Launched by Felicis Ventures, the program will commit 1% on top of every check the firm writes in non-dilutive capital earmarked for “founder development” in coaching and mental health. The money, which will be available no-strings-attached for years after the investment is made, can be used by Felicis' founders to cover costs such as therapy sessions, leadership coaching, development programs and peer CEO groups. “Startup founders are in high-pressure environments, and we ask them to build these disruptive companies that will change the world, and yet we are not really providing support on this front,” says Senkut. A fellow Felicis portfolio CEO, Perkins says she hopes that other firms and founders follow the firm’s example in months to come. The pledge to vote with founders comes up in more than 80% of conversations with potential new investments, he says.

Source: Forbes September 10, 2018 17:26 UTC