February 26, 2020
Nigel Morris reflects on $350 million Fund VI
I am elated to announce that we have raised our 6th fund with $350 million in committed capital. This will allow QED to continue to do what we do best – invest in disruptive fintech business models, solving real problems, led by relentless, audacious, customer-centric founders.
"This will allow QED to continue to do what we do best – invest in disruptive fintech business models, solving real problems, led by relentless, audacious, customer-centric founders"
Since founding QED 12 years ago with my longtime partner, Frank Rotman, we have been laser focused on supporting CEOs, giving them the best fintech advice they can get anywhere. We leverage our experience founding and running companies and our deep fintech expertise to support them on their entrepreneurial journeys. We plug them into our networks. And we help guide them through the myriad of challenges that all fintechs face. Leveraging our deep functional experience, we have a plethora of data points on the inevitable challenges founders face – challenges that determine the difference between success and failure. Lastly, we stick with our CEOs through thick and thin, even when other investors might be tempted to give up.
Admittedly, in 2007, we did not have the future completely mapped out. We embraced our growth day-by-day. Thanks to the hard work and determination of our team of hands-on operators and our tenacious CEOs, we have invested in more than 120 investments across the US, UK, and Latin America. 10 of our companies are valued at more than $1B each, making them unicorns (a herd?). Many more are knocking on the door of unicorn status.
"10 of our companies are valued at more than $1B each, making them unicorns (a herd?). Many more are knocking on the door of unicorn status."
We have never had more investable opportunities – and positively selected ones at that! Looking forward, our new capital base gives us the resources we need to make amazing investments – both in early-stage fintechs and now in growth-stage teams as well.
Lastly, a word of gratitude. Enormous thanks to our CEOs, our team, our friends and co-investors, and our LPs. None of this would be possible without you. Onward!