Behind
JKB
Our Mission
Our mission is to create happiness. We believe in partnering with people, rather than just investing in products. We are seeking out founders that are change-makers, leaders, and those who want to spread happiness.
Our Why
Joanne Kempler Barlia (or "JKB") is our inspiration. She was a role model, Mom, Wife, Daughter, Sister, and Friend. She passed in February 2021 after an 8-year battle with a rare form of cancer called Ocular Melanoma.
She relentlessly pursued happiness and was unapologetically herself. She was deeply caring, adventurous, and dedicated her life to others. Her motto was "Be Happy" and "Do The Right Thing."
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As a result, we have decided to build an investment thesis around how she lived her life; the world would be a far better place if there were more people like JKB.
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With that being said, we are not a fund. Currently, we are investing our own personal capital. This is in an effort to stay true to our "why." Our hope, is for these investments to be just a small portion of how we honor JKB daily.
Our Pledge
Ocular Melanoma is a rare and under-researched cancer; there is a significant lack of resources in finding and funding trial treatments with specialized doctors. Metastatic Ocular Melanoma is a lethal disease, especially when it spreads to the liver, a reality in about half of people diagnosed with this disease. Approximately 2,000 cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
In the spirit of our Mom, we pledge to donate a percentage of profits realized through exited investments to the Ocular Melanoma Foundation -- a resource for eye cancer research funding and patient and caregiver support. Our Mom unabatedly supported this organization after her initial diagnosis, and we are driven to continue that support.
