Global Venture Network
The network behind the people who build startups. Formerly the Global Accelerator Network (GAN).
Global Venture Network (GVN) is a private membership network for the leaders of the world's accelerators, venture studios, and innovation hubs. Known for most of our involvement as the Global Accelerator Network (GAN), which is now its flagship network, it connects hundreds of ecosystem builders across dozens of countries with peer forums, shared resources, and access to capital. We were an investor in the network, Bryce Butler served on its board, and Bryce spoke at one of its summits in 2017. We exited our position in 2025.
Why we invested
We have long believed that entrepreneurs do not succeed alone. They succeed inside ecosystems, supported by accelerators, mentors, and the people who run those programs. Yet the operators who build those ecosystems are often the least supported people in the room. They make high-stakes calls for founders and funders, but few others sit where they sit.
GAN existed to change that, giving accelerator and program leaders a trusted network, shared benchmarks, and connections to capital. Backing it fit our conviction that strengthening the builders of ecosystems strengthens the founders inside them, which was the same belief behind our own work standing up entrepreneurial support in Louisville and beyond. Bryce's board service and his 2017 summit talk were part of that engagement, contributing to the field rather than just funding it.
What the network does
GVN brings together leaders from hundreds of organizations, including names like Techstars and gener8tor, around three core offerings:
Peer forums: confidential groups of true peers, matched by model, stage, and geography, who meet regularly to share real numbers and real problems.
Shared resources: a large catalog of curated perks and tools that member programs can pass on to the thousands of founders in their portfolios.
Capital access: curated gatherings that put serious funders in the room with member operators.
Over its history the network has grown to hundreds of member organizations across 50-plus countries, connected to tens of thousands of ventures and billions in collective value.
Why it mattered to us
Our time with GAN reflected how we like to work: not just writing a check, but rolling up our sleeves, serving, and helping build the field. By supporting the network that supports ecosystem builders, we helped strengthen the conditions for entrepreneurs to succeed around the world. Our ownership chapter has closed, but the conviction behind it, that flourishing is built together, remains central to everything we do.
Our role: Investor (exited in 2025); Bryce Butler served on the board
Type: Global membership network for accelerator, studio, and innovation-hub leaders
Focus: Supporting the people and organizations that build startup ecosystems worldwide
