//Why Wedgwood?
Wedgwood Circle is a national network of high net worth investors, foundations, cultural gatekeepers and creators contributing to the renewal of culture by strategically investing in “cultural artifacts” that are good, true and beautiful for the common good. Wedgwood focuses on the art and entertainment industries, covering the sectors of film, music, television, publishing, theatre, fashion, fine arts, comics and graphic novels, computer/console gaming and new media.
The Need: Ideas have consequences, and culture is consequential in shaping ideas. This has always been true. Damon of Athens wrote: “Give me the songs of a nation, and it matters not who writes its laws.” With the advent of technology that delivers round-the-clock content to individuals everywhere, the impact of the entertainment sector on worldview belief and attitudes is greater than ever. Although this reality feels overwhelming, it also dictates engagement. It is not sufficient to just critique the culture or remove ourselves from it. Michelangelo suggested that we “criticize by creating.”
While many investors and foundations desire to follow Michelangelo’s advice, the current economic reality requires that they are more strategic than ever before in deploying limited capital. Recognizing these limitations, Wedgwood Circle provides the necessary network and strategy for organizations and individuals to wisely invest in ways that maximize their social and financial returns as they play a role in creating good culture.
The Name: Josiah Wedgwood (1730-1795) is considered by many one of the most influential figures in the history of Western civilization ceramics and was a successful and renowned innovator, scientist and businessman. He was also a supporter of the 18th century Anti-Slavery Committee and designed a cameo medallion depicting a slave kneeling in chains surrounded by the inscription, “Am I not a man and a brother?” Benjamin Franklin said of Wedgwood’s tokens, “They may have an effect equal to that of the best written pamphlet.” Although thousands were freely given to anyone who shared Josiah’s sentiments on slavery, thousands more were manufactured and sold. Wedgwood showed that one could promote social change while building a business. Wedgwood Circle is inspired by this vision and model of doing good while doing well through cultural engagement and cultural “artifact” creation.
Wedgwood’s mission is accomplished through for-profit and non-profit engagement through three key entities: Wedgwood Circle, LLC (an Angel Investor Network), Wedgwood Circle Institute (501(c)(3)) and the Sapere Culture Funds.
Angel Investment Network
Wedgwood Circle’s Angel Investor Network has three key functions, which include the following:
- Facilitate deal flow consistent with mission and sector strategies
- Identify for-profit and non-profit organizations working to renew the culture in the key art and entertainment sectors
- Give investors support and advice regarding investment opportunities
Institute 501(c)(3)
Wedgwood Circle Institute promotes cultural renewal through art and entertainment “cultural artifacts” that are “good, true and beautiful for the common good” by:
- Educating foundations and investors to help them maximize their return on investment in culture creation
- Promoting the arts by supporting artists in their calling and facilitating community, thereby equipping them professionally
- Facilitating strategic planning among artists and investors from diverse culture sectors to explore cooperative projects and efforts to benefit the culture at large
The Sapere Culture Funds
- Invest in for-profit companies through Program Related Investing (PRI)
- Grant strategically positioned non-profits
- Deploy capital based on supervision and recommendations from Senior Advisors, Sector Liaisons, Wedgwood Members and Staff
Investment Strategy
The Wedgwood Circle will facilitate investment in companies and deals that have the potential to return both broad social/cultural return as well as economic return. In general, however, the network will seek investment opportunities having:
- Potential to shape the culture broadly, rather than create products for existing niche markets of the faith community; Wedgwood investment will be for the common good;
- Strategic investment position; Investment that has the potential to seed the next generation of successful culture creators;
- Long range impact; although financial return should be measured in years, social/cultural return will have to be measured in decades; Wedgwood investment will be patient investing;
- A compelling, well articulated strategy for providing both financial and social/cultural return;
- Strong management with relevant experience, a successful track record, a desire for advice and coaching and a willingness to listen;
- An exit strategy for the investors;
- A company valuation that fits within a predetermined risk/reward calculation for the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who We Are
Q: What is the Mission of Wedgwood Circle?
A: Wedgwood Circle is a national network of high net worth investors, foundations, cultural gatekeepers, and creators committed to contributing to the renewal of culture by strategically investing in “cultural artifacts” that are good, true and beautiful for the common good. Wedgwood Circle focuses on the art and entertainment industries, covering the sectors of film, music, television, publishing, theatre, fashion, fine art, comics and graphic novels, computer/console gaming and new media.
Q: How does Wedgwood Circle achieve this mission?
A: Wedgwood’s mission is accomplished through for-profit and non-profit engagement through three key entities: Wedgwood Circle, LLC (Angel Investor Network), Wedgwood Circle Institute (501(c)(3)) and the Sapere Culture Funds.
Q: Who are the Members?
A: Members include high net worth individuals, venture capitalists, foundation officers and family wealth management advisors.
Q: How do I become a Member?
A: To become a member of the Angel Investment Network, you must first confirm that you are an “accredited investor.” For more details, see also our membership criteria. Second, download and complete the 2010 Membership Form and send to wedgwoodcirclemail@gmail.com.
Q: What else do I get as a Member?
A: Read our Benefits of Membership to see the full list.
Wedgwood Circle Angel Investment Group
Q: Do I have to be actively investing in deals in order to be an Wedgwood Circle Angel Member?
A: We, as a community of investors, share enduring interests and a sense of urgency to invest in opportunities that have the potential to renew our culture through media and entertainment. Although there is no investment requirement, Wedgwood Circle encourages its members to invest in the companies that circulate and present at the Annual Event.
Q: What if I do not qualify as an Angel Investor but want to support Wedgwood Circle’s work?
A: You can make a tax-deductible donation to the Wedgwood Circle Institute, a designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit. You can also sponsor our events and recommend companies and investors to us.
Q: Why is it worth becoming a member when I can just come to the events?
A: Wedgwood Circle Members enjoy a unique opportunity to join regular conference calls, invest in deals and attend regional gatherings that are by invitation only. Additionally, Wedgwood Members essentially partner with us in our mission, helping us shape the vision of Wedgwood Circle and building lasting relationships with Wedgwood’s artist community. Simple attendance at our events does not afford this level of involvement.
Attending Events
Q: What events can I participate in to learn more about Wedgwood Circle
A: Please view our events page.
Q: How do I register for the Next Event?
A: Visit our event registration website: www.wedgwoodcircleinstitute.eventbrite.com
For Entrepreneurs
Q: I am an entrepreneur with an excellent opportunity for your investors that falls into the areas of Wedgwood Culture Sectors, what is the first step in submitting my business plan?
A: Please visit our Entrepreneur Login Link and submit your forms for review.
Q: How do I determine whether my investment opportunity is a good fit for Wedgwood Circle Investors?
A: Investment Strategy: Wedgwood Circle will facilitate investment in companies and deals that have the potential to return both broad social/cultural return as well as economic return. In general, however, the network will seek investment opportunities having:
- Potential to shape the culture broadly, rather than create products for existing niche markets of the faith community; Wedgwood investment will be for the common good;
- Strategic investment position; investment that has the potential to seed the next generation of successful culture creators;
- Long range impact; although financial return should be measured in years, social/cultural return will have to be measured in decades; Wedgwood investment will be patient investing;
- A compelling, well articulated strategy for providing both financial and social/cultural return;
- Strong management with relevant experience, a successful track record, a desire for advice and coaching and a willingness to listen;
- An exit strategy for the investors;
- A company valuation that fits within a predetermined risk/reward calculation for the investment.
Q: What areas of media and entertainment does Wedgwood Circle support?
A: Wedgwood Circle facilitates investment in 11 key sectors: fashion, fine art, publishing, short and feature length film, computer and console gaming, documentaries, graphic novels, theatre, television, new media and music.
Q: I am an entrepreneur with a great idea, but I don’t have a business plan yet, what is the first step?
A: Wedgwood Circle has opportunities throughout the year for the group that we refer to as “Artists.” From newsletters to conference calls with business leaders, we hope this community can serve, encourage and help assist you in moving your business idea from a dream to a business plan. To join this group, please fill out the contact form located on our “contact us” page.