Authentic Ventures

Authentic Ventures is an Oakland, California-based seed and early-stage venture capital firm established in 2017. The firm is dedicated to investing in companies that are shaping the future of work, education, and health. A distinctive aspect of Authentic Ventures' investment strategy is its explicit commitment to backing diverse teams, particularly women and minority founders, aligning with its mission to support solutions for the next generation of workers, learners, and patients. This focus underscores their belief in the power of inclusive innovation to drive significant societal and economic impact.

The firm primarily targets seed and early-stage opportunities, providing crucial capital to nascent companies. Authentic Ventures has successfully raised two funds to date: Authentic Ventures Fund I, which closed at $10 million in 2017, and Authentic Ventures Fund II, which secured $15.5 million in 2023. These fund sizes suggest a typical initial check size ranging from approximately $250,000 to $1.5 million, allowing them to support a meaningful number of portfolio companies while reserving capital for follow-on investments. As of early 2024, Crunchbase indicates the firm has made over 30 investments, demonstrating an active presence in the early-stage ecosystem.

Authentic Ventures goes beyond capital provision, aiming to be a supportive partner to its portfolio companies. Their investment philosophy emphasizes long-term partnerships and providing strategic guidance to help founders navigate the challenges of scaling early-stage ventures. By focusing on sectors like the future of work, education, and health, the firm seeks to invest in disruptive technologies and business models that address critical societal needs. Their commitment to diversity is not just a social mission but also a core tenet of their investment thesis, recognizing that diverse perspectives often lead to more innovative and resilient companies.