Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Equal Ventures Energy l Insurance l Retail l Supply Chain
Later this spring, Equal Ventures will turn 3. At this time, 3 years ago, I was nearly broke. Fundraising was next to possible, I hadnt taken a salary in close to a year and had a baby due. When we went on trips for fundraising, we shared rooms in a hostel to cut costs. There is nothing lavish about sleeping in a bed where you're feet are bumping up against your business partner's during the middle of the night (see below). My daughter was born on a Friday night and I was back in the office first thing Monday morning for a LP meeting because it was the only slot we could get with them (they didn't invest). It was a tough time. 3 years later, the world is different. While still early, our fund is achieving lofty results thanks to the great founders we work with. We have our footing, we’re getting better at our playbook everyday and we’re building an incredible team. The companies we represent (often as the largest shareholder and board member) employ nearly 1k people. For many of these companies, we joined pre-revenue or at the founding of the company. I'm humbled by our beginnings, grateful for the opportunity we have and the support we've been given and mindful of the incredible community around us that has enabled us to exist. Rather than write a post on predictions or goals to start the year, I wanted to write a post reflecting on the first 3 years of Equal. Humility, Gratitude and Community will be the be the values that drive the next leg of our journey. Appreciate any folks who want to read about these reflections on the Equal journey here. https://lnkd.in/dBesVFvq
Daniel Heck
2y
Upgraded from the hostel...on the way to the penthouse suite! Congrats on an awesome year Equal Ventures Rick Zullo!
Not often do companies and venture firms have a shared origin story, but this one does, and I’m proud to be a small part of it. Most importantly, I’m proud to call Rick Zullo and Richard Kerby lifelong friends.
If you are a founder in #logisticstech with a big idea, you should probably know Rick Zullo and Equal Ventures.
I love this so much!! It's a special gift to find smart, driven people at the right time in your life. I'm grateful for your friendship and your partnership Rick. Amped to roll-up our sleeves with you and the Equal Ventures crew and continue to #growtogether !!
Ryan Gilbert
2y
Huge respect Rick Zullo and Richard Kerby . Grateful to partner with you. 🙏
Awesome story or perseverence Rick Zullo. You deserved everything you earned!
Laura Roller
2y
Thanks for sharing your story, Rick. I’m excited for you and the Equal team!
need more posts like this. inspiring stuff
Mark K.
2y
Great words to live by Rick Zullo - you never find out how tough you are - until you get your ass kicked. The ref was at 7, but you staggered back to your feet and continued the fight. Equal Ventures
CoFounder // COO at ThreeFlow
2yI’ll never forget your trip to see us in Chicago either Rick, and am very grateful that you and Kerby made it. I remember spending much of that day working at the whiteboard. It personally helped me see your conviction for our business, knowledge of the Insurtech space, and ultimately, what a great fit Equal Ventures would be for ThreeFlow. Awesome to see this reflection of what the firm’s success has been built on, and I agree that the best is yet to come. All that said, it would’ve been a lot cooler if those were bunk beds 😎