[sīc] Ventures

www.sicstudio.org/ventures/ventures

Sic Studio operates as a venture studio investing in emerging market startups in conflict zones and unstable markets, working with local partners as co-founders to create sustainable, locally-owned economic, social, and cultural impact initiatives.

Check Size

Not specified

Stages

Not specified

Focus Areas

Other

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Investment Thesis

Sic Studio blends venture capital with development economics to address root causes of societal issues in emerging markets and conflict zones. They believe that traditional peacebuilding and development frameworks miss crucial attention to underlying economic, social, and cultural (ESC) dimensions at sub-regional and local levels. Their core conviction is that “capital mechanisms” are more empowering than aid alone, as they give stakeholders “not just a voice, but a say” in their own economic futures.

What Sets Them Apart

Venture studio model working in uncertain/conflict environments with local co-founders rather than traditional outsider investor approach
Innovative fund structure: allocates principal into dividend ETF, then uses dividend yield to invest in emerging market startups, mitigating LP risk while increasing capital flows
Experimental approach with rigorous testing of theories and assumptions, measuring impact through research initiatives
Risk calculus prioritizes local stakeholder perspective and impact over profitability; considers "the risk of having not taken action"
Works in tandem with traditional development/humanitarian organizations rather than replacing them
Macroeconomic and development economics research-driven country selection based on specific balance of financial frictions and macroeconomic indicators