2023 Year End Review
A year of challenges and change. Highlights include welcoming my first child, recovering from a sports injury, transitioning from founder to VC, and investing in 18 exciting startups.
2023 was both incredibly challenging and rewarding. In May, my wife and I welcomed our first child to the world after a long and complicated delivery. Thanks to my wife’s bravery, and the excellent doctors at Sibley Memorial Hospital, both mom and baby emerged from the experience in good health.
A few months earlier in March I sustained a serious hand injury in a soccer match (I was playing keeper). A fracture / dislocation of my right middle finger required surgery and a full year of physical therapy to correct. Thankfully my hand surgeon was able to repair the damage and I‘ve regained most of the functionality in my dominant hand.
Occurring less than 3 months before our son was due, the timing of this injury could not have been worse. My wife was incredibly patient and I did my best not to let it get in the way of my new duties as a Dad. I am especially proud of the mural we painted in the nursery together while I was waiting for surgery.
Professionally, 2023 brought significant change for me as well. After 15 years as a founder, I knew it would be difficult to find something equally fulfilling when I decided to retire from entrepreneurship. To help focus my search, I first thought about how I wanted to spend my time. I decided I needed to find a role where I could spend most of my time doing three things:
1. Learning
2. Working with smart people
3. Helping solve hard problems
While I love building, something about investing always captured my imagination. When I was offered the opportunity to invest professionally, I realized the role aligned perfectly with how I wanted to spend my time. Exactly one year ago today I joined Virginia Venture Partners and began a career in venture capital.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have joined a team full of high-performance, low-ego investors from whom I have learned so much in such a short time.
In my first year on the job I supported review of more than 150 deals, and we made 18 investments as a team. Personally, I had the privilege to work on investments in industries ranging from manufacturing to biotech and aerospace.
This exposure has given me the opportunity to begin developing an investment thesis that will guide me as I move forward in my career. In 2024 I will continue to explore my thesis, refine my perspective, and deepen my conviction.
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Disclaimer
This is the personal blog of Frank V. Taylor. Statements made here are mine alone and do not reflect the views of my employer.
Furthermore, nothing published on this site should be considered investment advice. The content on this site is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Early stage venture capital is an inherently risky asset class.
Only invest money you are able to lose. Do your own research and consult your partner / attorney / financial advisor before making investment decisions.