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Scout Program

How We Built a Scout Program to Back Founders from Day Zero

Let’s rewind to a familiar conversation in early-stage venture:

Founder: I sold my last company to [BigTechCo], and I’m building again—this time with an AI product that’ll make [X process] 10x better.

Investor: Love your track record and the idea. Let’s reconnect once you’ve launched and shown some traction.

It’s a classic early-stage moment. Both parties are genuinely interested, but without something concrete to invest in, the conversation ends in a polite “come back later.” In reality, most people never do.

At GFR, we started asking: What if we could say “yes” earlier?
What if instead of waiting, we wrote a small check, just enough to build a relationship and stay close?

Some investors already do this out of pocket. But what if we formalized it? What if a fund made early conviction a structural part of its strategy?

That’s exactly why we created the GFR Scout Program.

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Inside the Mind of a Gaming VC: A Conversation with Teppei Tsutsui of GFR Fund

If you’re a game founder trying to raise your first institutional round, you’ve probably been told to “build...

How We Built a Scout Program to Back Founders from Day Zero

Let’s rewind to a familiar conversation in early-stage venture:

Q&A with Youngrok Kim: Building LP-GP Relationships That Go Beyond Capital

In the world of venture capital, some of the most impactful work happens not on the frontlines of deal-making but at...

Announcing NY Tech Week Office Hours: Empowering AI- and Community-Driven Innovation

We're stoked to announce our New York Office Hour, which will be held as part ofTECH WEEK by a16z! As part of our...

Q1 2025 VC Markets: AI Dominance, Mega Deals, and Record-Breaking Exits

Venture capital came out swinging in Q1 2025, with global funding hitting $120.9B—the highest quarterly total since...

From Growth Hacking to Lasting Impact: Lessons from Founders on Building at Scale

Growth is no longer about quick wins or “hacks.” Today, it’s about stacking smart channels, experimenting with intent,...

GFR’s Approach to Gaming Investments: Innovation, Ecosystems, and Relationships

Gaming is constantly evolving, shaped by new technologies, changing player behaviors, and emerging markets. At GFR...

Q&A with Jeremy Lim: What My Childhood Video Game Taught Me About Startup Building

Jeremy Lim’s journey with GFR Fund has been one of evolution — in the way he views both investments and how the digital...

Announcing GDC Office Hours: Empowering AI- and Community-Driven Innovation

Following the success of a series of Office Hours held in the US, Europe, and Asia last year, we're thrilled to...