Founders First Capital Partners

Founders First Capital Partners is a San Diego-based venture firm founded in 2015 that focuses on supporting underrepresented and diverse-led small businesses. The firm offers revenue-based financing (RBF), a non-dilutive form of capital that allows businesses to retain equity while scaling operations. Founders First specifically targets service-based companies with annual revenues between $500,000 and $10 million, with a particular emphasis on those led by women, people of color, veterans, LGBTQ+ founders, and those located in low- to moderate-income areas. In addition to providing capital, Founders First offers advisory services and business accelerator programs to help companies grow and reach profitability. Over 80% of their investments are in diverse-led businesses, and they have funded over 500 companies across the U.S. The firm's innovative financing model has enabled many companies to grow without the need for traditional equity financing, offering a flexible payback model based on revenue performance. Notably, Founders First has raised $11 million in Series A funding, with support from major institutions like The Rockefeller Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, to continue fostering inclusive growth and economic opportunities.