Brilliant Minds is a New York-based venture capital firm that does something very unique: Founded by Katerina Stroponiati, the firm supports entrepreneurs over the age of 50. Admittedly, this age group often suffers from stigma, but Brilliant Minds firmly believes that with age comes wisdom, and that wisdom can fuel innovation.
The venture was born three months ago from Stroponiati’s twin passions: investing and breaking down age barriers in the startup world. And it’s working: in a very short space of time, Brilliant Minds has seen impressive growth and solidified its place in the vibrant New York venture capital scene.
But who exactly is Stroponiati targeting? Contrary to most entrepreneurs, she seeks out older, more experienced entrepreneurs, who she believes have the potential to bring valuable contributions to the industry. She provides these promising individuals with resources, mentorship, and most importantly, financial support to bring their ideas to life.
This is a movement that is happening now, not just about investing but also about promoting diversity in business and technology and nurturing potential innovators.
Superior intelligence: Supporting the wisdom of old age in startups
It’s about challenging the status quo and breaking down age bias. The result? A more inclusive and dynamic startup ecosystem.
Brilliant Minds’ three-year plan is clear: they plan to invest $200,000-$300,000 in around 15-18 companies. Of course, they’re open to all sectors, but they’re particularly interested in areas where experience and expertise play a big role, such as healthcare, artificial intelligence, sustainability and climate tech.
The outlook is bright: The company has received 500 applications, most of them from first-time founders and professionals around the age of 65. With life expectancy increasing and the workforce over 55 having nearly doubled since the 1980s, the wealth of potential is undeniable. And given the diversity of applicants (21 percent are female founders, 14 percent are women of color, and 27 percent are immigrants), the breadth of professional experience is impressive.
Stroponiati believes AI will play a key role in driving this innovation: It can help older entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds launch startups. She sees the Brilliant Minds initiative as an exciting alternative to retirement, a new opportunity to leverage lifelong expertise, and a way to enter new markets.
Behind all of this is one undeniable belief: age should not be a limit to entrepreneurial ambitions, and Brilliant Minds is passionate about showing that diverse perspectives, regardless of age, can drive innovation and productivity in an ever-evolving global economy.
