For decades, venture capital has been synonymous with chasing unicorns—those rare startups valued at a billion dollars or more. But a new generation of investors is rewriting the script, prioritizing sustainable growth and healthier founders over high-stakes bets. At Chicago-based 11 Tribes Ventures, General Partner Kristina Chapple and Founder Mark Phillips are betting that a thriving founder creates a flourishing company. They are literally putting money behind that belief by dedicating 2% of every investment as non-dilutive capital for coaching, therapy, and personal development.

This founder-first approach is not only unusual in venture capital but also reflects a broader shift among emerging managers who emphasize founder support, resilience, and mental health. Instead of holding out for one or two unicorns, they aim to nurture more companies toward $100 million exits. As Chapple put it, “healthier founders lead to better returns.” READ MORE