Investor Profiles: Justin Driscoll

At Wisdom Partners, we’re dedicated to equipping founders with invaluable insights from industry leaders to help them navigate the complex landscape of entrepreneurship and investment. Today, we are excited to share our first investor profile, featuring Justin Driscoll, Principal at LEAD Sports & Health Tech, who shared his perspectives on early-stage investing and what he looks for in a promising company.

The First Impressions: Beyond the Pitch Deck

What makes you read past the first slide of a pitch?

If the deck can clearly communicate the problem/solution set, why now, and why you? That initial clarity is essential to grab my attention and make me want to learn more.

What is your investment thesis?

We invest through our family of funds globally, using a stage-agnostic lens to evaluate sports and health tech opportunities. We look for themes and market tailwinds that signal a ripe investment opportunity.

What stage companies do you usually invest in?

At LEAD, we focus primarily on early-stage companies, particularly pre-seed and seed-stage ventures. However, we also support growth-stage opportunities when they align with our investment strategy.

What makes you excited about investing in a new company?

I’m most excited when I can “jump shotgun” with founders, tackling the upcoming obstacles together. There’s a unique thrill in identifying evolving themes and market shifts that present promising investment opportunities.

The Importance of the Founder

What’s one thing you’re looking for in a startup founder?

Obsession and a deep understanding of the problem they’re solving. I also value founders who can make adaptive decisions in response to the challenges they face.

What are the most common challenges you see in founders in your portfolio?

A significant challenge is the time lost chasing opportunities that eventually lead to a long “no”—whether from customers, employees, investors, or partners. This can drain valuable resources and momentum.

What is a common myth about the venture or investment world?

Many believe that venture capital is purely a technical game, but there’s as much art in investing as there is science. Understanding the nuances of both is crucial for success.

What is the most important thing a Seed stage or Series A founder should do?

Know your consumer more intimately than anyone else in your company while chasing product-market fit. This deep understanding is critical in shaping a product that truly resonates with the market.

Personal Insights

What’s the best way for people to reach you if they think you might be a good fit to invest in their company?

The best probability of success is always through a warm introduction—period. If that’s not an option, you can find me on LinkedIn or email me directly.

Justin’s insights offer a window into the mindset of a seasoned investor in the sports and health tech space. For founders, understanding these perspectives can sharpen your pitches and strategies, enhancing your chances of attracting the right investment. Stay tuned for more profiles that bring you closer to the industry’s top investors.