An open consumer cooperative

Innovation Buyers Club

We buy goods that don't exist but should.

A cooperative where anyone can learn venture by doing, and impact founders find their first customer.

The problem

The VC industry shuts out many passionate people who want to back impactful startups, simply because they lack the right network or net worth. Impact founders face the mirror image: they are building in the wrong place or at the wrong time to reach VCs.

The cost

Gatekeeping holds impact founders back. Time, energy and capital sit on the sidelines, eager to help, while good founders fail simply because those resources never reached them.

The solution

An open cooperative of people eager to break into VC. Members pool time and energy to source and evaluate impact startups and, if the group decides, buy the product as the startup's first customer.

It works like an investment fund in every way, except the cooperative buys goods rather than equity. That keeps it accessible and avoids the regulatory hurdles of investing.

How it works

IntroduceA member brings a startup to the cooperative.

DiligenceMembers who believe in it screen it and write a memo.

DecideA buy decision committee, like an IC, votes on whether to buy with cooperative funds.

BuyA lead member finalises the purchase, funded by member fees and auxiliary revenue.

Sell (exit)That member orchestrates the resale of the good.

ShareOnce the cooperative is repaid, profits split between the cooperative and the members who contributed to the deal.

Not a yes? The founder still receives the memo and member feedback on how to improve.

Benefits for members

Hands-on VC experience: sourcing, diligence, memos and committee decisions
Build the network and skills needed to break into a VC career
Financial rewards based on your contribution to each deal
Open to all, with no minimum net worth or insider network required
Real influence over which impact ideas get built

Benefits for founders

Direct, honest feedback on your business, even if we don't buy
A first customer: cashflow and traction to grow
Better odds of success and stronger footing for future fundraising
A committed community of people who believe in what you're building
Access regardless of your location or timing