The gratitude issue: investing in what matters

Building community, giving back, and deploying capital with purpose

Hey everyone,

As we roll toward the end of the year, gratitude is front of mind. In venture and startups, it’s easy to get caught up in fast growth and shiny exits, but the real wins often come from community, mentorship, and long-term thinking. This issue is dedicated to the entrepreneurs, investors, and programs who show that doing well and doing good can go hand in hand.

👩 Founder Spotlight

Ahryun Moon — Co-Founder & CEO, GoodTime
Ahryun Moon leads GoodTime, a company that uses human-centric AI to optimize hiring workflows for companies like HubSpot, Spotify, and Priceline.


She’s been recognized on Inc.’s 2025 Female Founders 500 list, showcasing her commitment to scaling technology while keeping people at the core.

Why it matters: Ahryun is a strong example of a female founder who blends tech innovation with empathy and operational excellence. Her leadership shows how impact and growth can go hand in hand in the startup world.

💸 Fund Highlight

Responsibly Ventures
This pre-seed impact-VC fund is explicitly mission-driven: “Positive Impacts are the Future of Venture Capital.” They back teams focused on sustainability, social good and inclusive growth.

Why it matters: Responsibly Ventures is a great example of capital aligned with values—not just chasing market multiples but impact metrics. In this season of gratitude, it’s a reminder that our capital choices reflect our values.

🔥 Top Deals of the Week

Here are three recent deals that reflect long-term, inclusive thinking:

  • Michigan Founders Fund (U.S.) – A network of entrepreneurs and investors who’ve pledged giving back: “1% of equity, carry or profit” committed to community.

  • Impact X Capital (UK/Europe) – Raised over £100 m to invest in underrepresented founders, including women, in tech and social sectors.

  • Many female-led funds are gaining momentum: Women VCs are 2-3× more likely to back female founders, yet still control far less capital.

🌟 Opportunities

Growth / AE-GTM Team – Lassie (Healthcare AI Startup)

Lassie is a fast-growing startup building the AI admin for healthcare. We’re scaling quickly and looking for entrepreneurial, driven people who want to accelerate their careers. On track for unicorn valuation by mid-2026. We’re currently hiring several roles for our AE/GTM team to help drive growth toward $100M ARR. The role works directly with co-founder Steijn Pelle (repeat founder who previously scaled Robinhood and Coinbase to $400M+ in revenue).

We’re seeking someone sharp, ambitious, ready to take a big bet on their career — with meaningful equity and a clear path toward long-term leadership. If this sounds like you (or someone you know), reach out to [email protected] or apply via link.

📚 Resource Drop

✨ Closing Thoughts

Investment isn’t just about the next big exit—it’s about the next big community. When we deploy capital with gratitude, mentorship, and purpose, we build ecosystems, not just companies. This season, let’s lean into what matters: relationships, growth, and making sure the upside lifts more people.

Thanks for being part of the journey.

Until next time,
The GIVC Team 💗