Sector
AI & Deep Tech VC Funds
Venture capital funds investing in artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and advanced technology startups. Browse fund profiles, check sizes, and investment focus areas.
Cultivation Capital is a venture capital firm focused on early-stage investing, primarily at the Seed and Series A phases, with initial investments ranging from $100,000 to $3.5 million. Founded in 2012, the firm manages a family of funds targeting sectors such as life sciences and health tech, software and IT, agriculture and food tech, and geospatial technology. The firm has a mission to advance entrepreneurs with capital, counsel, and support while exceeding investors' expectations and creating opportunities for its team through career advancement and community impact. The firm operates several specialized funds, including partnerships with entities like the Yield Lab for Food and AgTech investments, and has backed over 120 startups. Notable investments include companies in diverse sectors such as therapeutics, diagnostics, precision agriculture, and location intelligence. Cultivation Capital is committed to building an inclusive portfolio, having invested in startups across more than 25 states and countries. The leadership team includes experienced venture capitalists and industry experts like co-founders Cliff Holekamp and Brian Matthews, as well as general partners and advisors with extensive backgrounds in their respective fields. The firm emphasizes active involvement with its portfolio companies, often taking board positions to provide strategic guidance and leverage their network of partners and investors.
Cultivian Sandbox Ventures is a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in innovative startups within the food and agriculture sectors. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Chicago, the firm focuses on technologies that enhance crop production, animal health, food safety, and sustainability. The firm has a robust portfolio featuring companies such as Vestaron, which is leading advancements in peptide-based crop protection, Supergut, offering functional food products for gut health, and Sound Agriculture, which develops products to help plants utilize soil nutrients more effectively. They also back companies like Geltor, which produces animal-free protein ingredients, and Full Harvest, a B2B marketplace for surplus produce (Cultivian Sandbox Ventures). Cultivian Sandbox Ventures recently closed its third fund at $135 million, with prominent investors including Archer Daniels Midland, Corteva Agriscience, and Ecolab. This fund focuses on Series A and B deals, with a global investment scope, looking particularly at synthetic biology, AI, and advanced materials. The team is led by experienced professionals like Andy Ziolkowski, who has over 30 years in venture capital and merchant banking, and Dan Phillips, who emphasizes the firm's commitment to platform technologies with multiple market applications.
Cure Kids Ventures (CKV) is a seed and early-stage venture capital fund based in Auckland, New Zealand, established in 2008 as part of Cure Kids, a leading child health research charity. CKV invests in the commercialization of innovations that have the potential to improve child health globally. The fund focuses on healthcare-related sectors, including medical devices, biotechnology, diagnostics, medications, and health information systems. Its mission aligns closely with Cure Kids’ vision of a healthier future for children, supporting solutions that can make a significant impact on pediatric care. CKV typically invests in pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds, with initial investments ranging from under $500,000 to $3 million. The fund is highly selective, emphasizing strong commercialization potential. CKV has built an impressive portfolio, backing companies like the a2 Milk Company, Pictor, and The Clinician, which are making waves in health tech and biotech industries. Their investments are strategically aimed at driving innovations that address critical health challenges faced by children. The team at CKV brings global experience in biotechnology and healthcare, providing not only financial backing but also valuable insights into early-stage development and commercialization. CKV has played a crucial role in fostering the growth of New Zealand’s healthcare innovation ecosystem, and its impact extends beyond capital, as it works closely with startups to help them achieve market success.
Curiosity VC is a community-powered venture capital firm founded in 2021 and based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Led by experienced operator-investors Herman Kienhuis and Maurice Beckand Verwee as co-founding Managing Partners, the firm focuses on early-stage investments in talented, diverse founding teams across the Benelux, Nordics, and Baltic regions who are building the next generation of AI-driven global software companies. The firm's community of 23 team members includes entrepreneurs, expert advisors, and investors who actively contribute to sourcing and portfolio support. Curiosity leads rounds and writes checks of €500,000 to €1 million at seed and Series A stages, focusing on B2B software with AI applications across fintech, proptech, legaltech, enterprise software, marketing technology, cybersecurity, energy, and climate technology. The firm has made 44 investments — spanning Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden — with 3 new investments added in the most recent 12-month period. The firm's community-powered model is a deliberate structural choice: Curiosity draws on an engaged network of founders and operators to extend its deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio support beyond what a small investment team could accomplish alone. The firm's mission — supporting entrepreneurs building software companies to serve the world, not simply consume its resources — reflects a values orientation that runs through both its sector focus and founder selection criteria.
CyberAgent Capital (CAC) is a prominent venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments, particularly in internet and technology-based startups. Founded in 2006 as part of the larger CyberAgent Group, the firm focuses on companies in the seed and early-growth stages. With a strong global network, CAC operates across key markets in Asia, including Japan, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand, offering startups a bridge to regional and global expansion. The firm’s investment philosophy centers on incubating and accelerating internet-based businesses. CAC provides deep strategic and operational support, particularly in user acquisition, UI/UX design, and marketing strategies. This hands-on approach allows startups to leverage CAC’s extensive industry knowledge and its connection to the CyberAgent Group, fostering quicker growth in fast-moving markets. CyberAgent Capital typically invests in startups aiming for global reach and scalability, helping them expand across borders. The firm manages several funds and offers flexible investment sizes depending on the growth stage, supporting companies from the initial idea phase to market expansion. Some of CAC’s notable portfolio companies include Tokopedia, Coda Payments, and Viddsee, which highlight the firm’s successful track record in backing high-potential tech-driven ventures.
CyberGuild Ventures is a Jerusalem-based venture building studio and early-stage venture capital fund founded in 2018, with a sharp focus on the cybersecurity sector and a deep foothold in Israel's global cybersecurity ecosystem. The firm positions itself as a power multiplier for investors — combining venture studio operational capabilities with early-stage VC investing to accelerate pre-seed and seed-stage cybersecurity startups from formation through initial market traction. CyberGuild invests and leads rounds at pre-seed through Series A stages, writing checks of $100,000 to $1 million across cybersecurity, big data, IoT, digital health, and enterprise IT. The firm's leadership team includes a Managing Partner with M&A experience and a CTO formerly at Intel, grounding its technical assessments in hands-on engineering and corporate technology development backgrounds. The firm is listed on Israel's Startup Nation Finder and IVC Data, reflecting its recognized standing within Israel's startup community. Portfolio includes Intelici in network management software. CyberGuild operates at a very early stage where technical credibility and access to Israel's elite security talent networks are primary value drivers. The firm's venture studio model means it can support portfolio companies with operational resources — including product strategy, technical architecture, and business development — in addition to the capital required to move from idea to initial product. The Jerusalem base gives it proximity to a concentration of defense and intelligence alumni who frequently found security companies.
Cybernetix Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) startups. Based in Boston, the firm invests globally, targeting companies that apply innovative automation technologies across various industries. Their portfolio includes cutting-edge startups such as Raise Robotics, which develops robots to improve safety and efficiency on construction sites, and Realtime Robotics, which creates processors for rapid, collision-free robot movements in unstructured environments. Cybernetix’s investment strategy focuses on companies in sectors like healthcare, industrial automation, and construction, aiming to revolutionize traditional industries through robotics and AI. Other notable portfolio companies include Kewazo, which offers robotic solutions to streamline construction processes, and Bionomous, which combines AI and micro-engineering to automate biological entity sorting, a breakthrough for healthcare labs. The firm is led by experienced partners like Mark Martin, who brings over 25 years of leadership in industrial and tech sectors. Cybernetix Ventures is known for its deep engagement with its portfolio companies, providing strategic support alongside capital to drive scalable growth in the rapidly evolving world of automation and robotics.
Cycle Capital, founded in 2009 and headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in early-stage cleantech companies. The firm aims to support businesses that are developing innovative technologies to create a sustainable future. Cycle Capital manages over CAD 600 million through various funds, targeting sectors such as renewable energy, smart grid technology, energy storage, green chemicals, and advanced materials. The firm's portfolio includes a wide range of companies focused on sustainable innovations. Notable investments include Rhombus Energy Solutions, which develops bi-directional electric vehicle charging infrastructure; Bus.com, an online bus reservation platform; and Airex Energy, which transforms biomass into biochar and biocoal. Other significant investments are in GreenMantra Technologies, which converts waste plastics into specialty polymer additives, and Mysa, which creates smart thermostats for electric HVAC systems. Cycle Capital has also achieved several successful exits, including the acquisition of Rhombus Energy Solutions by BorgWarner in 2022. This acquisition was a significant milestone, showcasing the firm's ability to scale innovative companies to global markets. The firm is led by founder and managing partner Andrée-Lise Méthot, along with a team of experienced partners and venture capitalists. They emphasize long-term collaboration with entrepreneurs, providing both financial support and strategic guidance to help their portfolio companies achieve significant growth and impact.
CyLon Ventures is a specialized venture capital firm focused on cybersecurity and resilience technologies. Originally launched as a global cybersecurity accelerator in 2015, CyLon has shifted its strategy to invest directly in startups, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance to help companies tackle complex security challenges. Their investments span a broad range of security domains, including cloud security, network security, and threat intelligence, aiming to support innovation that underpins the safety of future technologies. Headquartered in Witney, United Kingdom, CyLon Ventures was co-founded by Grace Cassy, Jonathan Luff, and Alex van Someren. The founders bring extensive backgrounds in national security, technology, and investment, leveraging their expertise to guide startups in navigating the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape. Jonathan and Grace previously served as advisors to UK Prime Ministers, while Alex is known for his pioneering work in internet security and venture capital. CyLon's typical investment ranges from €100k to €1.5M, focusing on early-stage companies at the pre-seed to Series A/B levels. Their strategy is global, with past involvement in regions including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. They continue to play a pivotal role in fostering the next generation of cybersecurity leaders, helping startups build robust commercial partnerships and navigate regulatory environments. Through a combination of funding and hands-on support, CyLon ensures that emerging companies can scale effectively while addressing critical security concerns.
Czysta3.vc is a Poland-based early-stage venture capital fund that focuses on tech startups, especially in sectors like SaaS, fintech, martech, proptech, e-commerce, and cloud technology. Established in 2019, the fund has quickly become one of the most active VCs in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), with a portfolio of 25+ companies. Notable investments include INKsearch.co, a platform connecting tattoo artists with clients, and Rating Captain, an AI-driven customer review platform. Their investment strategy targets seed and pre-seed stages, with an average ticket size of €250K, allowing startups to build minimum viable products (MVPs) and achieve initial revenues. Czysta3.vc is known for a more risk-averse approach compared to typical VCs, focusing on startups that can achieve profitability within a short timeframe, often within two years. They aim for a 5-7x return on capital (CoC), and while not chasing unicorns, they prioritize consistent and diversified growth across industries. The fund is led by Szymon Janiak, a co-founder with extensive experience in the Polish startup ecosystem. They continue to invest aggressively, with plans to expand their portfolio further, leveraging Poland’s growing tech ecosystem and favorable market conditions.
d.ventures is a Cologne-based investment firm founded in 2018 with an additional office in Vienna, Austria, that invests in tech-driven startups with product-market fit across Europe, the United States, and the UAE. The team is composed of founders, entrepreneurs, developers, designers, and business angels — a mix that gives the firm an operator-oriented perspective on the companies it backs and enables genuine hands-on engagement with portfolio teams during critical growth phases. The firm writes checks of €50,000 to €2 million from pre-seed through Series B, with flexibility to participate in pre-IPO rounds as well. Its sector focus spans B2B SaaS, deep technology, fintech, and e-commerce, with 11 investments spanning Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, and additional European markets, as well as the UAE and Canada. The breadth of its geographic reach reflects the team's international entrepreneurial backgrounds and its willingness to back strong product teams regardless of location. d.ventures' differentiation is rooted in its team's founder-first perspective: the partners have built companies themselves and invest with what they describe as love and commitment alongside their capital. This orientation translates into a hands-on partnership model where the firm engages actively on product strategy, business development, and team building rather than maintaining a purely advisory relationship with portfolio companies.
D4V (Design for Ventures) is a Tokyo-based early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2016 by Tom Kelley, who is also a partner at IDEO, the globally renowned design consultancy. The firm manages approximately $50 million across two funds, with Fund 2 closing at JPY 5.4 billion. D4V invests at Seed and Series A stages in Japan-focused startups, with initial checks ranging from roughly $140,000 to $1.4 million and follow-on capability. The team is led by Kelley alongside partners Asumi Ota and Fumiaki Nagase. With 74 portfolio companies, D4V has achieved four IPO exits. Notable holdings include ExaWizards (AI, IPO), AirCloset (AI fashion styling, IPO), THECOO (IPO), Ubie (AI healthcare), Cinnamon AI (enterprise AI), CrowdLoan (fintech), and SUN METALON (deep tech). The portfolio spans AI, healthcare, fintech, industrial digitization, entertainment, and e-commerce. D4V's defining feature is its formal integration of IDEO's design methodology into the venture process. Portfolio companies receive hands-on support in human-centered UX/UI, branding, customer experience design, and organizational structure — capabilities that go well beyond what a conventional VC offers. The firm also runs the First Designers community, providing intensive training and networking for startup designers, embedding design thinking as a competitive advantage across the entire portfolio.
DAA Capital Partners is a Geneva-based venture capital firm, established to invest in early-stage ventures across technology, consumer goods, and health sectors. Founded with a focus on sustainable growth, DAA Capital provides both financial capital and strategic support to innovative startups in Europe. The firm's investment strategy revolves around Seed and Series A funding rounds, helping young companies scale their operations and realize their potential. Some of DAA Capital’s notable investments include Creal, a company revolutionizing display technologies, Tinamu Labs, which focuses on drone automation, and Smeetz, an AI-driven marketplace platform. The firm leverages its deep industry expertise and global network to offer more than just capital, acting as a strategic partner to help its portfolio companies grow effectively. With a strong commitment to driving innovation, DAA Capital Partners continues to make impactful investments across Europe, emphasizing long-term value creation and responsible growth.
DAAL Ventures is a venture capital firm headquartered in Saudi Arabia, focusing on early-stage investments in the technology sector, particularly in emerging markets. Founded with the mission to bridge international innovation and the Middle East, DAAL plays a pivotal role in helping startups expand into the GCC region, especially Saudi Arabia. The firm is known for providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and mentorship to its portfolio companies. DAAL leverages its extensive regional network and expertise to support startups in various sectors, including fintech, SaaS, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and big data. DAAL Ventures stands out for its collaborative approach, positioning itself as a partner to the companies it backs. This involves helping entrepreneurs scale their operations globally and connecting them with world-class investors and local partners in the Middle East. The firm has invested in a diverse range of startups, including Pulppo, a Mexican proptech platform, and Paym.es, a fintech company, highlighting its commitment to identifying high-potential tech ventures across different regions. The firm’s vision is to be a leader in tech-focused venture capital in Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC region. DAAL is committed to fostering growth by offering operational support, business development resources, and access to its network of strategic partners. This positions DAAL Ventures as a key player for startups looking to break into the Middle Eastern market.
DAG Ventures is a Palo Alto-based growth-stage venture capital firm founded in 2004 by Tom Goodrich and John Cadeddu, who also co-founded Corner Ventures. One of Silicon Valley's most prolific growth investors, DAG has backed 172 companies with an exceptional track record of 130 exits and 5 unicorns. The firm focuses on later-stage investments across IT, life sciences, healthcare, consumer services, and technology, deploying $10 million to $30 million checks predominantly at Series B and C. John J. Cadeddu serves as Founder and Managing Director. DAG's portfolio is a register of consequential technology companies. Notable holdings and exits include Ambarella in semiconductors, Eventbrite in event management, FireEye in cybersecurity, Glassdoor acquired by Recruit Holdings for $1.2 billion, Grubhub in food delivery, Nextdoor in social networking, Wealthfront in robo-advisory, Wix.com in website building, Yelp in local reviews, Zettle acquired by PayPal, and Armo Biosciences in oncology. All of these companies reached IPO, acquisition, or significant secondary liquidity events. DAG's investment approach centers on identifying companies that have already demonstrated product-market fit and are ready to scale, then providing both growth capital and the firm's extensive network of corporate relationships and strategic advisors. The firm leads its positions and partners with management teams through the transition from growth-stage startup to enduring market leader — a phase that demands different skills than early-stage investing and where DAG's track record speaks for itself.
Daphni Ventures, based in Paris, was founded in 2016 and focuses on early-stage investments with a European DNA and strong international ambition. The firm aims to support companies that contribute to making the world a better place through innovative and disruptive models, emphasizing social and environmental sustainability. Daphni's investment thesis revolves around empowering founders to create a sustainable future by leveraging deep tech and innovation. The firm has made over 80 investments and has seen multiple successful exits, including Shine.fr, Masteos, and Foxintelligence. Their portfolio includes a wide range of companies such as ZOE, a personalized nutrition platform; Double, a remote executive assistant service; and Masteos, a full-stack real estate agency. They also back companies in sectors like edtech, fintech, and health tech, supporting ventures that focus on the circular economy, upcycling, social inclusion, and the future of work. Daphni operates three main investment vehicles: Purple, Yellow, and Dastore, each focusing on different areas of innovation and sustainability. Their approach involves not only providing capital but also offering operational support and access to a community of experts to facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing among their portfolio companies.
Darling Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco, focusing on providing seed funding to startups with disruptive potential. The firm invests primarily in pre-seed and seed rounds, with check sizes ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. Darling Ventures has built a reputation for backing innovative technology companies, especially in sectors such as digital health, AI, SaaS, fintech, and cloud infrastructure. Their hands-on approach to investing involves closely supporting portfolio companies with growth strategies, market expansion, and preparing for subsequent funding rounds. The firm's portfolio includes startups like Everlywell, Hummingbird, and Berbix, showcasing their commitment to scaling tech-driven solutions in industries with significant growth potential. With a global focus, Darling Ventures leverages its network and expertise to guide founders toward successful outcomes, ensuring they are well-positioned for the next stages of their journey. Founded by Daniel Darling, the firm prides itself on identifying early-stage opportunities in high-growth sectors and helping companies reach product-market fit quickly. Darling Ventures often works as a lead investor but also collaborates with other VCs to maximize the chances of success for the companies in its portfolio. Their strong involvement in their investments sets them apart, offering more than just capital to founders—they bring strategic advice, mentorship, and connections to the table.
Darwin Ventures is a San Francisco-based venture capital fund of funds specializing in providing access to early-stage U.S. venture capital funds, primarily focused on technology, IT, and healthcare. Established to offer selective investments in top-tier VC funds, Darwin leverages diversification across industries to minimize risk while maximizing returns. Their portfolio spans over 100 investments, including partnerships with prominent early-stage VCs. Darwin’s strategy emphasizes investing in multiple funds, reducing the exposure to any single investment. This approach allows investors, particularly institutional and high-net-worth individuals, to benefit from the growth of early-stage startups without bearing the risk associated with direct investments in one company or fund. The firm has successfully raised and deployed five fund-of-funds and manages investments across Series A and B stages. Led by an experienced team with a strong presence in Silicon Valley and the United States, Darwin focuses on long-term forces that shape industries, ensuring their investments align with the technological shifts driving the future economy. They are known for their disciplined and diversified approach, particularly in sectors like health tech and digital infrastructure. The firm’s leadership includes veterans from the venture capital and technology industries, ensuring they are well-positioned to support the success of their partner funds and portfolio companies.
Dash Fund is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2020 by Ryan Sells and Tom Seo. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage companies within the SaaS, enterprise software, and fintech sectors. Dash Fund aims to support high-impact, technology-driven solutions and has made significant investments across various industries including artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and internet of things (IoT). Dash Fund is known for its collaborative approach, leveraging the extensive networks of its founders to connect portfolio companies with early hires, customers, and larger investors for subsequent funding rounds. The firm’s investment strategy is flexible, allowing them to co-invest with larger venture funds and participate actively in the early stages of their portfolio companies' growth. Notable investments include companies like Teal, Durable, and Spade Data. For startups looking to engage with Dash Fund, demonstrating strong innovation in fintech or enterprise software and highlighting potential for significant growth can be advantageous. The firm’s emphasis on collaboration and network support makes it an attractive partner for early-stage ventures aiming to scale rapidly.
DCF1 Ventures, also known as the Data Community Fund, is a venture capital firm founded by Pete Soderling. It focuses on early-stage investments in data-driven B2B startups. With a dedicated emphasis on data technologies, DCF1 Ventures invests in areas like machine learning, AI, data infrastructure, and analytics. Notable investments include companies such as Superconductive, the team behind the Great Expectations data testing project, Grid, and Era Software. The fund leverages its extensive Data Council community, which includes over 120,000 data professionals globally, to provide more than just capital. They offer deep technical support, company-building assistance, and help with go-to-market strategies and fundraising. DCF1 Ventures typically invests an average of $11 million per round, making around five investments per year. Their focus on open-source projects and technical founders with substantial industry expertise sets them apart in the venture capital landscape.
Data Tech Fund is a Seattle-based venture capital firm founded in 2021, with a core focus on investing in startups that leverage proprietary data and AI to create innovative solutions across industries like software, AI, and data integration. Their portfolio includes notable companies like Pave, Meltano, and Checkstep, which are pioneering in areas such as business productivity tools, data integration, and software security. The fund primarily targets early-stage investments, typically making around four investments annually with an average check size of $3M. Data Tech Fund emphasizes supporting companies through deep technological expertise and a robust co-investor network, which includes names like Venrock and Lerer Hippeau. They focus heavily on U.S.-based companies, particularly those working on data-driven business models. The team, led by partners Andreas Quandt, Ravi Grover, and Siva Kolappa, is based in Seattle but collaborates with a global network of partners. Their investment strategy revolves around identifying companies with strong data technologies that can disrupt traditional industries. They often co-invest alongside other major VCs, aiming to add strategic value rather than just financial support.
Databricks is a leading data analytics and machine learning platform founded in 2013 by the original creators of Apache Spark. Headquartered in San Francisco, Databricks is known for its Lakehouse architecture, which combines the best elements of data lakes and data warehouses into a unified platform. This allows organizations to manage both structured and unstructured data, enabling seamless analytics and AI-driven insights. The company's platform integrates with all major cloud providers, including AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, making it a versatile tool for businesses across various industries. Databricks enables data scientists, engineers, and analysts to collaborate through its fully managed Apache Spark service, offering tools for ETL, data exploration, and machine learning. Databricks has raised billions in funding, most recently achieving a valuation of $43 billion in 2023. Some of its key clients include Shell, HSBC, and Comcast, leveraging Databricks to streamline data workflows and scale AI models. With a focus on open-source innovation, Databricks continues to enhance its platform with cutting-edge features like Delta Lake, which provides ACID transactions for data lakes, and MLflow, a popular tool for managing the machine learning lifecycle. The company’s mission is to democratize data, making it easier for businesses to extract value from their data through powerful, accessible tools.
DataPower Ventures (DPV) is a New York City-based venture capital firm founded in 2021 by David Yakobovitch, a former Google Product Lead and AI Policy Ambassador. Operating as a bi-coastal fund bridging New York City and Silicon Valley innovation ecosystems, DPV employs a distinctive barbell strategy: combining early-stage investments in transformative AI companies with selective growth-stage positions in category-defining leaders. The firm is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser and also operates a syndicate on AngelList. DPV writes checks of $100,000 to $250,000, concentrating on exceptional technical founders building at the intersection of applied AI, inference, deep technology, and data-driven platforms across enterprise software, healthcare, financial services, and sustainability. With approximately 52 investments and 26 portfolio companies, the firm has backed some of the most consequential AI companies of the current cycle, including OpenAI, Anthropic, Databricks, SSI, Eleven Labs, Harvey, Perplexity AI, Hammerspace, Together AI, Apptronik, and Revelio Labs. Yakobovitch hosts the HumAIn Podcast on AI and data science, extending DPV's presence into the AI research and practitioner community. Christina Ellwood serves as Board Member and CMO. The fund's primary US focus is complemented by investments in Canada, Israel, and the United Kingdom. DPV's thesis is that the most important AI infrastructure and application companies of the next decade are being built now, and that backing the strongest technical founders at the earliest stages creates the most durable portfolio positions.
DataTribe is a venture capital firm and startup foundry based in Fulton, Maryland, specializing in cybersecurity and data science. Founded by a team of experienced investors, startup veterans, and alumni of the U.S. intelligence community, DataTribe focuses on making generational leaps in these sectors by investing in and co-building early-stage companies. They provide significant early-stage capital, along with in-kind services such as office space, legal, accounting, and IT support. Notable investments by DataTribe include companies like Ntrinsec, which focuses on automated key management and secrets hygiene, and ContraForce, which offers no-code security automation for small and mid-sized businesses. Other significant investments are in companies like SightGain, which specializes in cybersecurity risk management, and QuickCode.ai, which provides innovative data analytics and AI training solutions. DataTribe also runs the DataTribe Challenge, an annual competition where startups can compete for up to $2 million in seed funding. This challenge aims to identify and support the most promising early-stage cybersecurity and data science companies.
Davidovs Venture Capital (DVC) is an AI-focused early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2021 by Marina and Nick Davidovs in Los Altos Hills, California. The firm operates as a community-driven collective with 170-plus LPs — including engineers, founders, and AI researchers — and more than 240 portfolio founders, creating a self-reinforcing network that drives dealflow and strengthens Silicon Valley access for every company in the portfolio. Marina Davidovs, an Investment and Operating Partner, previously co-founded Cherry Labs (exited) and was a VC at Gagarin Capital. Nick Davidovs focuses on investments and portfolio, bringing experience as a repeat founder and co-founder of Cherry Labs and Gagarin Capital (both exited). DVC backs repeat AI founders at pre-seed and seed stages, writing $100,000 to $300,000 initial checks with follow-on capacity of $1 million to $3 million at Series A and B. The firm focuses on artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, fintech, enterprise, edtech, creator economy, food technology, agtech, and biotech. With 126 investments across 50 portfolio companies, the fund has backed Beacons AI, ClassTag, Essence Labs, Teleport, Zinit, HackerPulse, and Pangeam, among others. Two portfolio companies have been acquired, including Welovenocode by Toptal in October 2023. DVC's model deliberately blurs the line between LP community and operating network: the firm's 170-plus LPs are not passive allocators but active participants who contribute domain expertise, introductions, and reference checks. This community structure extends the firm's reach and diligence capacity far beyond what an eight-partner team could accomplish independently.
Dawn Capital, founded in 2007 and based in London, focuses on investing in early-stage B2B software companies across Europe. The firm manages multiple funds, with a strong emphasis on sectors such as fintech, data and analytics, security and privacy, and enterprise software. Dawn Capital has a robust portfolio featuring companies like Mimecast, iZettle, and Tink. Notable recent investments include Omi, a platform for real-time experiences, and Cover Genius, an insurtech startup. The firm has achieved several successful exits, including the sale of Tink to Visa and the acquisition of Granulate by Intel. Dawn Capital is known for its deep industry expertise and active support of its portfolio companies, helping them scale from local champions to global leaders.
Day One Capital, founded in 2011, is a venture capital firm based in Budapest, Hungary, focusing on early-stage technology startups primarily in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region. They are known for their investments in B2B software companies, leveraging the region's strong talent pool to support technology-driven founders. Day One Capital has built a diverse portfolio across various industries, including AI, fintech, and logistics. Notable investments include Turbine AI, which uses simulated cell technology to enhance drug discovery; Webshippy, a logistics and fulfillment service provider; and Volteum, a company aiding electric vehicle fleet management. They have also backed companies like Colossyan, which specializes in generative AI for video editing, and Commsignia, a leader in automotive IoT. Their typical investment range is from €300k to €1.5 million for seed and Series A rounds. They have been instrumental in helping companies scale globally, providing not only capital but also strategic support and mentorship from their experienced team, which includes former government officials and seasoned investors. Day One Capital continues to foster growth and innovation within the CEE region, contributing significantly to the local startup ecosystem and helping companies achieve successful exits, such as AImotive's acquisition by Stellantis and NOW Technologies' acquisition by Sunrise Medical.
Day One Ventures, founded by Masha Bucher in 2018, is a dynamic early-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco. Known for their unique approach, they combine investment with hands-on PR and communication support, setting them apart in the VC landscape. The fund focuses on industries such as fintech, climate and energy, AI, deep tech, consumer products, and enterprise solutions, with a geographic emphasis on North America and Europe. Their portfolio boasts notable investments in companies like DuckDuckGo, Remote, WorldCoin, and Superplastic. Day One Ventures typically invests between $100K and $1M, often leading seed and Series A rounds. They have a strong track record, with 22 exits and several unicorns under their belt, aggregating over $115 billion in value. Masha Bucher, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and former PR executive, leverages her extensive communications background to provide unparalleled support to portfolio companies, from media strategy to investor introductions. The team, including key members like Drake Rehfeld and Tara Harandi-Zadeh, is deeply involved in every step of the startups' journeys, fostering a close-knit community.
DBTH Capital Ventures is a London-based venture capital firm founded in July 2018 by Virginie Berger, a music and entertainment executive with more than 20 years of experience across companies including Microsoft, NRJ, Omnicom, and MySpace France. The firm's name derives from Don't Believe The Hype, Berger's long-running consulting brand in the music industry -- a signal of its contrarian, specialist orientation. DBTH Capital focuses exclusively on rights technology and content technology, with emphasis on music tech, entertainment rights infrastructure, artificial intelligence applications, and blockchain within the creative industries. The firm raised its debut fund, DBTH Capital Fund I, at approximately EUR 35 million (USD 38.5 million) in a first close announced in September 2019, established in partnership with a US-based family office controlling nearly $5 billion in assets. The fund writes checks of $500,000 to $5 million at seed and Series A stages, targeting companies building infrastructure for digital rights management, royalty distribution, music licensing, and AI-powered content tools. Seven investments span media and entertainment, AI, Web3, and software. Berger's position at the intersection of music industry leadership and technology investment gives DBTH Capital access to key ecosystem partners -- labels, managers, publishers, and streaming platforms -- that purely financial investors cannot replicate. The firm forms strategic partnerships with these stakeholders to support portfolio companies in navigating the complex rights and licensing landscape that defines the music technology sector.
DCM Ventures, founded in 1996 and based in Menlo Park, California, is a prominent venture capital firm known for its extensive portfolio and successful investments. With over $4 billion under management, DCM focuses on early-stage technology companies across the U.S., China, and Japan. Notable investments by DCM Ventures include companies like SoFi, Careem, Fortinet, and Matterport. These companies highlight DCM’s diverse investment strategy, spanning fintech, cybersecurity, consumer internet, and enterprise software. The firm has also backed companies like Bill.com and Musical.ly (now TikTok), which have seen significant growth and success. DCM Ventures operates with a global perspective, investing in the three largest technology markets: the U.S., China, and Japan. This strategic approach has enabled DCM to deliver strong returns to its limited partners, with a focus on early-stage SaaS, fintech startups, and consumer internet companies. The firm has seen numerous successful exits, with 254 companies in its portfolio going public or being acquired. The leadership team at DCM includes co-founders David Chao and Xinhe Lin, who guide the firm’s global investment strategy and operational support to its portfolio companies. For startups looking to connect with DCM Ventures, demonstrating innovative solutions in high-growth sectors such as fintech, AI, and cybersecurity can align well with the firm’s investment focus.
DCVC (Data Collective Venture Capital) is a deep tech venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, founded in 2010 by Matthew Ocko and Michael Driscoll. The firm focuses on investing in groundbreaking technologies that address significant global challenges across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, space, climate, engineering, and more. DCVC manages multiple funds, including DCVC V, which is a $725 million fund aimed at disrupting substantial sectors of the global economy. The firm emphasizes backing startups that employ computational and engineering approaches to solve high-stakes problems. Notable portfolio companies include Pivot Bio, Planet, Zymergen, Atomwise, Rocket Lab, and Recursion Pharmaceuticals, all of which are leaders in their respective industries. DCVC also has a specialized branch, DCVC Bio, co-founded with Dr. John Hamer and Dr. Kiersten Stead, focusing on AI-enabled life sciences platforms. This branch aims to bring new medicines to market and commercialize biological breakthroughs, with companies like AbCellera, Chroma Medicine, and Totus Medicines leading the charge. The firm’s investment strategy is driven by a belief that venture capital can address urgent global problems profitably and equitably, turning challenges into opportunities while delivering strong returns. DCVC continues to expand its team with experts across various fields to support its growing portfolio and mission.
Debut Capital is an early-stage venture capital fund focused on investing in Black, Latinx, and Indigenous founders who are building transformative businesses. Founded by Pilar Johnson and Bobak Emamian, Debut Capital was born out of a commitment to closing the funding gap for underrepresented founders. The fund is based in the U.S. and has quickly established itself as a key player in supporting diverse entrepreneurs, particularly those operating in sectors like consumer goods, technology, and media. Debut Capital’s portfolio includes a range of innovative companies, such as Ami Cole, a clean beauty brand celebrating melanin-rich skin, and Somewhere Good, a social platform focused on community and culture. The fund takes a hands-on approach, leveraging the founders' extensive experience in launching over 100 products for major brands like American Express and Sephora, to help startups with product strategy, design, and scaling. Strategically, Debut Capital is committed to providing more than just financial support; they act as true partners, offering deep operational guidance and access to a robust network. They are particularly interested in founders who are not only passionate about their products but are also driven to create a significant social impact. Debut Capital is selective, often backing companies that align closely with their mission of equity and inclusion in entrepreneurship.
Decent Capital, founded in 2007 by Jason Zeng, co-founder of Tencent, is a prominent venture capital firm with a global presence. The firm focuses on early-stage investments across sectors such as SaaS, consumer internet, frontier tech, and sustainable technology, with investments ranging from pre-seed to Series A stages. Decent Capital’s diverse portfolio includes notable companies like Lime, Cider, and Huizuche. Lime is well-known for its smart scooters and bikes aimed at addressing last-mile transportation issues, while Cider is a direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform for fashion. Huizuche, another significant investment, focuses on car rental services in China. The firm has seen successful exits, such as the acquisition of Oculii and Huizuche, and the IPO of FangDD on NASDAQ in 2019. The firm’s investment strategy emphasizes supporting companies through their growth stages with continued capital and strategic guidance. Decent Capital operates from multiple locations, including offices in Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States, ensuring a broad reach and impact across various markets.
Decibel is an independent venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage technology companies, particularly in the enterprise sector. Founded by Jon Sakoda in partnership with Cisco, Decibel combines the agility of a traditional VC firm with the extensive resources and network of a major technology company. This unique setup allows Decibel to offer significant advantages to its portfolio companies, including access to Cisco's customer base, go-to-market capabilities, and deep industry expertise. Decibel invests in essential software used by developers, data engineers, and cybersecurity teams. Their notable investments include companies like Brightwave, Censys, and Penpot. The firm typically makes large "conviction" investments at the earliest stages, ranging from $5 million to $15 million, to help startups hire talent, build products, and secure early customers. One of Decibel’s differentiators is its strong emphasis on mentorship and support from experienced founders. Leveraging Cisco’s network of over 40 recently-acquired founders, Decibel provides invaluable guidance and support to new entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the volatile startup journey. Decibel operates with a long-term perspective, ensuring that it can provide reliable capital and support throughout the 8-10 year journey typical of successful startups. With offices in Palo Alto, Decibel is well-positioned to support the next generation of enterprise technology innovators.
Deciens Capital is a venture capital firm dedicated to supporting early-stage founders in the financial services sector. Based in San Francisco, the firm focuses on driving digital transformation in long-standing institutions. Their notable investments include Chipper Cash, a leading African fintech; Treasury Prime, a premier banking-as-a-service company; and GlacierGrid, specializing in industrial energy measurement and management solutions. Deciens Capital operates with a highly selective investment strategy, making a limited number of high-conviction investments each year, typically ranging from $500K to $10M per check. The firm's approach centers on being the first significant capital invested in companies that demonstrate increasing returns to scale and deepening competitive moats, often operating in winner-take-all markets. They prefer to be approached with clear, visionary pitches that highlight the potential for significant impact and innovation. The team is led by Daniel Kimerling, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with a background that includes founding Standard Treasury and working at Silicon Valley Bank. He is recognized in the industry for his expertise and has been named to Forbes’ "30 under 30" and the Milken Institute’s Young Leader Circle. Deciens Capital seeks to provide more than just funding, offering comprehensive support, advice, and valuable relationships to help startups thrive from the earliest stages of their development. They emphasize a collaborative approach, working closely with founders to build the next generation of transformative financial services companies.
Decisive Point is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in deep-tech innovations, particularly those addressing critical challenges in defense, energy, infrastructure, and healthcare. Based in Beacon, New York, and with close ties to government and military sectors, Decisive Point has carved a niche in backing startups that align with U.S. national security and public sector needs. Notable portfolio companies include Pison Technology, RapidSOS, and Macro-Eyes. These firms exemplify Decisive Point’s focus on dual-use technologies—those that serve both commercial and government markets. The fund’s strategy involves not only providing capital but also offering extensive support in navigating complex government procurement processes, securing non-dilutive R&D funding, and establishing key relationships within the federal ecosystem. This approach significantly de-risks their investments by helping portfolio companies secure stable government contracts early in their growth. With a team led by founders with deep industry experience, including military veterans like Thomas Hendrix, Decisive Point is well-positioned to identify and foster groundbreaking technologies. The firm typically invests at the Seed and Series A stages, often leading the rounds and leveraging its expertise to guide startups through regulatory and acquisition hurdles. Entrepreneurs looking to partner with Decisive Point should have a clear vision for how their technology addresses a critical government need, as the firm is deeply invested in solutions that can achieve significant federal scale and impact.
Dedicated is a Luxembourg-based venture capital investment boutique founded in 2019 by Martin Tabery, Olivier Tabery, and Benjamin Tillier, operating from Grand-Rue 30 in Luxembourg. The firm sources and structures high-potential deals for private investors, positioning itself as a curator of exclusive allocations in oversubscribed rounds rather than a traditional blind-pool fund. Dedicated manages multiple fund vehicles including Dedicated VC I, II, and III as well as a dedicated fintech vehicle, investing EUR 1 million to EUR 3 million from Series A through pre-IPO rounds globally. With 30-plus investments, the portfolio spans fintech, spacetech, AI, climate technology, proptech, and quantum computing. Notable investments include Revolut, SpaceX, xAI, Klarna, Airbnb, OpenAI, Aerospacelab, Passbolt, Perlego, and ClearSpace in space debris removal. Additional holdings include Solaris, Kraken, Lendable, Opendoor, Atai Life Sciences, and Rain. Investment Analyst Valerian Meunier supports the leadership team on deal execution and portfolio monitoring. Dedicated's model gives private investors a high degree of autonomy: rather than committing capital to a blind pool, LPs can select specific deals they wish to participate in, retaining discretion over individual allocation decisions. This structure reflects the firm's belief that sophisticated private investors benefit from curated access to institutional-quality deal flow at meaningful check sizes, without sacrificing the transparency and control that direct deal participation provides.
Deep Blue Ventures (DBV) is Italy's first deep tech venture capital fund focused on Rome, launched in 2023 and managed by Deep Ocean Capital SGR S.p.A. The fund closed its first tranche at EUR 40.8 million against a EUR 70 million target, backed by cornerstone investors including the European Investment Fund (EIF), CDP Venture Capital SGR, Blue Ocean Finance, and ReItaly21 — a coalition that reflects DBV's ambition to anchor Rome in the European deep tech map. The fund leads at seed stage, with selective Series A participation. DBV deploys EUR 500,000 to EUR 2.5 million per investment, targeting exponential technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, photonics, cybersecurity, synthetic biology, and advanced materials applied to strategic sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, and sustainability. The portfolio of 7 investments — completed within the first 18 months of operation — includes AI4IV in neuromorphic computing, OhmSpace in aerospace, PhotonPath in semiconductor photonics, Genoa Instruments in super-resolution microscopy, and Random Power in quantum randomness. Key institutional partners include Leonardo, the European Space Agency, I3P incubator at Politecnico di Torino, the Italian Institute of Technology, and the National Research Council. DBV is led by Chairman and Co-Founder Emilia Garito, CEO and Co-Founder Domenico Nesci, and Chief Investment Officer Paolo Cellini. The firm operates a Deep Tech Factory Model that combines venture capital with venture building to accelerate the de-risking of breakthrough technologies from Italian and European research institutions into scalable commercial ventures.
Deep Science Ventures (DSV) is a London-based venture studio founded in 2016 that specializes in building science-driven startups across four key sectors: agriculture, computation, climate, and pharmaceuticals. DSV's approach is unique in that it combines scientific knowledge with entrepreneurial expertise to create high-impact ventures from scratch. They partner closely with founder-scientists to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges, such as reversing global warming, developing curative therapeutics, and advancing computational technologies. DSV's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies, such as Mission Zero Technologies, which focuses on energy-efficient direct air capture of CO2, and Neobe Therapeutics, which is engineering bacteria to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. These ventures reflect DSV's commitment to creating transformative solutions that are both scientifically rigorous and commercially viable. The firm's model emphasizes de-risking ventures through deep technical and market analysis before significant capital is committed. This methodical approach ensures that the startups they create have a strong foundation for long-term success.
Deep30 is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm established in 2018, specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning technologies. The fund primarily targets early-stage startups that leverage cutting-edge AI applications to transform industries, offering them both financial backing and hands-on technical expertise. Deep30 works closely with companies connected to research institutions like the University of Tokyo's Matsuo Lab, renowned for its AI research. The firm focuses on industries such as machine learning, data analytics, and AI-driven software. Notable investments include DeepCraft and IntegrAI, showcasing their commitment to advancing AI solutions across sectors like healthcare, IoT, and enterprise software. Deep30 typically invests in seed and early-stage rounds, with an average round size of $8 million, supporting companies in Japan and globally. Led by CEO Tomofuku Kawakami, Deep30 provides a comprehensive support structure, including business planning and networking opportunities. This approach has led to successful exits, such as Neural Pocket through an IPO and Stathack via acquisition. Deep30 is well-positioned as a key player in fostering the next wave of AI-driven innovations in Japan and beyond.
Deepbridge Capital, established in 2010 and headquartered in Chester, UK, focuses on providing growth capital to companies in the technology, life sciences, and renewable energy sectors. Their investment approach emphasizes supporting innovative and high-growth potential companies through various tax-efficient investment opportunities. Deepbridge Capital's portfolio includes a diverse array of companies. Notable investments are in firms like AlgaeCytes, which specializes in producing high-quality EPA oils from algae, and VoxSmart, which provides compliance management solutions for banks. They have also invested in promising startups like Thalia Design Automation, an AI-driven EDA platform, and Ibis Vision, a cloud-based vision testing software for the optical industry. The firm has made 168 investments and has seen 101 exits, showcasing their experience and success in nurturing companies to achieve significant milestones. Deepbridge Capital also supports companies through initiatives such as the Deepbridge Technology Growth EIS Fund and the Deepbridge Innovation SEIS Fund, offering financial backing and strategic guidance to early-stage businesses. The Deepbridge team, led by Managing Partner Ian Warwick, is known for their commitment to fostering innovation and growth across their investment sectors. For more information about their investments and strategic approach, you can visit their official website.
The DeepTech & Climate Fonds (DTCF) is a German venture capital fund aimed at supporting growth-stage startups working on transformative technologies in sectors such as deep tech and climate tech. Established in 2023, the fund has a capital pool of €1 billion, sourced from Germany’s Future Fund and the European Recovery Program. It focuses on companies developing solutions in fields like Industry 4.0, quantum computing, AI, and clean energy technologies. DTCF primarily invests in companies that require long development cycles and substantial capital, providing them with the resources to scale their innovations across Europe. The fund works as an anchor investor, partnering with institutional investors, family offices, and private capital to ensure that these companies can achieve commercial success and contribute to a climate-neutral economy. Led by Dr. Elisabeth Schrey and Tobias Faupel, DTCF has already made notable investments in companies like Membion, which focuses on wastewater recycling, and Cylib, a battery recycling startup. The fund's mission is to drive systemic change by investing in technologies that will reshape industries and contribute to sustainability across the European tech landscape.
Deeptech Seed Fund is a Dublin-based venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage deep-tech startups across Europe. Established by Pearse Coyle in 2018, the fund specifically targets ventures that have achieved significant scientific or technological breakthroughs and are starting to demonstrate global market potential. Their focus spans a broad array of sectors, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, robotics, sustainability, and IoT, although they avoid investments in life sciences. The fund operates with an investment thesis built around market validation. Before committing capital, Deeptech Seed Fund ensures that startups have connected with potential customers and obtained valuable feedback. They then collaborate with international later-stage investors to provide these promising ventures with robust follow-on funding. This approach ensures startups receive the right type of funding from the beginning, positioning them for long-term success in global markets. With investments typically starting at $100,000, Deeptech Seed Fund takes an active role in helping startups commercialize their innovations. Notable companies in their portfolio include Qoitech, a Swedish company developing energy optimization solutions, and Signapse, which specializes in AI-driven real-time sign language translation. The fund also emphasizes deep partnerships with incubators and innovation programs to scout cutting-edge research-based spinouts, further nurturing the commercialization of scientific advancements. By providing both capital and strategic support, Deeptech Seed Fund is instrumental in helping European deep-tech startups bridge the gap between research and market.
DeepTech Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in Pfaffikon, Switzerland, founded in 2018. The firm is an investment pioneer in the Web3 space, backing protocols, networks, and infrastructure projects across the full decentralized technology stack. Led by founder Alexander Christen — CEO of FiveT Fintech and formerly of Partners Group and SIX Swiss Exchange — alongside Managing Partner Daniel Curiger (ex-Goldman Sachs and UBS) and Crypto Research Analyst Florian Bitterli, the seven-person team brings deep roots in software development, finance, and economics. With 59 investments to date and typical check sizes between $100,000 and $1 million, DeepTech Ventures participates across blockchain, DeFi, NFTs, and DAO governance. The portfolio spans Layer 0/1 networks including Ethereum, Cosmos, Polkadot, Solana, and Avalanche; DeFi protocols such as Uniswap, Convex Finance, Curve, and Yearn Finance; NFT platforms including Decentraland and SuperRare; and infrastructure projects such as Lido, TheGraph, Arweave, and Filecoin. The firm takes an unusually active role in its investments beyond capital, engaging in governance voting, liquidity provision, keeper operations, and node operation within portfolio ecosystems. Investment instruments span equity, tokens, SAFEs, and SAFTs, giving the team flexibility to enter at the structure that best fits each project. The result is a fund deeply embedded in the ecosystems it backs rather than a passive observer.
DeepWork Capital, established in 2015 and based in Orlando, Florida, is an early-stage venture capital firm. The firm primarily targets technology and life sciences startups, particularly those in U.S. regions traditionally underserved by venture capital. DeepWork Capital's investment strategy focuses on seed and Series A stage companies, often being the first institutional capital after friends, family, and angel investors. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of companies such as AbFero Pharmaceuticals, acquired by Pharmacosmos, and AireHealth, addressing respiratory challenges. Other notable investments include Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals, developing therapeutics for brain injury, and Genascence, working on gene therapy for musculoskeletal diseases. The firm also supports innovative startups like Nanophotonica, which is pioneering EL-QLED technology, and Homee, which digitizes insurance claims processes. The DeepWork Capital team, including Managing Partners Mitchel Laskey, Ben Patz, and Kathy Chiu, brings a wealth of experience from various industries. The firm emphasizes a hands-on, active engagement approach, supporting entrepreneurs before, during, and after investment. DeepWork Capital's mission is to foster innovation in regions like Florida by providing necessary capital and strategic support to tech-forward founders committed to solving significant societal challenges.
Deerfield Management, a prominent investment firm based in New York City, is dedicated to advancing healthcare through strategic investments, information, and philanthropy. With over $14.6 billion in assets under management, Deerfield maintains a diverse portfolio of more than 200 private and public investments across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, healthcare services, and digital health industries . Notable portfolio companies include Graphcore, JFrog, and Netskope. The firm has a strong track record of supporting startups from early stages to mature companies, offering flexible funding models, including equity, debt, and joint ventures. Deerfield’s investment approach is characterized by deep operational support and a robust network of strategic partners and academic collaborations . Deerfield’s team comprises over 150 experienced professionals with expertise in various sectors of healthcare and finance, ensuring comprehensive support for their portfolio companies. The firm’s initiatives, such as the Deerfield Discovery and Development (3DC) and the Cure Campus, further highlight their commitment to fostering innovation and addressing complex health issues. The Deerfield Foundation, part of the firm’s philanthropic efforts, focuses on improving healthcare delivery, particularly for underserved populations, and has invested over $68 million in various health initiatives.
Defy Ventures, a New York-based venture capital firm founded in 2010 by Catherine Hoke, focuses on early-stage investments and supporting entrepreneurs, particularly those with unconventional backgrounds such as former convicts. The firm is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, employment, and character training for its community. Defy's portfolio includes notable companies such as Nautilus Biotechnology, Empower, and Shujinko. They have made significant investments in various sectors, including high tech, business services, and food and agriculture tech. Recent investments include Monitaur, Writ, and Delivery Collective. The firm values authenticity and the tenacity needed to transform bold ideas into lasting companies. Defy Ventures aims to be the partner of choice for today's daring startup founders, helping them become tomorrow's visionary leaders. They emphasize working behind the scenes to amplify the success of their portfolio companies.
Delight Ventures is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm founded in July 2019 by Tomoko Namba, founder and chairperson of DeNA, one of Japan's leading internet companies. Originally spun out as a corporate venture unit with DeNA as its sole limited partner, the firm operates independently with investment decisions made by an autonomous team. Delight manages two funds — Fund I at approximately $100 million and Fund II at JPY 15 billion raised in 2023 — and has built a portfolio of 83 investments across Japan. The firm invests at pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages with average checks around $2 million and leads rounds. Focus sectors span AI, software, fintech, health tech, biotech, and climate tech. Portfolio companies include Matilda, Woodstock, EMLink, FundingBee, and A-SEEDS. Beyond direct investment, Delight operates a Venture Builder program that incubates companies from the ideation stage, often recruiting DeNA employees as founders and leveraging DeNA's business leaders as mentors — a structure unusual among Japanese VCs. A team of approximately 30, including seven partners, executes the firm's dual mandate across Japan and the United States. Managing Partners Tomoko Namba, Dai Watanabe, and Ryo Bando have structured the firm to pursue purely financial returns, ensuring portfolio companies maintain full optionality at exit with no obligation to align with a corporate parent's strategic agenda.
Delin Ventures is a UK-based, mission-driven venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments, specializing in two key areas: Life Sciences and the Future of Work & Learning. Established in 2015, the firm backs founders working on breakthrough technologies that can transform healthcare through cell therapies and the future of human work and learning. Delin invests in pre-seed and seed rounds, with typical ticket sizes ranging from €100,000 to €1.5 million, primarily in European startups. In the Life Sciences domain, Delin is committed to advancing cell therapy solutions that can either cure life-threatening diseases or transform them into manageable, chronic conditions. They also invest in the infrastructure necessary for the development and commercialization of these therapies. Notable investments include startups working on innovative therapeutics, medical services, and manufacturing technologies. In the Future of Work & Learning sector, Delin Ventures aims to unlock human potential by investing in technologies that shape the workforce of tomorrow. This includes HR tech, productivity tools, workforce development, and upskilling platforms. They provide hands-on support to founders, leveraging their deep operational expertise and extensive network. The team, led by founder Igor Linshits, includes experts from various industries, ensuring a strong focus on long-term impact. Delin's strategy is centered around making fewer, high-quality investments to ensure that they can offer exceptional support to their portfolio companies, which includes businesses like Fluidic Analytics, Vidsy, and Ori Biotech. The firm is highly selective, providing patient capital and working closely with founders to scale impactful solutions.
Delivery Hero Ventures (formerly DX Ventures) is the corporate venture capital arm of Delivery Hero SE, a publicly traded global food delivery platform headquartered in Berlin, Germany. Launched in January 2021 with initial capital of €50 million, the fund is fully backed by Delivery Hero SE and led by Managing Director Duncan McIntyre, who joined the parent company in 2014 and completed over 30 M&A transactions before leading the venture arm. The fund leads rounds and invests globally across food technology, on-demand services, AI, fintech, logistics, and sustainable innovation, writing checks averaging $5 million at Seed through Series B stages. The portfolio of 33 companies includes five unicorns, two IPOs, and three acquisitions. Notable holdings include Glovo (food delivery, acquired by Delivery Hero), Rappi (Latin American super app), Impossible Foods (plant-based meat), Ola (Indian ride-hailing), Toku (compensation management), and OneOrder (restaurant management). The fund's investment thesis centers on leveraging Delivery Hero's technical expertise and global network — spanning Europe, Southeast Asia, MENA, and Latin America — to help founders scale. Partner Brendon Blacker works alongside McIntyre to evaluate opportunities and support portfolio growth, with the team taking an engaged post-investment role in business development and market expansion.