Philo Ventures

Over the last few years, the venture studio model has emerged as a powerful catalyst for startup success. At the heart of the venture studio model is a systematic and objective validation process, aimed to de-risk business ideas and position startups with a distinct advantage at launch. Here, we outline the importance of a codified validation process when starting a business, discuss what happens when you neglect to validate, and explain Philo's validation approach. The Power of Validation: Building Startups on a Solid Foundation https://lnkd.in/g_A_bWV6 What are your thoughts on validation?

Philo has had a momentous year so far. Some highlights from the past 10 months: we founded Checkk AI, an AI-powered tool for insurance brokers; we launched Keysy, the largest online marketplace for pre-owned cars in Utah. We contributed seed funding to incredible startups like Alysio and Nonsense. We launched a Sandbox Fund to help student-led startups secure funding, thanks to Philo Partner and Director of the BYU Sandbox program Scott Evanson. We sponsored Utah Tech Week with Convoi Ventures and are excited to do so again for 2025. We also re-launched Addax Overland with Marshall Smith as our Founder-in-Residence, and expanded our first Studio portco, Basecamp Hospitality, LLC by opening Tammah Jackson Hole glamping resort and acquiring The Landing Hotel, Restaurant, and Pub in Ketchikan, Alaska. We are a startup studio and venture fund that specializes in the 0 to 1 space, partnering with industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and universities through our Sandbox Fund. We pride ourselves on building innovative companies and investing in visionary entrepreneurs.  We decided we needed an updated look to match our momentum, and launched a new website that better reflects our partners and how we collaborate to build and fund startups. Check out our new Philo site: https://lnkd.in/gRkgSTBN. Reach out and let’s see if we can build together!

Don't forget to sign up for our webinar happening this Wednesday unveiling Checkk AI: our newest AI-powered solution designed to help insurance agents streamline processes and boost the bottom line!

We’re excited to partner with Utah Tech Week once again and are already starting to plan some great events as part of it! Utah Tech Week is a week-long celebration of Utah’s incredible tech and startup ecosystem, happening Jan. 27 - Feb. 1, 2025. 🎉 Anyone is welcome to attend or host an event, at no cost! Put this on your calendar now and register at: https://lnkd.in/gNwsb4qv!

We’re looking forward to another great UT Tech Week. Mark your calendars, we’ll see you all there!

Join us virtually on October 15th as Checkk AI, our latest portfolio company, unveils its new AI-powered solution, designed to save insurance agents hours of time each week and boost their bottom line. Get an exclusive first look at how this new tool is disrupting the industry by streamlining otherwise tedious processes, reducing errors, and allowing agents to focus more on client relationships. Hear from our team firsthand how they built this unique, AI-driven solution. 🚀 Secure your seat today: https://lu.ma/pms13cat

We are excited for our portfolio company, Addax Overland, to host its first-ever Warehouse Sale coming up this Saturday. Addax will be offering last year's off-road trailer models at unbeatable prices and will give away a trailer valued at $10,000, as well as other incredible prizes! Visit the warehouse sale on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 am to 5 pm at the Manly Bands warehouse in Lindon, where you can check out the trailers, enjoy the food trucks, and possibly walk away with a new Addax trailer! More details about the Addax Warehouse Sale: https://lnkd.in/dcPFQiuV

Congratulations to the 94 Utah businesses that made it on this year's Inc. Magazine Inc. 5000 List! We used AI to analyze the data around the Utah companies that made the list, and wanted to share some interesting insights: ✅ Software is the no. 1 industry of the Utah honorees, with Business Products & Services following closely behind. ✅ Salt Lake City and Lehi tied with housing the most Utah companies on the Inc. 5000. ✅ The average 3-year growth rate among these Utah companies is 2432%. Check out all of the Utah honorees: https://lnkd.in/gDsG3fke *Rankings on the following slides do not reflect Inc. 5000's company rankings but rankings among only Utah companies.

Tapping my network of sales professionals. Addax Overland is looking for a proven sales leader. If you or someone you know is in the market, please check out this page for more info: https://lnkd.in/gwrNUtJp

This illustration, courtesy of Matthew Burris, does a great job of demystifying venture studios. Studios develop in-house ideas, guide ideas through a rigorous validation process, assist in raising capital, and provide essential business resources. This comprehensive support contributes to the 30% higher success rate of studio-backed businesses.