I drafted the first version of the Mensarius Oath in 2020. A more ethical approach to financing startups was needed. The whole startup ecosystem was becoming more and more about money and less and less about what matters, a positive future for humanity.
The Oath laid out a series of principles for the ethical behavior of finance professionals, particularly venture capitalists. A number of principles are obvious, like treating people fairly, and some are more aspirational, like listening to feedback.
The first Mensarius Oath was based loosely on the Hippocratic Oath. Mensarius is Latin for finance. Dozens of managers provided feedback on an original draft, helping to add concepts. It quickly resonated with investors and entrepreneurs alike.
Now, over 3,000 venture capitalists and investors have publicly agreed to the Oath, including the leaders of over 500 VC firms. Hundreds of LPs have also signed an affirmation of the Oath. The Oath is gaining adoption with team members working in venture capital, as well.
The success and the impact of the Oath have exceeded my expectations, and this is only the beginning. We are building a future where visionary limited partners back ethical managers to fund mission-driven companies.
As we enter 2024, I wanted to update the Oath and simplify it, having the core values right up front. Some concepts were repeated in the original Oath, which have been consolidated. I again solicited feedback from the community, and the language was refined. Here is the Mensarius Oath v2.
The Mensarius Oath v2
As a financial professional investing with personal or investor capital, I pledge to uphold these values. If determined by myself or a panel of my peers that I have violated these values without reconciliation agreed between all involved parties, then I will voluntarily leave the industry.
Integrity: I vow to invest with integrity, ensuring my actions benefit humanity and consciously avoid harm to any parties.
Excellence: I commit to maintaining the highest professional standards, setting an exemplary ethical benchmark in finance.
Fairness: I endeavor to be fair in my dealings, standing against abuse of power, unfair advantage, seduction, corruption, or mistreatment.
Equality: I pledge to promote inclusivity and equitable treatment in all financial endeavors, consciously working to reduce inequality.
Respect: I promise to treat individuals and opportunities with the respect and the attention deserved in business interactions.
Transparency: I affirm to be transparent and honest in dealings with investors, founders, and colleagues.
Confidentiality: I swear to safeguard private, confidential, or personal information, keeping it safe from public or other unwanted disclosure.
Growth: I am resolved to embrace feedback from clients and peers, committing to ongoing personal and professional growth.
The Decile Group develops industry-leading offerings to transform venture capital into an ethical force for good in the world, including VC Lab, Decile Hub, Decile Partners and Decile Capital.
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