Company Profile: Trust Fund
Overview
Trust Fund, founded by Sophia Amoruso, is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in technology startups focused on simplifying business creation and operation. It specializes in tech-enabled products, making investments between $150,000 to $300,000 in pre-seed and seed-stage companies. Trust Fund prefers not to lead funding rounds or take board positions.
Founder's Background: Sophia Amoruso
Sophia Amoruso serves as the Founder & Managing Partner of Trust Fund. Her entrepreneurial career began with the founding of Nasty Gal in 2006, a success story that attained revenue of $100 million. She garnered $60 million in funding from influential investors like Index Ventures and Thrive Capital. Amoruso also initiated Business Class in 2020 and previously founded Girlboss, further extending her reach through ventures including a New York Times bestselling book and a Netflix series.
Notable Investments and Network
Sophia Amoruso has made personal investments totaling over $1 million in more than 20 companies before Trust Fund was established. Her significant investments span companies such as Liquid Death, Eight Sleep, and Public.com. Trust Fund’s network is enriched by contributions from high-profile personalities like Marc Andreessen, Chris Dixon, Paris Hilton, and Andrew Chen.
Investment Focus and Strategy
Trust Fund is strategically oriented towards sectors like marketplaces, logistics, and e-commerce enablement, along with B2B commerce, productivity tools, AI, and the freelancer economy. The firm emphasizes investments in lean, bootstrap-like startups, valuing the power of social proof.
Marketing and Influence
Sophia Amoruso capitalizes on her expanded social media presence, boasting over 600,000 followers across platforms like Instagram and Twitter. She uses this social clout to support Trust Fund’s portfolio companies, blending celebrity appeal with business acumen to offer a distinctive market position.
Recent Financial Activity
In January 2023, Trust Fund announced a $5 million debut fund aimed at backing companies catering to digital consumer demands. Of this, $1 million is earmarked for diverse founders and operators, signifying the firm's commitment to expanding its network for varied capital investment opportunities.
Competitor Profile
1. Fiduciary Trust Company
Overview:
Founded in 1885 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Fiduciary Trust Company is a private wealth management firm with a focus on families, individuals, and nonprofits. It maintains a high retention rate of 98% with over $22 billion in assets managed by more than 130 employees.
Services:
Its service offerings include investment management, trust services, wealth planning, custody, and family office services. Renowned for its personal, expert-driven approach, the company has earned 40+ industry awards.
Location:
Located at 53 State St, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, with subsidiary offices in Manchester, New Hampshire.
2. Willow Street Group
Overview:
Specializing in advisory, governance, and operations for Wyoming private trust companies, Willow Street Group offers corporate trustee services in partnership with families and advisors to manage specialized fiduciary structures.
Affiliation:
It is affiliated with Pathstone and partnered with Crestbridge to deliver extensive wealth protection services on an international scale.
Location:
Positioned at 255 Buffalo Way, Jackson, Wyoming 83001.
3. New York Private Bank & Trust Corporation
Overview:
Going back to 1850, New York Private Bank & Trust, initially Emigrant Savings Bank, provides integrated investment advisory, trust, lending, and family office services, with an asset tally of approximately $5.716 billion as of 2019.
Leadership:
Under the leadership of Howard Milstein and the Milstein family, this firm prioritizes safeguarding and enhancing clients' financial portfolios.
Location:
Its headquarters are in New York City, with additional locations in Sarasota, Florida, and Cleveland, Ohio.
4. Equiom Group
Overview:
Equiom Group offers multinational financial and management consultancy services, serving corporations, high-net-worth individuals, and families.
Services:
The company provides comprehensive solutions including private wealth management, corporate services, luxury asset management, and governance support, maintaining an active presence across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas.
Location:
The firm is based in Inverness, Highland, having established a robust reputation over four decades.
