Miguel Encarnacion, a Filipino native, embarked on a transformative journey from the bustling streets of Manila to the vibrant city of Berlin in 2017. The catalyst for this move was more than just personal connections; it was a vision fueled by the burgeoning European Startup Landscape. Intrigued by the burgeoning technology sector and the burgeoning government support, Miguel was inspired to become a part of this exciting wave. Thus, the seeds of venture capital were sown, leading to the establishment of Unifier Ventures.
In his own words, Miguel shares, "The startup ecosystem in Europe was brimming with potential. The inception of government initiatives and the emergence of initial winners marked something special, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it."
Since 2017, Miguel has been navigating the intricate world of early-stage venture capital, making significant strides with around ten investments across Europe.
Embracing a New Home and Venture Capital Passion: Navigating Challenges
Much like a startup, starting a venture capital firm is a journey fraught with challenges. Miguel's path was no different. Leaving behind a secure job in the Philippines, he arrived in Berlin to begin anew. The initial phase involved establishing what he affectionately refers to as "fund zero" - a stage where there was capital to invest, but none to sustain his own livelihood. The first three years demanded living off savings, a testament to Miguel's determination to lay a solid foundation for his venture.
The world changed dramatically with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting an unexpected obstacle just as Miguel was on the cusp of securing investors for a formal fund. However, resilience and opportunism prevailed.
"Despite the uncertainties of the pandemic, I firmly believe that diligence and dedication create opportunities even in the face of adversity," Miguel affirms.
He emerged stronger, returning to Berlin two months ago to relaunch his fund with renewed vigour.
Credits: DTI Berlin
Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape: Insights and Advice
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Miguel imparts invaluable advice for aspiring founders and venture capitalists. One crucial aspect he emphasizes is the meticulous selection of a founding team. Drawing from his experience of co-founding multiple companies, Miguel highlights the significance of compatibility and complementary skills.
"Choosing the right co-founders is akin to conducting micro experiments, stress testing the relationship and ensuring personalities align to weather the challenges of building a business," he advises.
Moreover, Miguel advocates for venturing beyond one's social circles to gain a broader perspective. He encourages entrepreneurs to engage with diverse networks and communities to challenge their assumptions and foster innovative thinking. This expansive approach is pivotal for creating genius clusters within the startup landscape, a concept illuminated by the book The Geography of Genius, which is the inspiration for the name of his fund.
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In entrepreneurship, Miguel acknowledges the allure of replicating Silicon Valley's success. However, he emphasizes that true innovation arises from a blend of disorder and open networks. Highlighting the importance of facilitating an environment conducive to the free flow of ideas, he envisions Berlin as a potential genius cluster, where diverse ideas converge to shape the future.
Building a Future in Collaboration
Miguel's journey as a venture capitalist has been shaped by a passion for technology, an entrepreneurial spirit, and an unwavering belief in collaboration. He actively seeks out diverse communities, fostering connections that go beyond the obvious, seeking to expand his own perspectives while contributing to the growth of others.
As Miguel concludes, "Joining communities with both commonalities and differences is a strategy I swear by. Engaging with varied profiles and businesses in Berlin is a rich experience, and I eagerly anticipate further engagements and collaborations."
Learn more about Unifier Ventures by visiting their website and LinkedIn page!
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