Independence Equity

Independence Equity is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Northbrook, Illinois, United States, investing in companies commercializing technologies to improve resource efficiency and utilization. The firm targets North American startups at pre-seed and seed stages across sectors such as Food and Beverage, Foodtech, Industrial, Telecommunications, Energy, and CleanTech. It manages $11 million in assets under management (AUM) with a team of four staff, including its inaugural fund, Independence Equity I LP, which launched in May 2011 with a size of $5-10 million. Independence Equity typically participates in investment rounds ranging from $10-50 million, with founding partner Laurence Hayward leading its investment strategy. The firm was founded in 2011 by Laurence Hayward. Its business model centers on raises and manages venture capital funds to invest in early-stage companies, seeking long-term capital appreciation through exits like strategic sales, IPOs, M&A, or buyouts.