Growth Warrior Capital (GWC) invests in dangerous technology companies – those who are unafraid of pushing the boundaries of what is expected of them and where they can grow. As an operator-led trailblazer in the venture capital world, known for investing in FinTech, the Future-of-Work, and AI/ML to solve systemic issues in pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, their goal is to invest in companies that solve complexities for other companies and the government, as these areas are always likely to have demand. Led by Promise Phelon [fē-lon], whose remarkable career spans over 20 years in Silicon Valley, brings her experience as an operator and executive who has consistently led companies to successful exits and rapid revenue growth to help build and scale companies by identifying opportunities, avoiding hype, and recognizing competitors.
About the Founder:
As a young Texan, Promise Phelon wanted to be a doctor and went down that path only to discover that business and marketing are pretty cool. During her college years, she built a business in her sorority that employed her sorority sisters. Promise’s entrepreneurial journey began during her college years when she managed a business from her dorm room between 10 PM and 4 AM. This experience led her to realize that she wanted to be the Tom Brady of entrepreneurship—a true Growth Warrior.
“I’m someone who believes my success is guaranteed because I’m always getting better.”
In 2008, a mentor named her a Growth Warrior, emphasizing that, as a Black woman in Silicon Valley, she would need to be more growth-oriented than anyone else. The title signifies someone who constantly seeks improvement while being mindful of their energy, focusing on growth rather than conflict. Notably, Promise is one of Silicon Valley’s elite 0.2%, being among only five African American female entrepreneurs to have bought, grown, and sold companies for millions.
In Silicon Valley, Promise held executive roles, most notably as CEO of TapInfluence, where she drove a 300% revenue increase and led the company to a successful exit to IZEA. As CRO at JazzHR, she tripled revenue and contributed to its nine-figure acquisition by K1 Private Equity. Promise brings her unique blend of grit and craftsmanship to her role as Managing Partner at GWC, where she helps entrepreneurs achieve transformative outcomes.
In many ways, the principles she once aspired to as a doctor now guide her work at GWC. She uses first-principles thinking to diagnose problems and potential at their root, helping companies establish a wellness plan for healthy and sustainable growth. She’s truly exceptional.
Who Are the People?
The team at Growth Warrior Capital (GWC) is composed of seasoned operators and venture capital experts who share Promise Phelon’s commitment to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
As Founder and Managing Partner, Promise spearheads investment strategies by analyzing market feedback, engaging with industry leaders, and evaluating fund performance to optimize returns for GWC’s limited partners.
In late 2023, former Chief of Staff Alexa Payton was promoted to Head of Investor Relations and Operations, where she now nurtures relationships with institutional investors. Esteemed investor Rachel Baruch joined as Principal, focusing on deal selection and capital raising, while also supporting Promise in her role.
The team also includes Business Analysts, Venture Partners, Strategic Advisors, and Investors, all of whom leverage their experience to drive valuations, turnarounds, and M&A success for GWC’s portfolio companies.
The Audience:
GWC targets entrepreneurs building innovative technology companies in the early stages. These founders are typically underdogs, navigating the complex startup ecosystem, and seeking partners who understand the operational and financial nuances required to scale their businesses. Institutional limited partners who appreciate GWC’s approach also form a core audience.
Key Phrases and Group Names:
- Growth Warriors: Entrepreneurs who, like Promise, have the grit to drive their companies to success.
- Dangerous Technology Companies/Dangerous Founder: Companies that are not afraid to push boundaries in AI, Martech, and Enterprise solutions.
- Underdogs: Founders who face challenges but possess the tenacity to overcome them.
The Differentiator
GWC isn’t just “selling capital”; it’s selling operational expertise and venture craftsmanship. Its ability to help founders execute high-stakes strategies, manage turnarounds, and successfully navigate M&A processes sets it apart from traditional VC firms. Its deep understanding of what it takes to scale a business from the inside makes it true partners in the growth journey.
How Does It Make Money?
GWC generates returns by investing in early-stage companies and guiding them through critical growth phases, leading to exits via acquisitions or IPOs. They focus on companies in high-growth sectors such as Enterprise AI, Martech, and GovTech, where their expertise can significantly influence outcomes.
Why Do I Love This Brand, and What Do I See for It in the Future?
Promise Phelon’s journey from operator to venture capitalist reflects her unwavering belief in entrepreneurship’s power to drive innovation. Growth Warrior Capital (GWC) embodies her vision of empowering founders to make bold, impactful moves in the tech space. I admire how GWC combines heart and grit, offering a unique blend of empathy and expertise to the VC world. As they continue investing in underdogs and disruptive technology companies, I see GWC expanding its influence, backing more game-changing startups, and helping founders achieve remarkable success.
The 2024 Exit Landscape report by GWC highlights a decline in IPOs but steady activity in M&A. I’d love to see how they’re guiding founders to build with a buyer in mind, creating robust internal systems, branding, and culture that make their companies inherently valuable. Starting with a buyer-focused strategy can position these companies as valuable assets to larger enterprises.
As a Black Caribbean woman fascinated by systems and growth, I’m genuinely inspired by Promise’s work with GWC. Her presence in this space will change the trajectory for many onlookers who can see themselves achieving similar successes, which is truly fantastic. I’m eager to dive deeper into her story—how her successes came to be, what drives her, and how she navigates the industry’s complexities. Her content, especially the YouTube videos, is captivating, but I’d love to see more interviews showcasing her thought leadership and an inside peek into GWC’s overall thesis and execution. This could also streamline attraction for businesses seeking investors and investors looking for opportunities. Promise is in a class of her own, and I’d enroll in that class without hesitation.
