Conscience VC Successfully Raises Oversubscribed Fund Focused on Consumer Companies Rooted in Science

Ariana Thacker’s Conscience VC: Combining Science and Startups for Impact

The Intersection of Passion and Purpose

Ariana Thacker, a seasoned venture capital expert, has always been driven by her passion for science and innovation. Her journey to founding Conscience VC, a firm that invests in companies at the intersection of consumer and deep tech, is a testament to her dedication to creating impact through entrepreneurship.

From Chemistry to Startups

Thacker’s love affair with science began early on, even before she started taking college-level chemistry courses in middle school. Her interest in startups developed later, when she joined the founding team of Mirus Energy, a startup that aimed to revolutionize the energy sector. Working at a large energy company had left her feeling "trapped in a box," but joining a smaller entity like Mirus allowed her to tap into her creativity and innovation.

"I realized I loved venture, I loved founders, and I want to do that full-time, all the time," Thacker told TechCrunch. "I saw that as the highest leverage way to create impact and transitioned into working in a venture role."

Deep Tech Focus

Thacker’s experience at Rhapsody Venture Partners, a deep tech-focused firm, helped her develop a unique perspective on the intersection of consumer and deep tech. She soon realized that there was a gap in the market for a fund that could invest in companies that combined technical innovation with consumer-facing products.

"I launched Conscience in 2020 to invest in companies that sit at the intersection of consumer and deep tech," Thacker explained. "I believe that this thesis has enormous potential for growth and impact."

A Successful Fundraise

Conscience VC’s debut fund, which closed at $10 million after an oversubscribed fundraising process, is a testament to Thacker’s conviction in her thesis. The firm will focus on investing in pre-seed stage companies with up to $250,000 checks.

"We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and believe that our unique approach will enable us to identify and invest in game-changing companies," Thacker said.

LPs and Founders Come Together

Conscience VC’s investors include Screendoor Partners, Foundation Capital, Carta, and unicorn founders, among others. Despite facing rejection and long hours during the fundraising process, Thacker persevered, even going so far as to liquidate her retirement fund and move into a small apartment.

"It was a lot of fun but a really high-risk endeavor," she said. "It just took a lot longer than I thought."

A Growing Portfolio

With capital in hand, Conscience VC is now actively seeking companies that benefit consumers through technical innovation. The firm’s portfolio already includes 17 companies, including Last Gameboard, an electronic board game startup founded by Shail Mehta.

"Conscience has been instrumental in helping me navigate the complex world of venture capital," Mehta said. "Ariana brings a unique perspective as both a consumer and deep tech expert, which is invaluable to our company’s growth."

Deploying Capital Effectively

In a volatile market, Conscience VC is focused on deploying its capital effectively. Thacker has created a fundraising app that allows founders to connect with 1,000 potential investors from her network, organized by sector and stage.

"We are obsessed with having high ROI on time," she emphasized. "We believe that our unique approach will enable us to identify and invest in companies that have the potential to create significant impact."

A New Era for Venture Capital

Thacker’s journey is a testament to the power of combining passion and purpose in entrepreneurship. As Conscience VC continues to grow and make waves in the venture capital landscape, it remains to be seen what other innovations this firm will bring forth.

With Thacker at the helm, one thing is certain: Conscience VC will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of startups and innovation.

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