In a recent LinkedIn post, Simon Squibb shares a unique perspective on venture capital investing, emphasizing the critical role of the founder’s personal network, particularly their spouse, in assessing investment potential. Squibb details his early investment in a company called Lovable, founded by Anton Osika, but reveals that his most insightful decision stemmed from meeting Osika’s wife.
Squibb highlights this unconventional approach, stating:
“One tip I give anyone investing in people: don’t just meet the founder. Meet the person they go home to.”
This strategy led Squibb to discover Osika’s wife was developing her own venture, imagi, focused on teaching children AI. The company has since gained significant traction, partnering with OpenAI and attracting investment from notable figures like will.i.am.
Beyond the Pitch Deck: Investing in the Founder’s Ecosystem
Squibb argues that a founder’s support system can be as telling as their business plan. By meeting Osika’s wife, Squibb gained insight into a shared commitment to a mission, which was instrumental in his decision to invest further.
As Simon Squibb notes:
“I put my money and my name to it for one reason. AI has some genuinely scary parts to it. But it’s not going anywhere. So we have to help the next generation understand it.… The opportunity and the threat.”
This sentiment underscores a deeper investment philosophy for Squibb – one rooted in the founder’s character and their broader impact. He elaborates on this by saying:
“But honestly, I never really invest in the product. I invest in the people.”
Squibb’s experience with Lovable and imagi illustrates that understanding the founder’s personal drive and values, often revealed through their close relationships, can be a powerful indicator of future success. He observed a parallel dedication to positive impact in both Anton Osika and his wife, reinforcing his belief in their potential.
The ‘Why’ Behind the Investment: Shared Values
The core of Squibb’s message revolves around the importance of shared values and a genuine desire to contribute positively. He found that both Anton Osika and his wife possessed this deep-seated care for humanity, which resonated with his own investment criteria.
According to Simon Squibb:
“Anton cares about helping humanity. Meet his wife and you realise she cares about it just as much.”
This alignment in values, discovered through meeting the founder’s spouse, solidified Squibb’s commitment. He concludes by expressing pride in being an investor in both ventures, underscoring the success of his people-centric investment approach.
Squibb’s insights offer a compelling reminder to the investment community that while product-market fit is crucial, the character, support network, and underlying motivations of the founders themselves are equally, if not more, significant factors in long-term success.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Simon Squibb on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on August 2, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →