Dream VC’s new founder personality tool is set to redefine how founders see themselves, especially in emerging markets such as Africa. The venture capital training institute has announced the launch of the KMBC Ultimate Wildcard Test, a new personality assessment tool aimed at helping startup founders understand their leadership styles and motivations. The quiz, based on established psychological models, categorizes founders into four archetypes: King, Merchant, Builder, and Celebrity. This initiative comes as the venture capital world increasingly seeks to understand the personalities driving the companies they back.
The KMBC test, available online at founderspersonalities.com, asks 55 questions covering areas such as motivation, productivity, delegation, leadership, sales, and creativity. Based on the answers, the tool assigns founders to one of the four archetypes:
- King: Focused on long-term sustainability, control, and legacy.
- Merchant: Driven by profitability, market share, and financial success.
- Builder: Motivated by innovation, problem-solving, and creating new solutions.
- Celebrity: Prioritises social recognition, public image, and personal branding.
Dream VC believes the test will be valuable for both founders and investors. For founders, it offers self-reflection and identifies areas for growth. For venture capitalists, it provides insights into a founder’s leadership approach, aiding due diligence and fostering better understanding of their portfolio companies.
“At Dream VC, we believe that understanding one’s leadership style is crucial for entrepreneurial success,” says Mark Kleyner, Co-CEO of Dream VC and a project lead on the test’s research team. “The KMBC Ultimate Wildcard Test is not just a personality quiz; it’s a mirror reflecting the core traits that shape how founders lead, grow, make decisions and inspire their teams.”
The development of the archetypes involved extensive research, including analysis of five psychological models like MBTI, and discussions with venture capitalists, impact investors, private equity investors, and the Dream VC alumni community. The institute emphasizes the test’s global relevance while also incorporating insights specific to the African startup ecosystem, developed in partnership with Content Krush. This focus on African insights reflects Dream VC’s broader mission of supporting emerging markets.
The test’s developers suggest it can help investors understand founders’ priorities and empathize with their leadership styles, enabling more tailored support. By understanding these nuances, investors may be better equipped to navigate the complexities of founder dynamics and contribute to the growth of their investments.
The KMBC Ultimate Wildcard Test is freely available online. Upon completion, participants receive a personalized report outlining their strengths and weaknesses, which they can use for self-improvement. Dream VC’s founder personality tool aims to assist founders in tracking their personal and professional development over time. The firm encourages users to retake the test periodically.
Dream VC, based in several markets, positions itself as a leading venture capital institute and CVC advisory firm. It offers educational programs and advisory services aimed at equipping investors and entrepreneurs with the knowledge needed to succeed in the global startup ecosystem.