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.
JSR Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a multinational company specializing in digital solutions, life sciences, and elastomers. Founded in 1957, JSR initially focused on synthetic rubbers but has since expanded its operations to become a leading global supplier in various technology-driven markets. One of JSR's major areas of expertise is semiconductor materials, where they produce lithography materials, CMP materials, and packaging solutions essential for semiconductor chip production. The company has also made significant strides in the life sciences sector, providing services and materials for drug discovery, diagnostics, and bioprocessing. They acquired companies like KBI Biopharma and Selexis to strengthen their capabilities in this field. JSR is also heavily involved in advanced semiconductor technologies. They acquired Inpria Corporation, a leader in metal oxide photoresist technology for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, to bolster their semiconductor materials portfolio. This acquisition aligns with JSR's strategy to enhance their presence in advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes. Moreover, JSR collaborates with Cambridge Quantum Computing (CQC) on quantum computing projects to develop state-of-the-art quantum algorithms. This partnership highlights JSR's commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation. Overall, JSR Corporation leverages its extensive R&D capabilities and strategic acquisitions to maintain its leadership in the semiconductor and life sciences industries, continuously driving innovation and value creation for its global customers.
Jump Capital is a Chicago-based venture capital firm that specializes in early to growth-stage investments, focusing on sectors like fintech, data infrastructure, B2B SaaS, and crypto. Established in 2012, Jump adopts a thesis-led approach, allowing it to dig deep into specific sectors and back founders who align with its vision of technological transformation. The firm typically invests between $2 million and $20 million, often at Series A and B stages, and is known for providing hands-on operational support beyond just capital. Their portfolio includes high-profile companies such as M1 Finance, TradingView, Bitpanda, and TubiTV, with over 100 investments and 30 successful exits to date. Jump Capital has established a reputation for leveraging its extensive operating backgrounds and strategic expertise to help startups scale, while also maintaining a strong focus on the evolving crypto space, which has become a core part of their investment strategy. The firm primarily targets startups across the U.S., especially those outside traditional coastal hubs, and has been a driving force behind companies pushing boundaries in their respective industries.
Jumpspeed Ventures is the first and only micro-venture capital fund dedicated to investing in early-stage startups originating from the Jerusalem, Israel startup ecosystem. Founded in 2013 by Ben Wiener, a New Yorker who relocated to Jerusalem, the firm now manages $40 million across two funds. Fund II raised $20 million specifically for inception-stage Jerusalem-founded tech startups. Jumpspeed invests $250K to $1 million per company, typically leading or co-leading inception rounds, and backs a small handful of new companies each year. Ben Wiener is the sole General Partner. Jumpspeed has made 37 investments and produced two landmark exits: Zoomin, acquired by Salesforce for $450 million, and Robust Intelligence, acquired by Cisco for $400 million — totaling more than $850 million in acquisition value from a micro-fund, an extraordinary return profile. Other portfolio companies include TensorQ, Raily, Lidwave, and NeuroKaire, which received a Series A investment in December 2024. Investment focus spans AI and machine learning, big data, fintech, healthtech, and enterprise software. Wiener evaluates new investments through the H.E.A.R.T. framework: Hypothesis (a strong market thesis), Enormous Stakes (a large problem or opportunity), Alternatives Grossly Inadequate (current solutions fail), Radically Differentiated Solution (a 10x better paradigm shift), and Team Traits and Skills (the credibility to build and sell). Jumpspeed has been featured by VentureBeat and the Leichtag Foundation as a pioneer in validating Jerusalem as a viable tech ecosystem capable of generating returns alongside the more established Tel Aviv startup scene.
Jumpstart Nova, launched in 2022 with an oversubscribed $55 million fund, is the first venture capital fund exclusively focused on Black-founded and Black-led healthcare companies in the U.S. Based in Nashville and Los Angeles, the fund targets seed and Series A startups in sectors such as health IT, digital health, biotech, diagnostic devices, and tech-enabled healthcare services. Led by founder Marcus Whitney, the fund addresses the long-standing gap in venture capital allocation to Black innovators, with a mission to drive equity in healthcare innovation. Jumpstart Nova’s portfolio includes companies like Alerje, a food allergy management startup, and Cellevolve, a biotech firm focused on cell therapy advancements. The firm is backed by major healthcare institutions including Eli Lilly, HCA Healthcare, and the American Hospital Association, which provide strategic support alongside capital. With a strong focus on fostering both company and leadership development, Jumpstart Nova is more than just a financial investor. The team, which includes partner Kathryne Cooper, works closely with founders, helping them navigate challenges and scale their businesses. Entrepreneurs backed by Jumpstart Nova benefit from their extensive network and industry expertise, ensuring that innovative healthcare solutions from underrepresented groups can thrive.
Jungle Ventures, based in Singapore, is a prominent venture capital firm specializing in early to growth-stage investments across Southeast Asia and India. Established in 2012 by Amit Anand and Anurag Srivastava, the firm has over $1 billion in assets under management and a robust portfolio of companies. Notable investments include Kredivo, a leading digital lending platform in Southeast Asia; Livspace, a platform offering home renovation and interior design services; Moglix, a B2B e-commerce platform for industrial goods; Turtlemint, an insurance technology company facilitating financial advisory services; and Sociolla, a comprehensive beauty and personal care platform. Jungle Ventures focuses on consumer, B2B, and software tech businesses, providing significant capital and strategic support from seed to exit. Their investment strategy includes participating in various funding rounds, often leading or co-leading investments ranging from $500,000 to $20 million, and reserving follow-on capital for further growth. The firm prides itself on deep market knowledge, strong industry relationships, and a collaborative approach, aiding startups in scaling sustainably and reaching global markets.
Juvo Ventures is a mission-driven venture capital firm focused on early-stage, technology-enabled education companies. Founded to empower entrepreneurs who are transforming education, Juvo invests in businesses that improve access, quality, and outcomes across the education-to-work pipeline. The firm’s name, "Juvo," meaning "to help" in Latin, reflects its goal of supporting innovative solutions that enhance learning from early childhood to adulthood. Juvo takes a double-bottom-line approach, seeking both financial returns and meaningful social impact. Its portfolio includes companies like VictoryXR, a leader in immersive learning and "metaversities," Kenzie Academy, which prepares learners for tech careers, and SchooLinks, which helps transform school districts into talent pipelines. Juvo’s investments focus on scaling education technologies that make learning more accessible and adaptable for all. Through partnerships with these innovative companies, Juvo Ventures is actively contributing to better education outcomes, while also addressing critical issues like diversity and inclusion. Their investments align with global goals for sustainable development and offer transformative solutions for both learners and educators alike.
K3 Ventures is a Singapore-based venture capital firm founded in 2015 by Kuok Meng Xiong, grandson of tycoon Robert Kuok — the 'Sugar King of Asia' and controlling shareholder of PPB Group, connected to Wilmar International. The firm has invested in 129-plus companies, bridging technology startups and incumbent businesses to create an ecosystem of collaboration across Southeast Asia and globally. K3's 'bamboo network' provides portfolio companies with strategic access and scaling opportunities across the region. The team of 15 includes 4 partners. The portfolio is notable for its range and ambition, including global category leaders such as Airbnb, ByteDance/TikTok, Grab, SpaceX, Palantir, and Wiz (cybersecurity), alongside regional champions including Carousell (marketplace), Planet (satellite imaging), Minimax (AI), and Moonshot AI. In Web3, K3 has co-led rounds in Merkle Science ($19 million Series A, blockchain analytics) and invested in SendingNetwork ($12.5 million seed). Eleven portfolio companies have gone public, including WeRide (NASDAQ IPO October 2024, $120 million market cap) and Ohmyhome (NASDAQ). The most recent exit was BBP, acquired by Actis in July 2025. The latest investment was iEduGPT in September 2025. K3 invests across finance, education, healthcare, food and agriculture, transportation, enterprise solutions, and Web3, with checks ranging from seed to Series B stages. The firm's strength lies in its access to the Kuok family's extensive network of traditional businesses, government relationships, and institutional capital across Asia — a set of relationships that accelerates commercial traction for portfolio companies seeking to scale in Southeast Asia and beyond.
K4 Ventures is the corporate venture capital division of the Kansai Electric Power Group (KEPCO), one of Japan's largest utility companies. Founded in 1998 and based in Osaka, Japan, the firm invests in startups operating in KEPCO's existing business areas — integrated energy, power transmission and distribution, information and communications, and life and business solutions — as well as innovative new domains. Kansai Electric Power has increased K4's startup investment quota to 11 billion yen, approximately $80 million, reflecting growing strategic commitment to innovation. CEO Seiichiro Hamada leads the firm. K4 Ventures has made approximately 46 investments across seed through later stages, spanning storage batteries, mobility, AI, IoT, big data, robotics, agriculture, food, and clean technology. Geographic focus spans Japan, the United States, Europe, and Asia. Notable portfolio companies include SkyDrive (eVTOL flying cars), Kyoto Fusioneering (nuclear fusion energy), Regional Fish (aquaculture technology based in Kyoto), EV Motors Japan (electric automotive), Meijo Nanocarbon (nanotechnology), and Pixie Dust Technologies (NASDAQ-listed). The most recent investment was Ms.Engineer (educational software) in June 2025. The firm has achieved two IPO exits: Informetis (Tokyo Stock Exchange, December 2024, $30.4 million market cap) and Pixie Dust Technologies (NASDAQ). PowerX, an energy storage company, was the most recent portfolio exit in December 2025. K4 Ventures approaches its CVC mandate as a strategic co-creation vehicle rather than a purely financial investor. Portfolio companies gain access to KEPCO's infrastructure, regulatory knowledge, and enterprise customer relationships — assets that are especially valuable for startups developing energy, mobility, or industrial technology and seeking to navigate the complexity of Japan's utility and energy markets.
K5 Global is a venture capital firm and incubation studio founded in 2018 by Michael Kives and Bryan Baum. Based in San Francisco, the firm supports founders throughout the entire business lifecycle, from seed stages to IPOs. K5 Global has deployed over $1.1 billion in capital and has made 174 direct investments, resulting in 11 exits. Their portfolio includes high-profile companies such as SpaceX, Uber, Coinbase, Lyft, and The Boring Company. K5 Global focuses on a wide array of industries, including enterprise SaaS, vertical SaaS, fintech, and consumer products. Some notable investments and launched companies include 818 Tequila, Parrot, and The Expert. The firm leverages its extensive network to help innovative companies expand and achieve their growth targets. The management team, led by Michael Kives and Bryan Baum, brings a wealth of experience from various sectors, ensuring robust support for their portfolio companies. K5 Global continues to make significant investments in cutting-edge technologies and groundbreaking startups.
K5 Ventures is an early-stage technology venture capital and accelerator platform founded in 2010 and headquartered in Irvine, California, with offices in Newport Beach, Orange, Los Angeles, and Beijing. The firm focuses on AI-driven innovations that unlock human creativity, enhance productivity, improve decision-making, and create measurable value for businesses and society. K5 Ventures also operates K5-Launch, the first accelerator in Southern California — a three-to-six-month personalized go-to-market program that provides equity funding up to $25,000 alongside approximately $17,000 in legal, web, and PR services. The firm has made approximately 69 investments across pre-seed through Series A stages and achieved 14 acquisitions across its portfolio. Two unicorns have emerged: Emburse (expense management) and Chainguard (supply chain security). The most recent investment was Era (seed round, August 2024). The most recent exit was Jetty (insurtech, acquired February 2025). Other portfolio companies include Instrumentl (grant discovery), BIOS, CudaSign (acquired), Sphinx, and Farsight. Investment sectors span AI-native companies and vertical AI applications across enterprise SaaS, fintech, healthtech, digital health, medical devices, biotech, food technology, robotics, and predictive analytics. K5 Ventures draws from the Orange County Tech Coast Angels and Investors Circle networks and invests across Southern California, Silicon Valley, and China. The firm's philosophy centers on backing founders building AI-first products in large, underserved markets — combining the structured support of an accelerator program with the capital and long-term partnership of a venture fund. Check sizes are typically small at early stages, making K5 an accessible first institutional partner for companies in the pre-seed and seed ranges.
K50 Ventures, established in 2017 and headquartered in New York, is a venture capital firm dedicated to funding purpose-driven companies at the pre-seed and seed stages. The firm focuses on startups that aim to improve access and affordability in health, finance, and work for the global working class. Notable investments include Mammoth Biosciences, a pioneer in CRISPR technology; Groww, a mobile investing platform in India; and Midi Health, providing specialized healthcare for women over 40. K50 Ventures supports companies that democratize access to financial services, improve healthcare delivery, and empower small businesses and independent workers. Led by founders Ryan Bloomer and Adriel Bercow, K50 Ventures is committed to being the first institutional check and a long-term partner to mission-driven entrepreneurs. They seek founders with a clear vision for creating significant social impact and a solid strategy for execution.
K9 Ventures is a technology-focused venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California. It specializes in pre-seed investments, typically engaging with companies at their earliest stages of development. Founded by Manu Kumar, K9 Ventures aims to be the first institutional capital for startups, often leading investment rounds and taking an active role in company development. K9 Ventures has a diverse portfolio, with notable investments including companies like Twilio, Carta, and Lyft. These companies have seen significant growth and success, with Twilio and Lyft going public and Carta becoming a unicorn. Other significant investments include Auth0, which provides identity and access management solutions and was acquired by Okta, and Osmo, an educational game developer acquired by Byju's. The firm's investment strategy involves initial investments ranging from $250K to $750K, focusing on leading rounds and actively working with founders. K9 Ventures typically invests in 4-6 companies per year, allowing for deep engagement with each portfolio company. Their investment approach is characterized by a commitment to transparency, respect, honesty, and humility, aiming to build long-term relationships with founders and help them navigate various challenges from product development to marketing and fundraising. K9 Ventures' portfolio highlights their focus on innovative technology and their role in helping startups achieve significant milestones and exits. For more details, you can explore their investments and approach on their official website.
Kadan Capital is a new and active early-stage investor based in Singapore, launched in 2024. In the past 12 months, the fund has made 5 investments in Fintech, B2B SaaS, and AI from Seed to Series A, which makes the firm one of the 10 most active investors in Singapore.
Kae Capital is a prominent early-stage venture capital firm based in Mumbai and Bengaluru, India. Founded in 2012 by Sasha Mirchandani, the firm focuses on investing in pre-seed to pre-series A startups across a variety of sectors, including e-commerce, SaaS, fintech, healthtech, consumer internet, and more. Known for being sector-agnostic, Kae Capital partners with passionate founders to build scalable businesses for both Indian and global markets. Kae Capital has built a strong portfolio, with notable investments in companies like Zetwerk, HealthKart, 1mg, and LoanTap. The firm typically makes seed investments in the range of $1 million, with follow-on rounds in subsequent stages. Their strategy revolves around supporting founders through various growth stages, offering not just financial backing but also operational support, network access, and strategic guidance to help startups find product-market fit and scale effectively. The firm is deeply committed to fostering long-term relationships with founders, with a philosophy centered on being an "all-weather partner." This approach ensures that Kae stays by the side of its portfolio companies during both high-growth phases and challenging times, providing consistent support. With over a decade of experience in early-stage investing, Kae Capital is recognized as a key player in India’s startup ecosystem.
Kairos Ventures, established in 2015 and headquartered in Beverly Hills, California, is a venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage companies across life sciences, physical sciences, and technology sectors. The firm partners with leading scientists and universities to commercialize groundbreaking discoveries. Their portfolio includes notable companies like MemVerge, which aims to merge computer memory and storage using non-volatile RAM, and Neuro-Bio, a biopharmaceutical company developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Another significant investment is MixComm, a developer of advanced 5G mmWave chips that enhance the efficiency and range of 5G base stations, which was acquired by Sivers Semiconductors in 2022. Kairos Ventures has made over 81 investments and achieved several exits, including Actinobac Biomed and MixComm. The firm is led by founder and CEO James Demetriades, along with a team of experienced professionals who provide strategic support to their portfolio companies.
Kaiser Permanente Ventures (KP Ventures) is a leading venture capital firm dedicated to investing in innovative healthcare solutions. Founded in 1998, KP Ventures has over $500 million in assets under management and focuses on areas such as health information technology, digital health, medical devices, diagnostics, and precision medicine. KP Ventures recently closed its fifth fund at $141 million, which includes contributions from Kaiser Permanente as well as other strategic investors like Tufts Health Plan, Henry Ford Health System, and Highmark Ventures. The firm's investment strategy aims to support companies that address significant unmet needs in the healthcare system, particularly those that align with Kaiser Permanente's mission of providing high-quality, affordable, and accessible care. Some notable companies in their portfolio include iRhythm, Health Catalyst, and Omada Health. KP Ventures leverages its deep connections with Kaiser Permanente and other healthcare leaders to help its portfolio companies navigate and thrive in the complex healthcare landscape. The team at KP Ventures comprises experienced professionals like Cindy Vanderlinde-Kopper, Amy Belt Raimundo, and co-founders Chris Grant and Chris Stenzel, who bring extensive expertise in healthcare and venture investing.
Kakao Ventures, originally founded as K Cube Ventures in April 2012 and rebranded in March 2017, is the most active seed-stage venture capital firm in South Korea. An independent subsidiary of Kakao Corp., the firm is based in Seoul with offices in Pangyo and manages more than $300 million (over 430 billion KRW) across 11-plus vintage funds with external LP-based structures. The team of 20, including 8 partners, positions itself as a 'co-pilot' to mission-driven founders. Kakao Ventures leads rounds across its portfolio, investing primarily at seed through early Series A stages across four core sectors: deep technology (AI, robotics, semiconductors), IT and services, digital healthcare, and gaming. Kakao Ventures has invested in 280-plus portfolio companies, making roughly 11 new investments annually. In 2024 the firm made 27 investments totaling 20.7 billion KRW, with 19 new companies backed. The portfolio has produced 2 unicorns: Korea Credit Data and Karrot, a community marketplace. IPO exits include Shift UP (KRX listing July 2024, which reached a $2.54 billion market cap as maker of the game Stellar Blade) and Lunit (KRX listing, AI healthcare, $241 million market cap). The firm has recovered 130 billion KRW as first institutional investor across its exits. The most recent investment was Portrai (healthcare technology) in December 2025. Kakao Ventures has established strategic partnerships with Google Cloud, AWS, OpenAI, and Anthropic to provide portfolio companies with AI and cloud infrastructure resources. This access — combined with Kakao Corp.'s dominant position in South Korean digital services — gives portfolio companies a distinctive advantage in reaching both technical resources and consumer distribution within the Korean and broader Asian market.
Kapor Capital, based in Oakland, California, is renowned for its commitment to investing in early-stage tech startups that drive social impact and economic equity. Their portfolio includes notable startups like Bitly, Life360, and AngelList, reflecting their diverse investment range across sectors such as education, health, finance, and justice. Kapor Capital specifically targets tech-driven ventures that aim to close gaps in access for low-income communities and communities of color. Geographically, Kapor Capital focuses primarily on the United States, with a significant presence in the Bay Area. Their investment strategy emphasizes backing founders who leverage their lived experiences to address real community needs. The firm has a robust investment strategy, often leading funding rounds with average check sizes typically between $500,000 and $1 million. They are known for their active involvement in their portfolio companies, providing extensive support beyond capital, including strategic guidance and fostering a dynamic ecosystem for innovation. The fund prides itself on a rigorous commitment to diversity, with a significant portion of their investments going to companies with underrepresented and women founders. In 2023 alone, they deployed $10.7 million across 19 companies, demonstrating their active investment approach. Founders can approach Kapor Capital through their Platform team, which curates events and builds networks to support portfolio companies. Key team members include Mitch Kapor and Freada Kapor Klein, who bring decades of experience in tech and social impact investing. Their leadership has been pivotal in shaping the firm’s mission-driven approach. With a deep commitment to creating a fairer society, Kapor Capital continues to lead the way in impact investing.
Karcher New Venture is the corporate venture capital and venture clienting arm of Alfred Karcher SE & Co. KG, the global leader in cleaning technology with approximately €3 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 2018 and based in Winnenden, Germany, the firm manages approximately $50 million in assets. Karcher New Ventures invests at late seed and Series A stages with checks of $500K to $3 million across North America and Europe, with a clear strategic focus: backing innovative founders who are shaping the future of the cleaning industry. The firm's four investment themes are smart cleaning (intelligent solutions for private, commercial, and municipal applications), AI, robotics, and automation (advancing human-machine interplay in cleaning operations), new cleaning methods (alternative and preventive approaches to conventional processes), and new business models (platforms, online sales, and sharing or rental models). The portfolio of 30-plus investments includes InOrbit (cloud-based robot management), Skyline Robotics (automated high-rise building cleaning), Peanut Robotics (3D cleaning robots), TULU (an app-based rental platform for household products, most recent investment November 2025), Route (software for cleaning service providers), ZanCompute (AI building management analytics), mysoda (sustainable sparkling water makers), Homebell (digital tradesperson platform), and Contorion (online professional tools shop). Karcher New Ventures also operates a Venture Clienting program for pilot projects with startups, enabling portfolio companies to run commercial pilots within Karcher's own operations before scaling to the broader market. The firm won the first European Corporate Venture Capital Award in the Manufacturing, Chemicals, and Materials category at Wolves Summit 2024 — recognition of its model as a benchmark for corporate innovation arms in traditional industries.
Karista is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Paris, specializing in Health, Digital, Technology, and NewSpace sectors. Founded in 2001, the firm has backed over 100 companies, providing more than just financial support. Karista is known for its hands-on approach, helping startups with team structuring, business development, and strategic guidance. Notable investments include Exotrail, a company developing agile space mobility solutions, and Incepto, which raised €27M for its digital health platform. Karista typically invests between €500k and €2.5M in seed and Series A rounds, with follow-on investments up to €6M. They often take board seats to offer deep involvement in the companies they support. Karista's strategy emphasizes early investment in innovative projects with strong value propositions. They co-create with founders, ensuring alignment in vision and goals. The firm manages several funds, including the Paris Region Venture Fund and the SpaceTech fund, focusing on companies ready to impact their markets and improve user lives.
Karma Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Tallinn, Estonia, specializing in late seed and Series A investments in Europe's deep-tech software startups. Founded in 2016 by Margus Uudam and Tommi Uhari, the firm focuses on companies with strong technological innovation, initial commercial traction, and global ambitions. Notable investments by Karma Ventures include Wirepas, an industrial IoT company; Tuum (formerly Modularbank), a fintech platform; Lucinity, an AI-driven anti-money laundering platform; and BforeAI, a network management software company. These investments highlight the firm's commitment to backing startups with unique technologies and significant market potential. Karma Ventures typically invests up to EUR 5 million per company and continues to support them through follow-on investments in later rounds. The firm's portfolio also includes companies like Sonarworks, MeetFrank, and Xolo, further showcasing its focus on diverse technological innovations. The firm operates with a hands-on approach, providing strategic, commercial, and technical support to help startups navigate their growth paths. Karma Ventures leverages the expertise of its partners and advisors, including notable figures like Ahti Heinla, co-founder of Skype and Starship Technologies, and Sergei Anikin, former CTO of Pipedrive.
Karman Ventures, formerly known as Moving Capital, is a venture capital firm co-founded by early Uber employees. Based in the United States, Karman primarily focuses on investing in innovative, tech-driven startups across various sectors, including transportation, aerospace, fintech, and consumer services. The firm has built a robust portfolio featuring companies like Whisper Aero, SkyFi, and JOKR, which have shown significant promise in their respective industries. They also have a record of supporting unicorns such as Unit, an open banking solution, and Omio, a platform for booking transportation services globally. Karman Ventures’ investment strategy emphasizes supporting early to growth-stage companies, with an average round size of $31 million. The firm tends to follow rather than lead investment rounds, collaborating with other prominent investors. Despite this, Karman’s network and strategic guidance are pivotal for scaling its portfolio companies, enabling them to grow rapidly within their markets. Karman’s global reach is evident through its diverse portfolio, which includes investments across the US, Europe, and parts of Asia. Karman continues to back companies that demonstrate potential for market disruption and scalability, providing them not only with capital but also strategic expertise drawn from the experience of its founding team and partners. This approach positions Karman Ventures as a dynamic player in the venture capital landscape, blending its roots in tech with a forward-looking investment ethos.
Katalyst Ventures is a multi-stage venture capital firm that focuses on Applied AI across several sectors, including digital health, enterprise SaaS, and autonomous logistics. Founded by Susan Choe, the firm aims to invest in companies that leverage AI to transform analog processes into scalable, data-driven solutions. Their investment philosophy is centered on supporting businesses that can harness predictive algorithms to drive efficiency and innovation across large markets. The firm's portfolio includes notable companies such as Zipline, which uses drone technology for autonomous deliveries, and Arine, a digital health platform optimizing medication management through AI. Katalyst Ventures typically invests from early to growth stages, offering not just capital but strategic support to help startups scale their operations. Their hands-on approach ensures that startups receive guidance on technology, business development, and international expansion. Katalyst's approach to investing in AI-driven businesses reflects a belief in the transformative potential of data and algorithms, akin to previous technological waves like the internet and mobile. With a focus on practical applications that improve everyday operations, they seek to foster startups that can offer borderless, scalable business models.
KAUST Innovation Ventures, the venture capital arm of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), focuses on funding early-stage deep tech startups that address significant scientific and technological challenges. The fund invests in sectors such as energy, environment, food, water, advanced materials, robotics, ICT, and health, aligning closely with KAUST's main research areas. The fund supports startups from seed stages, with investments typically ranging from less than $200,000 to up to $2 million. KAUST Innovation Ventures not only provides financial backing but also strategic support, helping startups transition from research to commercialization through its comprehensive innovation ecosystem, which includes the KAUST Entrepreneurship Center and Technology Transfer Office. Notable startups backed by KAUST include Red Sea Farms, which uses saltwater-tolerant crops to address food security and water scarcity in arid regions, and Sadeem, a company developing multi-patented sensor solutions for flood, traffic, weather, and air quality monitoring. These investments highlight KAUST's commitment to fostering innovation that has a significant impact on both the local Saudi economy and global markets.
Kaya VC is an early-stage venture capital fund based in Prague, Czech Republic, with €270 million in total assets under management across five funds. The firm originated as Enern Investments in 2010 and evolved into Kaya VC as a dedicated successor vehicle. Kaya's fifth fund closed at €70 million in 2025, continuing the firm's mission to close the capital gap in Central and Eastern Europe's early-stage venture market. The team of four General Partners includes Karel Zheng (former founder), Tomas Obrtac, and Martin Rajcan (London-based, covering non-CEE founders). Kaya leads rounds in its portfolio, investing €1 million to €3 million initially at pre-seed and seed stages, with follow-on capacity up to €20 million per company across pan-European opportunities with a focus on CEE, DACH, and the Baltics. The portfolio of 61 investments has produced 2 unicorns: Rohlik Group (Czech online grocery delivery) and DocPlanner (Polish digital health appointment platform). Other notable portfolio companies include Better Stack (observability), E2B (AI infrastructure, $21 million Series A with Insight Partners), Jutro Medical (AI-first primary care, Warsaw, €12 million Series A in March 2025), Upheal ($10 million Series A mental health AI), TopK ($5.5 million seed), SensibleBio, Superlinked, and Yoneda Labs. The firm has achieved 9 exits, including Twisto (fintech) and Eversports (acquired October 2024). Kaya VC's approach combines a regional network — built over more than a decade of backing Central and Eastern European founders — with pan-European and global follow-on capital to support companies through later stages. The firm targets tech and tech-enabled businesses spanning e-commerce, future of work, digital health, SaaS, mobility, climate technology, agritech, and fintech, positioning itself as the first institutional partner for ambitious founders in markets that remain systematically undercapitalized relative to Western Europe.
Korea Biomedical Industry Development Institute (KBIC) is a pivotal entity in South Korea's life sciences and biomedical sectors. Established to stimulate innovation and economic growth, KBIC supports a wide range of activities in medical, pharmaceutical, and biological fields, focusing on advanced technologies like AI and regenerative medicine. KBIC operates through various initiatives and partnerships to foster a robust ecosystem for biomedical research and development. Key areas of focus include promoting bio-health exports, enhancing R&D capabilities, and nurturing talent within the bio-health industry. The South Korean government provides substantial funding and regulatory support to boost the global competitiveness of Korean bio-pharma companies. The institute emphasizes international collaboration, participating in global conventions and establishing partnerships with leading research institutions and biopharmaceutical companies worldwide. This approach enhances innovation and facilitates the entry of Korean companies into the global market.
Focus Fund, based in Belgium, operates as an early-stage venture capital fund managed by KBC Focus Fund and KBC Securities. The fund primarily invests in sectors like nanotechnology, microelectronics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Focus Fund targets companies that are based not only in Belgium but also across other European countries, including France, Germany, and the Netherlands. The fund is known for its strategic investments in high-tech startups, with initial investments typically ranging from €500,000 to €3 million. Some of the notable companies in their portfolio include E-peas and Micledi, both of which are involved in advanced semiconductor technologies. The fund emphasizes supporting companies that develop cutting-edge technologies with the potential for significant market impact. The leadership at Focus Fund, including key figures like Isabelle Cardinael and Rudi Severijns, brings extensive experience in both venture capital and technology investments, guiding the fund's strategic decisions and portfolio management.
Koch Disruptive Technologies is a venture capital firm within Koch Industries, focused on investing in transformative companies across various stages and industries. KDT partners with innovative companies that leverage advanced technologies to create significant economic and societal impacts. The firm’s investment strategy is sector-agnostic, including notable areas like biotechnology, health tech, agriculture, and AI. Some prominent companies in their portfolio include PathAI, which improves pathology diagnostics using AI, and Solugen, which creates environmentally-friendly chemicals through enzymatic reactions. Other investments include Terray Therapeutics, focusing on novel treatments for human diseases, and Andes, which develops bio-based agricultural solutions to enhance crop production. KDT provides more than just financial backing. They offer strategic guidance and leverage Koch Industries’ extensive network to help portfolio companies scale and succeed. The team at KDT includes professionals with diverse expertise, providing valuable support in navigating market challenges and accelerating growth.
Kearny Jackson is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, specializing in early-stage investments in SaaS, infrastructure, and fintech startups. Founded in 2018 by Sriram Krishnan and Sunil Chhaya, the firm is named after the intersection of Kearny Street and Jackson Street in San Francisco, where the founders often met to discuss their vision. Their focus is on backing founders from the earliest stages, helping them grow their companies with a hands-on, founder-first approach. Kearny Jackson has made 44 investments across a range of technology sectors. Some of their notable portfolio companies include Gong, Figma, Polygon, and Monnai, highlighting their commitment to supporting transformative technologies. The firm has also achieved successful exits with companies like HeadSpin and Opstrace. The team at Kearny Jackson is deeply experienced in the tech industry, with both founders bringing a wealth of knowledge from their careers in venture capital and technology. Their investment strategy is rooted in a strong belief in the potential of technology to drive significant innovation and change. Kearny Jackson continues to actively seek new investments, focusing on companies that align with their expertise in SaaS, infrastructure, and fintech.
Keen Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam and London, focusing on early-stage investments in European technology companies. Founded in 2014, the firm is known for its "radically human" approach, emphasizing strong partnerships with exceptional founders to support their growth journey. Keen typically invests in Series A and B rounds, with ticket sizes ranging from €5 million to €10 million. Their portfolio includes companies like Beekeeper, Crisp, Farewill, and Rescale. The firm targets various sectors, including infra-tech, vertical SaaS, climate tech, productive AI & data, marketplaces, and frontier tech. The team at Keen Venture Partners comprises experienced professionals who have built and scaled companies themselves, providing valuable insights and support to their portfolio companies. They prioritize working with founders who have a clear vision and the ability to build and lead strong teams.
Keiki Capital is a venture capital firm based in Laguna Beach, California, focusing on climate tech investments. Founded in 2017 by Daniel Lichtenberg, the firm seeks to support innovations that drive decarbonization, climate adaptation, and climate fintech. Keiki Capital is committed to investing in early-stage companies that align climate solutions with market incentives, striving to mobilize significant capital to meet global climate goals. The firm has made 29 investments across a variety of sectors, including alternative energy, environmental services, and financial technology. Their portfolio includes companies like Airloom Energy, Carbon Collective, and BasiGo, all of which are pioneering efforts to mitigate climate impact. Keiki Capital emphasizes the importance of sustainable business practices and seeks to partner with startups that are at the forefront of climate innovation. The firm’s approach to venture capital combines financial expertise with a deep commitment to environmental impact, making it a key player in the climate tech space.
Kenetic Capital is a Hong Kong-based venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments in blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies. Established in 2016, the firm is dedicated to backing projects that build blockchain infrastructure, data solutions, enterprise tools, trading platforms, and financial services. Kenetic’s goal is to support the next generation of technologies that will drive mass adoption of blockchain, targeting institutional and enterprise use cases. With a global portfolio, Kenetic has made over 130 investments across key regions, including the United States, United Kingdom, China, and Singapore. Notable investments include Alchemy, Blockdaemon, and Boba Network, which are key players in blockchain infrastructure and decentralized applications. Kenetic is highly active in the blockchain space, with investments in emerging Web3 projects like Immutable X, Worldcoin, and Flare, all of which have delivered significant returns. Kenetic also partners with leading blockchain funds and co-investors, such as NGC Ventures and Fenbushi Capital, strengthening its position as a major player in the blockchain ecosystem.
Kerala Ventures is a Paris-based private holding and venture firm founded in 2014 by Antoine Freysz, Marc Laurent, and Olivier Occelli, dedicated to the launch and scale of new ventures in France. The firm pioneered the 'Cofounding Investor' model — partnering with entrepreneurs from startup inception and providing intensive hands-on support, with a specific expertise in recruitment. Kerala has been involved in more than 200 hirings over eight years and considers its ability to attract A-player teams its primary competitive advantage. Initial investments range from €100K to €1.5 million, targeting startups at inception or pre-revenue stage. Freysz has deep roots in the French tech ecosystem: he previously helped build the Otium team, which included Stanislas Niox-Chateau (who founded Doctolib), Philippe de Chanville (ManoMano co-founder), and Bruno Raillard (Frst). Kerala's portfolio record speaks to the quality of its earliest bets. The firm co-founded and backed Doctolib from inception — now a healthtech unicorn valued at more than €5.8 billion and one of France's most successful technology companies. Other founding partnerships include Malt (freelancer marketplace), Ouihelp (home care), and TheFork (restaurant booking platform, owned by TripAdvisor). Active portfolio companies include NaturaBuy (marketplace), Skillup (HR technology), and Sonnar. The most recent investment was Carbonfact (sustainability software) in April 2024. Kerala Ventures operates with a conviction that the founding team is the primary determinant of venture outcomes, and that getting team composition right from inception — including recruiting the first key hires — creates a structural advantage that traditional capital alone cannot replicate. The firm acts as a genuine founding partner, committing to companies for the very long term rather than cycling through portfolio positions.
Keyhorse Capital is a seed-stage venture capital firm based in Lexington, Kentucky, that focuses on supporting early-stage startups within the state. As the investment arm of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC), Keyhorse aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across a range of industries by backing companies with scalable, tech-driven solutions. Since its inception, the firm has funded over 380 companies, leveraging more than $41 million to support high-growth ventures. Their investments span various sectors, including AI software, healthcare tech, and sustainable products, with recent notable companies like Nichefire, Cornbread CBD, and Repaytient. Keyhorse Capital operates primarily through the Kentucky Enterprise Fund, providing pre-seed and seed capital, typically ranging from $25K to $1M. Their investment strategy emphasizes businesses developing innovative technologies with the potential for statewide and even national scalability. The firm collaborates closely with KY Innovation and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development to improve access to capital for startups, including initiatives under the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) 2.0, aimed at increasing support for underserved entrepreneurs. Through its quarterly investment cycles, Keyhorse remains committed to building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kentucky. Founders seeking investment should have a clear product-market fit, customer validation, and a vision for growth that aligns with Keyhorse’s mission to drive economic development in the region.
Keystone Capital is an entrepreneurial holding company and private equity firm founded in 1994 by Kent Dauten and Scott Gwilliam. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Keystone has historically utilized the personal capital of its partners to acquire high-quality, market-leading businesses. In 2021, the firm closed its debut institutional fund, Keystone Capital Fund II, LP, with $420 million in capital commitments, marking a significant evolution in its strategy by including external investors. Keystone Capital focuses on long-term value creation by acquiring and growing businesses across various sectors, including engineering and technical services, tech-enabled services, commercial services and engineered products, and food and beverage manufacturing. The firm emphasizes operational and growth-oriented support for business owners and management teams, aiming for sustainable success. Keystone’s investment philosophy is built on three core values: expertise, conservative investing, and creativity. They conduct thorough preliminary tests to ensure profitability and optimal risk diversification in each transaction, maintain a controlled risk approach to provide investor confidence, and employ creative thinking to overcome barriers and execute complex deals. The firm's recent investments include partnerships with Inspire11 and ClearWater Solutions. Keystone has completed over 110 acquisitions throughout its history and continues to actively manage and grow its portfolio, recently completing ten add-on acquisitions and selling two platform investments in late 2020.
Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund, is a strategic investment arm of the Malaysian government. Established to drive the nation's economic growth, Khazanah manages a diverse portfolio spanning various sectors and regions. Notable investments include stakes in major Malaysian companies such as Tenaga Nasional Berhad and Malaysia Airlines. Internationally, Khazanah has invested in Alibaba Group, Flipkart, and Skyscanner, showcasing its global reach and diversified strategy. Khazanah's investment portfolio is diversified across asset classes, including public and private markets, real assets, and developmental assets, focusing on long-term sustainable returns. The portfolio is geographically distributed, with significant investments in Malaysia, China, and North America, reflecting its strategic global outlook. The fund actively supports innovation and development through initiatives like the Future Malaysia Program, which aims to bolster the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and foster growth in startups and venture funds.
Khosla Ventures, founded by Vinod Khosla in 2004, is a prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California. The firm is renowned for its investments in early-stage companies across various sectors including internet, computing, mobile, financial services, agriculture, healthcare, and clean technology. Notable investments by Khosla Ventures include high-profile companies like DoorDash, Square, Impossible Foods, Stripe, OpenAI, Instacart, and Nutanix. These companies have not only achieved significant market success but also driven innovation in their respective fields. Khosla Ventures is known for its willingness to take bold, contrarian bets on groundbreaking ideas. This approach has led to investments in companies that challenge established business models and drive significant industry changes. The firm operates two main funds: a seed fund focused on experimental science and innovation, and a main fund for more traditional ventures from early to later stages. The firm's founder, Vinod Khosla, emphasizes a hands-on approach in supporting entrepreneurs, offering not just capital but also strategic guidance and operational support. This philosophy has made Khosla Ventures a preferred partner for visionary founders looking to make a substantial impact.
Khwarizmi Ventures, founded in 2018, is a Riyadh-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups across the MENA region. With a strong commitment to supporting innovative founders, the firm manages a $70 million fund and has built a portfolio of over 50 companies across sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, digital health, and proptech. Some of the standout companies in their portfolio include Tamara, a fintech startup, and Eyewa, a leading e-commerce platform for eyewear. Khwarizmi Ventures also boasts notable exits like POSRocket and Fatura, which have further cemented its role as a key player in the region's startup ecosystem. The firm prides itself on an entrepreneur-centric approach, going beyond capital by offering strategic support and leveraging its vast network of regional and global partners to help startups scale. They focus on fast-tracking deals, often leading funding rounds and closing within three to four months, enabling founders to focus on their core business operations. With investments across eight countries, Khwarizmi Ventures plays an instrumental role in empowering startups to achieve regional and global success. Khwarizmi Ventures’ mission is to partner with exceptional entrepreneurs who are solving complex problems in the ever-evolving markets of the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan (MENAP), making it one of the most dynamic VC firms driving innovation in the region.
Kibo Ventures is a leading European technology investment platform founded in 2012 in Madrid, Spain, by Aquilino Pena. The firm has grown from an initial €43 million fund to more than €500 million raised across six funds, and is CNMV-registered under the entity Kibo Ventures Partners SGEIC, S.A. The team of 25 professionals includes 13 partners. Institutional LPs include IEF, Telefonica, CDTI (Spanish Government), Mutua Madrilena (Spain's largest insurer), and Axis. Kibo leads seed and Series A rounds with investments of €1 million to €10 million, typically concentrating around €5 million per company. The firm targets 20 to 25 companies per fund, reserving 40% of each fund for follow-on investments. Fund IV is focused on deep technology including AI, robotics, climate, health, and education. The portfolio of 79 companies has produced 4 unicorns: Jobandtalent (workforce management), Devo (cloud-native SIEM), TIER (micro-mobility), and Sorare (fantasy sports and NFTs). The firm has achieved 24 exits, including 2 IPOs — one on NASDAQ — and 16 acquisitions. Most notably, Onum was acquired by CrowdStrike for $290 million in August 2025, and HarbourVest ($80 billion-plus global firm) acquired Kibo's entire Fund I portfolio in a secondary transaction. Fund I also produced exits connected to PayPal, Airbnb, New Relic, and Groupon. Other current portfolio companies include Worldsensing (IoT), Gamelearn (gamified learning), Theker ($21 million seed, autonomous industrial robots), AnyFormat (€3.3 million seed, generative AI), and Jotelulu (€6.8 million Series A+, cloud infrastructure). Kibo Ventures has operated for more than a decade as Spain's most active institutional early-stage investor, building a track record that spans deep tech, enterprise software, mobility, and consumer internet. The firm works closely with portfolio companies through board participation and operational support, maintaining meaningful ownership positions from entry through exit.
Kickstart Fund, established in 2008 and headquartered in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, focuses on early-stage investments in the Mountain West region, including Utah and Colorado. The firm has a diverse portfolio with notable investments in companies like Spiff, Artemis Health, and Grow. They primarily invest in sectors such as SaaS, consumer, marketplace, and healthcare, with an emphasis on technology-driven startups. The fund's investment strategy includes leading and participating in pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds, typically writing initial checks between $250,000 and $1 million. They prioritize companies with strong growth potential and innovative solutions in large markets. Kickstart is known for providing not just capital but also a connected community and expert guidance to help startups scale. Key team members include founder Gavin Christensen, General Partners Dalton Wright and Kat Kennedy, and CFO Alex Soffe, all based in Utah. The team brings a wealth of experience and a hands-on approach to supporting their portfolio companies through operational strategy, networking, and mentorship. Kickstart has demonstrated a strong track record with successful exits, including Cotopaxi and Degreed, highlighting their capability to identify and nurture high-potential startups. Entrepreneurs looking to partner with Kickstart should focus on showcasing their innovative solutions and market potential, aligning with the fund's commitment to driving growth in the Mountain West region.
Kima Ventures, established in 2010 by Xavier Niel, is one of the world's most active early-stage investment funds, based in Paris, France. The firm is renowned for its prolific investment pace, funding 2-3 startups per week globally, totaling over 800 investments to date. Kima Ventures provides $150,000 in seed funding to early-stage startups across various sectors, including software, fintech, healthcare, and consumer products. Their portfolio includes notable companies like Wise, Front, and Oyster, and they have achieved 17 unicorns and 111 exits. Kima Ventures supports founders with funding, a robust network, and strategic guidance to accelerate their growth. Key team members include Xavier Niel and Jean De la Rochebrochard, who bring extensive experience and expertise in the tech and startup ecosystems. Kima Ventures' approach is characterized by its rapid decision-making process and a strong commitment to backing innovative and disruptive startups globally. For entrepreneurs, Kima Ventures is an attractive partner due to their extensive experience, active investment approach, and strong support network, which significantly boosts the chances of success for early-stage companies.
Kindred Capital is a London-based venture capital firm that uniquely operates under an "equitable venture" model, where every founder they back becomes a co-owner of the fund. Founded in 2015, Kindred Capital focuses on mission-driven pre-seed and seed-stage investments across Europe and Israel. Their first fund has seen significant success, with 54% of portfolio companies raising Series A funding within three years, a stark contrast to the typical 19% industry average. Notable investments from Kindred Capital include companies like Five, which develops autonomous vehicle software, Paddle, a software sales platform, and Pollen, a marketplace for experiences and travel. They have also recently invested in startups such as BotsAndUs, which focuses on robotics, and Gravity Sketch, a 3D design platform. Kindred's equitable venture model is designed to foster a strong sense of community among founders, encouraging them to support each other. This approach has been well-received, with significant oversubscription in their funds and plans to continue this model with future investments. Their commitment to transparency, speed, and building robust networks around founders is central to their investment strategy.
Kindred Ventures, a seed-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco, is renowned for its early investments in disruptive startups. Notable investments include Coinbase, Postmates, and Bitski, showcasing their keen eye for high-growth potential. They primarily focus on sectors such as consumer products, healthcare, blockchain, AI, and fintech, emphasizing innovation and transformative technology. Geographically, Kindred Ventures has a strong focus on the United States, particularly the San Francisco Bay Area, but also maintains a global outlook. Their investment strategy is to lead or co-lead rounds, with an average check size of around $3M. They are known for their active involvement in the startups they back, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and operational support. The team, led by founders Steve Jang and Kanyi Maqubela, brings a wealth of experience from both entrepreneurial and investment backgrounds. They are approachable to mission-driven founders who align with their vision of building impactful and scalable businesses. Startups looking to connect with Kindred Ventures are advised to have a clear, compelling narrative and demonstrate strong potential for market disruption and growth. Overall, Kindred Ventures stands out for its hands-on approach and commitment to fostering innovation across various high-tech industries, leveraging their expertise to support early-stage companies in navigating the complexities of growth and scaling.
King's Health Partners Ventures, now rebranded as Meridian Health Ventures, is the United Kingdom's first NHS-backed venture capital fund, founded in 2021 in London. Born from the King's Health Partners academic health science centre — a collaboration between King's College London, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (combined turnover £3.7 billion, 4.8 million patients per year, 40,000 staff) — the fund invests in early-stage digital health, medtech, and enterprise healthcare. The firm leads rounds in its portfolio, with checks typically in the $500K to $3 million range. The success of the initial NHS venture experiment led to significant expansion. In 2025, Meridian Health Ventures launched a €44.7 million transatlantic fund — the world's first transatlantic healthtech fund — backed by UK NHS trusts (Guy's and St Thomas', King's College Hospital, and UCL Hospitals) alongside US healthcare giant Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. In October 2024, the firm also launched Europe's first dedicated mental health technology fund, Innovations in Mental Health (IMH Fund), with the Wellcome Trust as anchor investor and South London and Maudsley NHS as partner. The team of 5 manages 13 portfolio companies whose solutions are now deployed across more than 100 NHS Trusts. Portfolio companies include Doccla (virtual ward platform), deepc (AI radiology), Patchwork (NHS workforce management), Tympa Health (ear care), Apian (drone delivery for NHS), PocDoc (point-of-care testing), MediShout, and JAAQ (most recent investment, Series A, March 2026). Two exits have been recorded, including Phare Health in October 2025. Meridian's institutional relationships across NHS trusts, academic medical centers, and US hospital systems give portfolio companies a structural advantage: direct access to clinical validation environments, real patient populations, and procurement relationships that are typically inaccessible to early-stage healthtech startups.
Kinnevik is a leading investment company founded in 1936, known for its focus on digital consumer businesses. The firm primarily invests in healthcare, software, marketplaces, and climate tech, partnering with innovative entrepreneurs to drive change and improve the way we work, live, and play. Kinnevik’s portfolio includes over 30 companies, such as Cityblock, Mews, Pleo, and Recursion. Kinnevik operates with a long-term investment horizon, providing substantial support to its portfolio companies from early-stage to growth-phase. The firm emphasizes sustainability and believes in investing in business models that generate significant returns while promoting environmental and social responsibility. The executive team is led by CEO Georgi Ganev, with Samuel Sjöström recently appointed as Chief Strategy Officer. The team includes professionals with deep expertise across various sectors, dedicated to fostering the growth of pioneering companies. Kinnevik's investment approach combines financial backing with active involvement in the strategic direction of its portfolio companies, leveraging nearly a century of investment expertise to build successful, sustainable businesses.
Kintetsu Venture Partners is a corporate venture capital firm wholly owned by Kintetsu Group Holdings Co., Ltd., one of Japan's largest private railway conglomerates. Founded in August 2018 and headquartered in Osaka, the firm promotes co-creation between startups and the Kintetsu Group to solve social issues and drive regional revitalization. The fund has capital of 100 million yen with a total investment limit of 2 billion yen, approximately $13.4 million. President Ashitaka Hirotoshi leads the organization. The firm invests at seed through Series B stages, with an average check of approximately $900K, and has made approximately 15 investments. Focus areas align with the Kintetsu Group's core sectors: transportation, travel and leisure, retail and food service, hotels, real estate, and information services. Strategic investment themes include operational efficiency, marketing and ICT, environment and energy, agriculture, health and medical care, and fintech. Notable portfolio companies include Timee (work-sharing platform), Wovn Technologies (website localization SaaS), obniz (IoT gateways, most recent investment May 2025), AirX (helicopter services), KINCHAKU (mobile wallet SaaS), KabuK Style (HafH subscription stays), ATOUN (wearable robots), Gryllus (edible crickets), Amica Terra (biodegradable plastics), and bravesoft (app development). Two exits have been recorded, including alt Inc. (AI and NLP SaaS), which was acquired in October 2024. Kintetsu Venture Partners is also a founding partner of the Plug and Play Osaka Smart Cities accelerator program, extending its reach into a broader startup ecosystem beyond direct investment. Portfolio companies benefit from commercial access to Kintetsu's rail network, retail properties, hotels, and travel business — a distribution advantage with direct relevance for companies building mobility, real estate, or consumer-facing technology solutions in Japan.
Kistefos AS is a private investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded by Christen Sveaas in 1998. The firm manages a diverse portfolio across various industries, including shipping, offshore services, financial services, technology, and real estate. Kistefos aims to drive value creation by actively engaging with its portfolio companies, often taking board positions to guide strategic development. While its investments primarily focus on European markets, the firm has also backed ventures with global reach, reflecting its interest in sectors like telecommunications and IT. Kistefos's investment approach ranges from venture capital in emerging tech companies to significant stakes in more mature businesses. Recent investments include companies like Hemispherian, a biotech firm, showing their expanding interest in life sciences. Additionally, Kistefos has a history of supporting companies like Siem Offshore and Komplett Bank, highlighting its role in the maritime and financial sectors. Led by CEO Bengt Rem, Kistefos combines traditional investment with a strategic focus on long-term growth and innovation. The company is also known for its philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Kistefos Museum, which blends cultural heritage with contemporary art. This dual approach of business and cultural support underscores Kistefos's commitment to sustainable and impactful investment strategies.
K5 Global is a venture capital firm and incubation studio founded in 2018 by Michael Kives and Bryan Baum. Based in San Francisco, the firm supports founders throughout the entire business lifecycle, from seed stages to IPOs. K5 Global has deployed over $1.1 billion in capital and has made 174 direct investments, resulting in 11 exits. Their portfolio includes high-profile companies such as SpaceX, Uber, Coinbase, Lyft, and The Boring Company. K5 Global focuses on a wide array of industries, including enterprise SaaS, vertical SaaS, fintech, and consumer products. Some notable investments and launched companies include 818 Tequila, Parrot, and The Expert. The firm leverages its extensive network to help innovative companies expand and achieve their growth targets. The management team, led by Michael Kives and Bryan Baum, brings a wealth of experience from various sectors, ensuring robust support for their portfolio companies. K5 Global continues to make significant investments in cutting-edge technologies and groundbreaking startups.
Kjøller is a Danish-founded investment company led by Magnus Kjøller, with its headquarters in Dubai. The firm focuses on two primary areas: venture investments and real estate. Kjøller is deeply involved in both startups and more mature companies, helping them scale and reach their full potential. The company prides itself on providing more than just capital, offering strategic advice, legal support, and networking opportunities to its portfolio companies. Since its inception, Kjøller has invested in over 75 startups worldwide, with 39 active venture investments currently in its portfolio. These investments span various industries, including fintech, e-commerce, media, and greentech, and are primarily focused in Europe and Asia. Some of its notable investments include Digura, Vikings Tech Group, and Kompasbank. Kjøller operates on a lean structure, allowing quick decision-making without the need for external approvals. The company’s approach is rooted in providing direct investments without fees, ensuring a straightforward process for both investors and entrepreneurs. Investors can join the Kjøller Investor List to participate in the firm's deal flow. Overall, Kjøller continues to be a prominent player in the venture capital space, known for its hands-on approach and a broad network that helps startups scale rapidly.
KK Fund is a venture capital firm based in Singapore, primarily investing in early-stage tech startups across Southeast Asia, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The fund focuses on sectors such as Blockchain, Internet of Things, EntertainmentTech, FinTech, EdTech, HRTech, Mobility, HealthcareTech, and PropTech. Notable investments in their portfolio include Med247, a health tech startup in Vietnam, and FishLog, a food and agriculture tech company in Indonesia. Additionally, they have invested in PolicyStreet, an auto tech company in Malaysia, and Giztix, a transportation and logistics tech startup in Thailand. KK Fund typically leads seed-stage rounds, providing both financial and strategic support to their portfolio companies. Their approach includes leveraging a network of co-investors and offering guidance to help startups scale effectively. The team, led by co-founder and General Partner Koichi Saito, has a diverse background in management consulting, supply chain management, and venture capital. For startups looking to engage with KK Fund, it’s beneficial to demonstrate a strong market potential and innovative technological solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Southeast Asian market.