Latest news with #venturefund
Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I'm a VC founder and mother to 5 Gen Z kids. My listening tour of 50 young adults shows a hunger to work hard and rewrite the American Dream
The American Dream isn't broken — it's evolving. Scrappy, self-aware, and determined to build lives defined by purpose, stability, and ownership, Gen Z isn't waiting around for a savior. They're rewriting the playbook for success themselves. The biggest demographic shift in history is already underway. Whether we respond with intention — or not — will shape markets, politics, and society for decades. As a mom of five Gen Z kids and the founder of a venture fund focused on investments geared toward remedying generational fractures, I've had a front row seat observing the work ethic and drive of this generation. The prevailing narrative about this generation, that they're entitled, aimless, or fragile, couldn't be further from what I've observed in my own children and the 15–20 college interns I mentor every summer. Instead, I see young people who are curious, inclusive, digitally fluent, and relentlessly resourceful. They're resume-maximizers juggling part-time jobs, side hustles, clubs, and coursework, all while navigating a social media environment designed to distract or diminish them. Listening sessions and pulse checks To better understand the friction between Gen Z's ambition and the world they're inheriting, Visible Ventures partnered with The Up and Up, a media and strategy firm focused on Gen Z, to conduct a series of listening sessions and pulse checks with more than 50 Gen Zers. The results revealed a glaring truth: the future they envision requires on-ramps to economic opportunity and mental wellbeing, but right now, inflation and the sky-high cost of college often stand in their way. Saddled with debt, priced out of the housing market, struggling with loneliness, and staring down a chaotic world, less than half of young adults feel a sense of community. They aren't exaggerating the obstacles. To afford the same house today as in 2020, the average American needs to have nearly doubled their income. Rent growth has far outpaced wage gains. Inflation permeates grocery bills, insurance, and even mass transit fees. As recently reported in a Bank of America Better Money Habits report, despite the fact that Gen Z is financially self-aware, financially action-oriented, and in tune with economic reality, (distinguishing them from any prior generation's behaviors at the same age), more than a third feel financially stressed due to insufficient income and macroeconomic instability. This is a collective problem. As the U.S. population ages, with the number of Americans over 65 expected to nearly double by 2050, our economy will depend more heavily on Gen Z's productivity, innovation, and tax base to sustain growth. By 2030, there will be a $30 trillion generational wealth transfer into the hands of women and Gen Z, and Gen Z, the largest generation ever, will account for all consumer spending growth over the next ten years. Their success isn't a side narrative. In fact, it's a structural necessity. If we don't clear the barriers that limit their potential today, we jeopardize the very engine that's meant to carry our economy forward tomorrow. Looking for a sense of purpose Through our conversations with students and early career professionals ranging in industries from consulting to teaching and construction, we learned that when it comes to their futures, many in this generation are not preoccupied with traditional status symbols or generating massive wealth. Instead, they want to be debt-free and to build a financial safety net. As one 20-year-old woman told us, her vision of success is not living 'paycheck to paycheck,' and 'being able to at least save a little bit, doesn't have to be a lot.' Another 24-year-old shared: 'What I want is a future—and a financial foundation I can control.' Beyond financial security, young people today are looking for a sense of purpose. Still others avoid romantic relationships so they can prioritize saving money and advancing in their careers. They repeatedly shared that the cost of going on dates and paying for two rather than one is simply not feasible. Skeptical of abiding by the way things have been just for the sake of tradition, they are reinventing traditional markers of success. Data shows that half of Gen Z wants to start their own company. But that doesn't mean they want to be billionaires. From small business owners to start-up founders, we saw that trendline in our own research too. Instead of disincentivizing this generation's entrepreneurial spirit, belittling them wanting to be their own boss, they need support for their endeavors. If we want a future defined by agency, not anxiety, we need to expand the paths to wealth and invest in the infrastructure that helps young people get there. That means mentorship, early capital, and visibility into real-world opportunities beyond the traditional four year-degree or Silicon Valley playbook. Whether expanding access to vocational training, or adopting micro-credentialing to refresh and augment skills, we need to build pathways that connect Gen Z to paychecks and long-term financial stability. Entire sectors, like skilled trades, caregiving, and community-rooted services, are ripe for reinvention, yet too often overlooked by capital and culture alike. As AI reshapes the employment landscape, we must equip Gen Z to not just survive the shifts, but to shape them. Thinking like a founder doesn't require a pitch deck. It requires grit, agency, and ambition. Let's stop underestimating this generation and instead act with intention by investing in the systems, support, and mentorship they need to turn their version of the American Dream into reality. The opinions expressed in commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune. This story was originally featured on Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I'm a VC founder and mother to 5 Gen Z kids. My listening tour of 50 young adults shows a hunger to work hard and rewrite the American Dream
The American Dream isn't broken — it's evolving. Scrappy, self-aware, and determined to build lives defined by purpose, stability, and ownership, Gen Z isn't waiting around for a savior. They're rewriting the playbook for success themselves. The biggest demographic shift in history is already underway. Whether we respond with intention — or not — will shape markets, politics, and society for decades. As a mom of five Gen Z kids and the founder of a venture fund focused on investments geared toward remedying generational fractures, I've had a front row seat observing the work ethic and drive of this generation. The prevailing narrative about this generation, that they're entitled, aimless, or fragile, couldn't be further from what I've observed in my own children and the 15–20 college interns I mentor every summer. Instead, I see young people who are curious, inclusive, digitally fluent, and relentlessly resourceful. They're resume-maximizers juggling part-time jobs, side hustles, clubs, and coursework, all while navigating a social media environment designed to distract or diminish them. Listening sessions and pulse checks To better understand the friction between Gen Z's ambition and the world they're inheriting, Visible Ventures partnered with The Up and Up, a media and strategy firm focused on Gen Z, to conduct a series of listening sessions and pulse checks with more than 50 Gen Zers. The results revealed a glaring truth: the future they envision requires on-ramps to economic opportunity and mental wellbeing, but right now, inflation and the sky-high cost of college often stand in their way. Saddled with debt, priced out of the housing market, struggling with loneliness, and staring down a chaotic world, less than half of young adults feel a sense of community. They aren't exaggerating the obstacles. To afford the same house today as in 2020, the average American needs to have nearly doubled their income. Rent growth has far outpaced wage gains. Inflation permeates grocery bills, insurance, and even mass transit fees. As recently reported in a Bank of America Better Money Habits report, despite the fact that Gen Z is financially self-aware, financially action-oriented, and in tune with economic reality, (distinguishing them from any prior generation's behaviors at the same age), more than a third feel financially stressed due to insufficient income and macroeconomic instability. This is a collective problem. As the U.S. population ages, with the number of Americans over 65 expected to nearly double by 2050, our economy will depend more heavily on Gen Z's productivity, innovation, and tax base to sustain growth. By 2030, there will be a $30 trillion generational wealth transfer into the hands of women and Gen Z, and Gen Z, the largest generation ever, will account for all consumer spending growth over the next ten years. Their success isn't a side narrative. In fact, it's a structural necessity. If we don't clear the barriers that limit their potential today, we jeopardize the very engine that's meant to carry our economy forward tomorrow. Looking for a sense of purpose Through our conversations with students and early career professionals ranging in industries from consulting to teaching and construction, we learned that when it comes to their futures, many in this generation are not preoccupied with traditional status symbols or generating massive wealth. Instead, they want to be debt-free and to build a financial safety net. As one 20-year-old woman told us, her vision of success is not living 'paycheck to paycheck,' and 'being able to at least save a little bit, doesn't have to be a lot.' Another 24-year-old shared: 'What I want is a future—and a financial foundation I can control.' Beyond financial security, young people today are looking for a sense of purpose. Still others avoid romantic relationships so they can prioritize saving money and advancing in their careers. They repeatedly shared that the cost of going on dates and paying for two rather than one is simply not feasible. Skeptical of abiding by the way things have been just for the sake of tradition, they are reinventing traditional markers of success. Data shows that half of Gen Z wants to start their own company. But that doesn't mean they want to be billionaires. From small business owners to start-up founders, we saw that trendline in our own research too. Instead of disincentivizing this generation's entrepreneurial spirit, belittling them wanting to be their own boss, they need support for their endeavors. If we want a future defined by agency, not anxiety, we need to expand the paths to wealth and invest in the infrastructure that helps young people get there. That means mentorship, early capital, and visibility into real-world opportunities beyond the traditional four year-degree or Silicon Valley playbook. Whether expanding access to vocational training, or adopting micro-credentialing to refresh and augment skills, we need to build pathways that connect Gen Z to paychecks and long-term financial stability. Entire sectors, like skilled trades, caregiving, and community-rooted services, are ripe for reinvention, yet too often overlooked by capital and culture alike. As AI reshapes the employment landscape, we must equip Gen Z to not just survive the shifts, but to shape them. Thinking like a founder doesn't require a pitch deck. It requires grit, agency, and ambition. Let's stop underestimating this generation and instead act with intention by investing in the systems, support, and mentorship they need to turn their version of the American Dream into reality. The opinions expressed in commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune. This story was originally featured on Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Frazier Life Sciences Closes Oversubscribed $1.3 Billion Venture Fund
Frazier Life Sciences XII, L.P. will focus on creating and investing in pioneering companies developing novel therapeutics PALO ALTO, Calif., July 31, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Frazier Life Sciences (FLS), a longstanding investment firm focused on innovative therapeutics, today announced the closing of Frazier Life Sciences XII, L.P. (FLS XII), with over $1.3 billion in capital commitments. The oversubscribed fund received strong support from both longstanding and new limited partners. Consistent with prior FLS venture funds, FLS XII will primarily invest in company creation and early-stage private biopharmaceutical companies. "We appreciate the continued support of our limited partners, many of whom have been with us since the launch of our first dedicated venture fund in 2016," said Patrick Heron, Managing Partner at Frazier Life Sciences. "With FLS XII, we look forward to continuing to work with exceptional entrepreneurs to advance therapeutic programs with the potential to address significant medical needs." Frazier Life Sciences has raised over $3.6 billion across five dedicated venture funds since 2016, alongside more than $1.7 billion raised in long-only public funds since 2021. The FLS team includes seven investment partners and a growing group of over 35 investment professionals, operating professionals, and senior advisors with broad biopharmaceutical experience across therapeutic areas and company stages. The firm takes a hands-on, collaborative approach to company building, leading to 25 new companies launched since 2020. Noteworthy investments include Alpine Immune Sciences (acquired by Vertex), Arcutis Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ: ARQT), Mirum Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: MIRM), NewAmsterdam Pharma (NASDAQ: NAMS), Tarsus Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: TARS), and Amunix Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Sanofi), among others. About Frazier Life Sciences Frazier Life Sciences (FLS) invests globally in private and publicly traded companies that discover, develop, and commercialize innovative biopharmaceuticals. Since 2016, the firm has raised over $5.3 billion including venture funds focusing on company creation and private companies and long-only public funds focused on small and mid-cap public companies. Since 2010, FLS portfolio companies have achieved over 65 FDA-approved therapeutics and completed more than 60 IPOs or strategic acquisitions. FLS is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, with offices in San Diego, Seattle, and Boston. For more information, please visit and follow us on LinkedIn. View source version on Contacts For media inquiries, please contact: Ailsa Dalgliesh, of Investor Relations ailsa@
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stride (LRN) Delivered Robust Results in Q1 Amid Volatility
Janus Henderson Investors, an investment management company, released its 'Janus Henderson Venture Fund' first quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The fund returned -8.61% in the first quarter, compared to the Russell 2000 Growth Index's -11.12% return. Stock selection in the consumer discretionary sector contributed to the fund's relative performance in the quarter, while selection in healthcare detracted. Stocks declined in the quarter as the uncertainty over tariffs and other Trump administration policies dampened the optimism that had driven momentum in the fourth quarter of 2024. In addition, please check the fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025. In its first-quarter 2025 investor letter, Janus Henderson Venture Fund highlighted stocks such as Stride, Inc. (NYSE:LRN). Stride, Inc. (NYSE:LRN) is a technology-based education service company. The one-month return of Stride, Inc. (NYSE:LRN) was -1.46%, and its shares gained 105.77% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On July 1, 2025, Stride, Inc. (NYSE:LRN) stock closed at $141.55 per share, with a market capitalization of $6.161 billion. Janus Henderson Venture Fund stated the following regarding Stride, Inc. (NYSE:LRN) in its Q1 2025 investor letter: We were pleased to see a number of our holdings deliver solid positive performance despite a challenging market backdrop. Relative contributors include Stride, Inc. (NYSE:LRN), an education technology company that provides a remote learning platform for both K-12 education and professional training and recertification. After reporting strong enrollment growth for its education platform in the critical fall quarter, Stride has continued to attract additional students over the course of the academic year, while maintaining high retention rates. These trends have supported strong revenue growth, while attesting to the quality of its educational resources and the value proposition it offers families seeking more flexible education options. We also believe its career learning offerings may be positioned for increased demand if a slowing economy leads to more layoffs and career transitions. A teacher giving a lecture in a classroom illuminated by a bright light of knowledge. Stride, Inc. (NYSE:LRN) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 36 hedge fund portfolios held Stride, Inc. (NYSE:LRN) at the end of the first quarter, which was 33 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Stride, Inc. (NYSE:LRN) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is as promising as NVIDIA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the undervalued AI stock set for massive gains. In another article, we covered Stride, Inc. (NYSE:LRN) and shared the list of stocks Jim Cramer put under the microscope. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q1 2025 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors. While we acknowledge the potential of LRN as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SS&C Technologies Holdings (SSNC) Emerged from a Period of Transition
Janus Henderson Investors, an investment management company, released its 'Janus Henderson Venture Fund' first quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The fund returned -8.61% in the first quarter, compared to the Russell 2000 Growth Index's -11.12% return. Stock selection in the consumer discretionary sector contributed to the fund's relative performance in the quarter, while selection in healthcare detracted. Stocks declined in the quarter as the uncertainty over tariffs and other Trump administration policies dampened the optimism that had driven momentum in the fourth quarter of 2024. In addition, please check the fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025. In its first-quarter 2025 investor letter, Janus Henderson Venture Fund highlighted stocks such as SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:SSNC). Headquartered in Windsor, Connecticut, SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:SSNC) is a software products and software-enabled services provider to the financial and healthcare sectors. The one-month return of SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:SSNC) was 4.49%, and its shares gained 33.38% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On July 1, 2025, SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:SSNC) stock closed at $83.32 per share, with a market capitalization of $20.552 billion. Janus Henderson Venture Fund stated the following regarding SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:SSNC) in its Q1 2025 investor letter: "SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:SSNC), another contributor, offers software supported services that help financial sector companies outsource middle- and back-office operations. The company has emerged from a period of transition after successfully integrating several acquisitions, migrating to a new technology platform, and rearchitecting its software offerings for the cloud. As a result, the company recently delivered its fastest pace of organic revenue growth in several years. We remain constructive on its business prospects, especially as it operates in a market niche that has historically been less affected by economic pressures." A financial advisor providing consultation to a client to help manage their portfolio. SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:SSNC) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 54 hedge fund portfolios held SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:SSNC) at the end of the first quarter, which was 46 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:SSNC) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is as promising as NVIDIA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the undervalued AI stock set for massive gains. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q1 2025 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors. While we acknowledge the potential of SSNC as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
