We are a venture capital firm founded in 2022 by Winston Harding, a seasoned investor and former Director of Enterprise Risk Management at Nasdaq. Our overall mission is to invest in companies that make a positive impact on society while generating outsized returns for our investors and stakeholders. As a risk management executive, Mr. Harding believes that the greatest risk is inaction, and we live in a rapidly changing world.
To achieve our aims as an impact investor, we base our investment thesis around the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a set of 17 global goals designed to promote sustainable development and address challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. By backing companies that align with one or more of these goals, we aim to drive positive change and create a more sustainable future for everyone, all the while increasing returns for our portfolio companies, our LPs, and anyone who seeks to co-invest alongside us.
We are based in New York, a hub of innovation, entrepreneurship, finance, and international governance vis-a-vis the UN headquarters — yet we actively seek out opportunities to invest in companies that are making a difference wherever they may be in the world. Our team is composed of experienced investors, entrepreneurs, and experts in sustainability, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our investment decisions.
At Lytha Ventures, we are committed to investing in a diverse range of companies that have a strong potential for impact and growth. We focus on early-stage companies that are developing innovative solutions to pressing societal and environmental challenges. We look for companies that have a clear vision, a strong team, and a scalable business model.
We furthermore believe that by investing in companies that are aligned with the SDGs, we will generate even greater financial returns for our investors than traditional firms. Our approach to impact investing is unique in the VC industry, and by actively anticipating some of the world’s greatest challenges before they come to fruition, we will position ourselves on the bleeding edge of innovation and opportunity.
If you are an entrepreneur with a vision for a better world, we would love to hear from you. We are always looking for innovative ideas and passionate founders who are both skilled operators and are committed to making a positive impact. Contact us to learn more about how we can work together to create a more sustainable future.
Winston Harding is currently the General Partner for LYTHA Ventures, LLC and an Advisor for SimWin. His primary responsibilities include managing capital, sourcing deals, conducting due diligence, analyzing risk, and defining investment strategy for LYTHA Ventures. As an Advisor for SimWin, he provides guidance on corporate strategy and helps the company raise capital.
Mr. Harding attended Pennsylvania State University, where he made lifelong connections. He began his career in finance as an investment banker and has worked for a number of notable financial institutions, most notably NASDAQ, where he spent 15 years as a technology leader and Director of Enterprise Risk Management. He considers his decision to join the upstart ECN INET as a key career decision that has had a significant impact on his career trajectory.
Mr. Harding has participated in numerous projects within the finance and technology industries. Mr. Harding brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in finance, technology, and capital management, and is well-equipped to contribute to accelerating the development of emerging markets.
The ultimate and most valuable lesson that Mr. Harding has learned from these experiences is the importance of adaptability and the ability to pivot in order to stay ahead of market trends. As new regulations come into effect and the winds of change sweep the technology sector, he has found it vital to be proactive in implementing changes to stay ahead of the curve and thrive amid turbulent times.
On a personal level, Mr. Harding is interested in activism that focuses on economic and social justice, and has led philanthropic projects in support of education and economic development in underserved communities. He believes that it is important for innovative entrepreneurs and their backers to use their influence and resources to make a positive impact on society.