Made.com founder Julien Callede, startup growth expert Yang Li and Susanne Chishti, CEO of angel investor network Fintech Circle. Applications for the next group of partners are open until Oct. 31.

For now, the program will focus on Europe, but Kelisky said he plans to open it up to allow for transatlantic deal flow in the future. Seedrs' US-based parent company, Republic, which bought the platform in December, has its own venture partner program with applications open for its ninth cohort.

This article originally appeared on PitchBook News