Q1 Highlights
25 years ago, Pierre Omidyar founded eBay because he saw a new way for technology to catalyze economic opportunity around the world.
Since Pierre’s our single LP, we’re always looking for builders who exude that same spirit. This has been especially true for us this quarter, when technological innovation is unlocking new ways to connect sellers and buyers. In February, we proudly announced our investment in talkshoplive. TSL cultivates immersive, inclusive, live selling that empowers people to tell the stories behind their products and connect with their communities.
Like eBay before them, TSL levels the playing field: it’s a place where small businesses and creators share a stage with celebrities and some of the largest retail brands in the world. Here’s the full story of why we invested in Bryan and Tina’s vision—in a nutshell, we love how they’re building a more authentic, engaging future for commerce. By the way, they recently had a neat TV spotlight.
Speaking of spotlights, here’s a fantastic New York Times interview featuring RushTix CEO Jill Paiz-Bourque. In it, Jill tells the story of how RushTix is growing up to become the biggest comedy club on the planet. Plus, check out Fast Company's Most Innovative list, which features two of our portfolio companies: DroneSeed in robotics and Skillshare in education.
As we celebrate all this exciting news, we’re also asking questions about the future:
“Will the post-Covid world include hybrid conferences, with attendees and presenters beaming in somehow?” Marc Tarpenning wonders.
“In what ways will people change their perception or belief about what matters or what’s valuable?” asks Shripriya Mahesh.
Sara Eshelman is thinking, “Could high friction, high reward become a new equilibrium for firmless professionals?”
One more thing, in case you missed it: Earlier this year, we announced our $123M fund and welcomed our new partner, Andrew Parker. We’re thrilled to be moving forward with Andrew aboard.
Until next time,
The team at Spero Ventures