Robby & Co: Breaking New Ground in Venture Capital with Neurodiversity

Robby & Co dyslexia

In the heart of Palo Alto, California, innovation is as much about ideas as it is about the people behind them. Robby & Co. has found its mission to empower neurodivergent entrepreneurs who bring unique perspectives and breakthrough solutions for technology, business, and social impact. Founded by Robert Monturiol, Robby & Co. is revolutionizing the venture capital landscape with the power of neurodiversity in entrepreneurship.

 

At Robby & Co, the mission is clear: to create a world where neurodivergent individuals have the resources, networks, and mentorship they need to turn their visionary ideas into reality. Neurodivergence, which includes conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, Tourette syndrome, and sensory processing disorder, is often misunderstood or underappreciated in traditional professional settings. However, Monturiol and his team believe these cognitive variations are essential to the future of business and innovation.

 

Currently, there is no fund with an investment thesis like this one. Robby & Co. is breaking new ground, by supporting these entrepreneurs and reshaping the venture capital landscape. The fund is investing in their businesses for a more inclusive future by providing these founders with the support they need.

 

“Innovation is empowered when diverse minds come together. That’s why Robby & Co is committed to identifying and engaging neurodivergent entrepreneurs worldwide—visionaries who see challenges from unique perspectives and create groundbreaking solutions”.


Neurodivergent entrepreneurs have a unique way of thinking, solving problems, and approaching the world around them. Think about Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and one of the richest people in the world, who
has both dyslexia and ADHD and he has spoken openly about his struggles with mainstream education.

 

Imagine Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, who was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child and struggled severely in school, dropping out of college, arguing that mainstream education lacked practical application. Or, talk about Elon Musk, who has been open about being on the autism spectrum, specifically identifying with Asperger’s syndrome, a form of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). How many great minds are we willing to let slip away?

 

Robby & Co’s focus goes beyond just financial investment. They aim to create a community of investors who understand the potential of neurodivergent entrepreneurs and are committed to empowering them through capital, mentorship, and collaborative networks. This philosophy highlights the company’s approach to building sustainable, inclusive businesses.

 

Neurodivergence in numbers around the world

 

The value of neurodivergence in entrepreneurship should be considered. Yet, studies show that a significant portion of entrepreneurs are neurodivergent. According to the BBC, 40% of entrepreneurs are dyslexic, underscoring the remarkable contributions these individuals make to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. But dyslexia is just the tip of the iceberg; neurodivergent thinkers in all forms bring a wealth of strengths that traditional models often overlook.

 

According to the University of Connecticut’s Center for Neurodiversity and Employment Innovation, unemployment rates among neurodivergent adults remain alarmingly high, ranging from 30-40%. Neurodivergent individuals are estimated to represent 15-20% of the population, yet they face widespread stigma and discrimination. This is often fueled by the misconception that neurodivergence is linked to lower intelligence, further hindering their access to employment opportunities.

 

The Story Behind Robby & Co

 

For Robert, the “Aha!” moment came when her daughter, Roberta, was diagnosed with dyslexia, and after that, himself. During an evaluation process, he recognized many traits in the results that mirrored his own experiences. For the first time, he truly understood many of the challenges he had faced throughout his life. 

 

With this newfound understanding, Robert realized that the education system and society at large aren’t designed for children with neurodivergent traits. The world often views neurodivergent individuals as disabled, rather than as focused, creative, and innovative individuals. Most people hide their neurodivergence out of fear of being judged or misunderstood. 

 

This realization became Robert’s life mission: to help those with these “superpowers”—the creative, innovative thinkers—who he believes will be the ones to change the world.

 

Additionally, Robby & Co will release in 2025 a podcast called Wired Differently, a dynamic talk show that spotlights neurodivergent individuals, their innovative businesses, and inspiring success stories. Each episode will feature a diverse range of guests, from startup founders to industry leaders, all of whom have embraced their neurodivergent thinking and used it to fuel their success. 

 

Invest, Support, and Repeat with a team that values purpose, passion, and progress. 

 

Contact us at:
rob@robbyandco.com
robbyandco.com

 

Published — 23 Jan 2025