I moved across the world to get into the Ivy League. Then I quit Brown after a year to launch a VC firm at 21.

At just 21 years old, Smaiyl Makyshov has already made a significant mark in the venture capital landscape. The founder of Multifaceted Capital in San Francisco, Makyshov's path is a testament to the power of ambition and community-focused investing. Makyshov began his journey in programming at the tender age of nine, self-teaching languages such as HTML and Java. He excelled in computing competitions but always viewed technology as a means to a greater end. Originally hailing from Kazakhstan, he moved to the U.S. to attend Phillips Exeter Academy, renowned for its rigorous college preparation. After gaining admission to Brown University, he opted for a gap year to intern at his brother’s venture capital firm. This experience ignited his interest in the dynamics of rapid company growth and the emerging trend of community-oriented investment. During his time at the firm, Makyshov recognized a unique opportunity within the venture capital space—investing in communities that had been overlooked. While prestigious universities like Harvard and Princeton had strong VC networks supporting their alumni, elite boarding schools lacked similar structures. This realization sparked his interest in developing a VC model that would cater to these underrepresented communities. Upon starting at Brown, Makyshov faced a crossroads. Although he was proud to be admitted, he began to question whether traditional education was the right path for him. While at Brown, he actively researched and developed an investment thesis, reaching out to potential investors and pitching his ideas. Ultimately, he decided to leave after three semesters to fully pursue his vision with Multifaceted Capital. Launching his firm came with challenges, including a lack of backing, a network, or family capital. Makyshov faced skepticism from potential investors, often being told he was too young to succeed in an industry traditionally dominated by older professionals. However, he persevered, and his first significant breakthrough came when Andrew Karam, co-founder of AppLovin, agreed to invest, bolstering Makyshov's confidence. In 2023, he successfully raised $225,000 for his pilot fund and began investing in founders from top boarding schools and established accelerator programs. The community-focused approach has become a cornerstone of his investment strategy, as he offers connections to other investors and talent. Fast forward three years, and Makyshov has raised a second fund totaling $2.1 million, investing in over 30 startups. He continues to refine his investment model, focusing on deeper engagements within the communities he serves and exploring new markets. Makyshov believes that the rapid decision-making characteristic of his firm gives him an edge, especially when working with founders who need quick commitments during critical moments, such as acceptance into Y Combinator. Reflecting on his journey, Makyshov remains committed to supporting emerging founders, emphasizing the importance of moving quickly and decisively in a fast-paced industry.