Floodgate

Floodgate is a prominent venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, co-founded by Mike Maples Jr. and Ann Miura-Ko in 2010. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in technology companies, particularly in Silicon Valley. With a keen eye for disruptive innovations, Floodgate has made significant investments in companies like Twitter, Lyft, Twitch, Okta, Chegg, and Clover Health. Floodgate is known for its “Thunder Lizards” concept, which describes companies with the potential to become wildly disruptive market leaders. This idea, coined by Mike Maples Jr., reflects Floodgate's strategy of identifying and supporting transformative startups from the earliest stages. They typically invest between $150,000 and $1 million, often leading seed rounds and providing extensive support and guidance to their portfolio companies. Ann Miura-Ko, a highly respected figure in the venture capital world, has been instrumental in shaping Floodgate’s investment philosophy. She has been recognized multiple times on Forbes' Midas List and the New York Times' top venture capitalists list. Her investments span across a range of sectors, including marketplaces and highly technical fields, making her a versatile and visionary investor. Floodgate's investment approach is characterized by a deep commitment to its portfolio companies, offering not just capital but also strategic advice and operational support. The firm's focus on fostering long-term relationships with founders and helping them navigate the complexities of scaling their businesses has contributed to its success and reputation in the venture capital industry.