Base10 Partners, a San Francisco-based venture firm, has raised $850 million to invest in automation for the real economy, focusing on sectors like logistics and construction. The firm emphasizes research-driven investments and aims to democratize access to technology traditionally reserved for the wealthy, while also donating a portion of its profits to support underfunded colleges.
Base10 Partners' approach of spending months on sector research before investing and focusing on specific areas like automation in the real economy could serve as a model for developing strong investment theses. Their strategy of meeting companies globally in their focus areas, even when they're not fundraising, enables them to make informed, conviction-based investments. This indicates the importance of deep sector knowledge and proactive engagement with potential portfolio companies for any VC firm aiming to secure high-quality deals.