Our investment philosophy is based on the conviction that an increasingly small number of extraordinary outlier companies drives the vast majority of market returns. Our objective is to identify, invest in and support those outliers and the visionary teams behind them by providing patient capital.
All mediocre companies are alike; each exceptional company is exceptional in its own way. Therefore, uncovering them necessitates a different approach – one that is unbounded by arbitrary sector and stage constraints. Innovation and scale are not separate categories, but rather multiple points on the same exponential trajectory. By embracing this core truth – particularly as the distinction between public and private markets becomes increasingly blurred – we can capitalize on opportunities others may structurally miss.
Our investment philosophy is accountable to a single question: “Can we discern which companies have the potential to redefine entire industries, evolve markets and push the boundaries of possibility?”
To enable this, we are a long-duration, multi-stage and sector-agnostic growth strategy, that spans from venture capital to public markets with deep connections in industry and academia. For founders, this allows us to partner early, offer unwavering support throughout the entire journey (including uniquely into the public markets) and provide access to differentiated perspectives and collaborations. As investors, our approach positions us to detect ripple effects in disruptive technologies and business models early by connecting the dots between sectors and stages, supported by the resolve required for long-term theses to play out.
The precise formula for innovation cannot exist by its very nature; we must instead rely on the repeatable process of primary thinking. Our practice is grounded in the following three principles:
A Capacity for Imagination. The companies and founders who succeed at massive scale do not allow themselves to be confined to a single identity, end-market or outcome; instead, they are defined by continuous evolution.
A Tolerance for Volatility. Innovative companies are rarely stable. Their growth comes from market shifts, often fuelled by scepticism from the mainstream. Investing in these companies requires a long-term perspective, one that is unmoved by market noise with deep conviction in an enduring vision.
A Discipline for Compounding Returns. Growth is not linear, it compounds. We look for companies where this growth is both profound and self-reinforcing. Through this they reap the benefits of a rare, yet powerful advantage – duration.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are those of Lingotto and should not be construed to be investment advice, there is no guarantee that the investment philosophy highlighted above will work under all market conditions or is appropriate for all investors. Each investor should evaluate their own investment needs and risk appetite.
