focal

Focal VC, a San Francisco-based venture capital firm, is renowned for its high-conviction investments in pre-seed startups. Co-founded by Daniel Darling and Pascal Unger, Focal specializes in backing software, platform, and infrastructure builders aiming to revolutionize industry operations. With a geographic focus on the US and Canada, they are dedicated to supporting startups from the earliest stages with checks up to $750K. Focal’s strategy is centered on leading or co-leading pre-seed rounds, providing concentrated support to maximize both bandwidth and capital reserves for their portfolio companies. They have a keen eye for strong product builders, particularly those with at least one technical co-founder. Notable investments include startups like Pump, MoneyMade, and Stark, showcasing their commitment to transformative ventures. The team, led by Darling and Unger, is known for its operational approach and deep engagement with founders, offering invaluable feedback on marketing, go-to-market strategies, and product development. Their demo days attract thousands of VCs and angel investors, significantly accelerating the fundraising process for startups. Focal’s unique value proposition lies in their early GTM expertise, helping startups achieve traction quickly and learn from a community of 175+ GTM leaders. They encourage cold outreach from startups that fit their investment criteria and pride themselves on quick, actionable feedback. For startups looking to raise less than $2M in their first round, Focal provides a robust platform and strategic guidance to navigate from pre-seed to Series A and beyond​.