Firm overview
Interlace Ventures is an early-stage fund based in New York and San Francisco that invests in and helps build transformative commerce technology companies. Interlace Ventures launched with a network of brand, retail, and ecommerce partners and a team with global experience. When we met with managing partners Joseph Sartre and Vincent Diallo, we knew we were meeting a special team with unique insights. Jo and Vincent have worked across many continents and are both fluent in French, English, and Mandarin. Vincent is a seasoned finance executive who was the CFO of Sinodis, the largest independent distributor of western foods in China, before co-founding Bleu Capital. Prior to that, Vincent was at Deloitte for seven years. Joseph is an investor and operator in the technology space who spent five years in Asia leading finance and managing retail and specialty channels for Danone.
Firm strategy
Interlace Ventures invests in seed and pre-seed stage companies that are building tech-enabled commerce. Vincent and Jo observed that as direct-to-consumer commerce platforms gained traction, there has been a lack of investment into the tools that enable global commerce.
Their approach to sourcing is bolstered by their global networks. Vincent said in a blog post, “As far as dealflow is concerned, we have access to a blend of sources. Our personal networks cover Europe, China, and the coastal U.S. To complete the recipe mix, we are involved in inclusive organizations. Just to name a few: BLCK VC, Hustle 2.0, Founder Institute. We actually measure the diversity of our dealflow.” The team looks to invest early in projects before they’ve hit their growth inflection point, and look to partner and work alongside teams from the very beginning.
Why we invested
This team solves problems with their investment strategy. At Carta, we focus on solving problems because each solution can create a step-function change in the world. Every problem you solve today opens the door for more problems to solve tomorrow. To enable the future of global commerce, Jo and Vincent take an analytical approach to evaluating the technologies and platforms necessary for this future world to exist. We were inspired by the way that the team translated their global backgrounds to identify clear gaps in the global commerce space.
Engagement with the venture capital community is a critical part of the Interlace Ventures team ethic. Vincent serves as events and community chair for BLCK VC, and the team has been actively involved with the National Venture Capital Association. We love their approach to working closely with founders, their focus on diversity, and their commitment to improve the venture industry through their leadership in industry organizations.