Laidlaw Scholars Ventures

Overview

Laidlaw Scholars Ventures (LSV) is a venture capital firm established by the Laidlaw Foundation to invest in start-ups founded and run by Laidlaw Scholars. Backed by a $50 million fund, LSV accelerates businesses by financing their growth, providing support services, delivering extensive training and development, and bringing a network of expert advisors and mentors to guide portfolio companies. All profits from LSV are reinvested into the Laidlaw Foundation's educational programmes, which aim to break the cycle of poverty, reduce inequality, and develop a new generation of ethical leaders. LSV focuses on investing in businesses that align with the Foundation's Good Business Checklist, a charter for ethical leadership. The firm has made notable investments, including a $650,000 investment in Guava, a digital banking and networking platform designed for Black entrepreneurs in the United States. This investment supports Guava's mission to narrow the racial wealth gap by facilitating the development, growth, and resilience of Black-owned businesses. The firm has also updated its investment criteria to allow Laidlaw Scholars to receive funding immediately upon graduation, eliminating the previous two-year work experience requirement. This change aims to support newly graduated scholars in creating impact-driven businesses without delay. LSV's commitment to ethical leadership and social impact continues to drive its investment strategy and portfolio development.

Investment Focus

• Founded and run by Laidlaw Scholars
• Aligned with the Laidlaw Foundation's Good Business Checklist
• Commitment to ethical leadership and social impact

Portfolio Companies