Our Founders’ Health Programme
We strongly believe that taking care of our founders’ mental and physical health is essential to their success.
This is why, back in 2018, we started our Founders’ Health Initiative. Among others, it’s part of this Initiative to incorporate a Founders’ Health Clause into all of our termsheets when investing in a company.
We believe every VC should look after the health of the founders they invest in and make it an explicit commitment. if you believe in this, feel free to use our clause in your own contract. We are very happy to share this with the world!
Bernd Klosterkemper
Partner
Ananda Impact Ventures
Bernd Klosterkemper
Partner
Ananda Impact Ventures
Our founders are remarkable people who have embarked on a journey to build the most successful startups with clear, measurable impacts for our society or nature. They navigate challenges with extraordinary mental and physical strength.
As partners, responsible shareholders and impact investors, we must uphold our commitment to their success. From my experience as an entrepreneur and VC, I’ve learned two things: yes VC investors are part of the system creating well-being risks for founders, but we also have the power to be part of the solution.
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Our Founders’ Health Programme
In 2023, we launched an updated version of the Initiative and started the Founders’ Health Programme to provide an even more holistic and structured support to our portfolio founders.
The Programme is made up of a few different parts:
Coaching
Over the years, we have created a database of coaches who can support our founders with their mental and physical health, as well as their personal and professional growth. With the help of our Head Coach, Rebecca Hill, we guide founders in finding a coach who can address their specific needs.
Workshops
We are running a series of curated workshops for our founders on various topics such as burnout, co-founder dynamics, as well as parenthood for founders. The workshops are facilitated by experts.
Peer support
Peer support is one of the key aspects of our programme. We facilitate this by creating dedicated opportunities for exchanges with other founders—whether internally within the Ananda Portfolio or by making use of existing formats like EO (Entrepreneur’s Organization).
Resource library
We have assembled a resource database where our founders can find podcasts, videos, articles and studies to support their growth journey.
Rebecca Hill
Head Coach
Ananda Founders’ Health Programme
By prioritising founder well-being, we not only empower founders to thrive personally but also foster the success and resilience of their companies, creating a ripple effect of positive impact in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Franziska Joseph
Programme Manager
Ananda Founders’ Health Programme
Franziska Joseph
Programme Manager
Ananda Founders’ Health Programme
It’s inspiring to see investors actively addressing founder mental health, recognizing their influence and responsibility in this area. I’m truly excited to be part of this important evolution.”
Programme snapshot
Why it matters
80%
of Ananda active portfolio companies have been onboarded to the programme
65%
of failed startups fail for avoidable reasons like conflict & leadership issues (Noam Wasserman)
85%
of our portfolio founders have had coaching experience as of today
72%
of all founders struggle with at least one mental health problem (Michael Freeman)
37%
of our portfolio founders are currently in active coaching
5.3x
return on investment of leadership coaching (Merrill C. Anderson)
Programme snapshot
80%
of Ananda active portfolio companies have been onboarded to the programme
85%
of our portfolio founders have had coaching experience as of today
37%
of our portfolio founders are currently in active coaching
Why it matters
65%
of failed startups fail for avoidable reasons like conflict & leadership issues (Noam Wasserman)
72%
of all founders struggle with at least one mental health problem (Michael Freeman)
5.3x
return on investment of leadership coaching (Merrill C. Anderson)
What our founders say
Coaching has been invaluable in providing clarity and direction, especially during moments of uncertainty and rapid change.
Through coaching, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of my leadership style and how it impacts our team and business. It has been a powerful tool for self-awareness, helping me identify areas for improvement and work on my strengths.
CEO & Co-Founder at Ananda’s Portfolio Company
The focus on founder health of the Founders’ Health Programme has been transformational for me.
I haven’ t had this from any other investor. It gave me the push I needed in the right direction.
CEO at Ananda’s Portfolio Company
Let’s create a better future, together.
We are always looking for exceptional founders creating the game-changing impact companies of tomorrow.