Investing in the edge of human consciousness with Sutian Dong, Multitudes

At SuperVenture, Sutian Dong, Partner, Multitudes, dissects the evolution of venture, stating that forward-thinking VCs are now exploring new frontiers - investing in shifts in belief systems and the edges of human consciousness. The traditional venture capital model is experiencing what Sutian Dong calls a "primordial soup moment." While funds grow larger and potential outcomes reach unprecedented heights (with companies now having realistic shots at $100+ billion valuations), there's simultaneously a return to fundamentals - investing in visionary founders with transformative ideas that don't necessarily need to reach that massive scale.

Sutian's key takeaways:

Beyond technology: Investing in belief systems
What sets Sutian Dong's investment approach apart is her willingness to invest in companies that create shifts in belief systems - an area many traditional VCs avoid due to its seemingly nebulous nature. While technological due diligence follows established processes, evaluating qualitative IP and belief systems requires a deeper understanding of:

• Cultural movements
• Systems shifts within humanity
• The edge of human consciousness

The new sources of IP In this emerging landscape, a company's value increasingly extends beyond its technology stack.

• As Sutian notes: "With the rise of AI building upon existing platforms, it has become cheaper, easier, and faster than ever to build software and start a business." This accessibility means technological defensibility is diminishing, while qualitative traits like brand experience and community become critical differentiators.

Diversity as a competitive advantage
The investment community is witnessing remarkable progress in diversity, with organizations like Women in VC growing from a dozen members in 2015 to nearly 7,000 women across 3,000+ funds in over 70 countries today.

However, a significant gap remains in capital allocation to female-led funds—representing an opportunity for forward-thinking limited partners (LPs). The data consistently shows:

• Small funds outperforming large funds
• Emerging managers outperforming established managers
• Early-stage funds outperforming growth-stage funds
• Diverse partnerships outperforming homogenous partnerships
  
  

Looking forward
For investors seeking to capitalize on tomorrow's opportunities rather than yesterday's models, the path is clear: invest in diverse perspectives that enable founders to develop truly unique ideas that can change the world. As venture capital continues its evolution, those who recognize the value of investing in belief systems, human consciousness, and diverse thought will be positioned to discover the next generation of world-changing companies.