Daniel Gross

Daniel Gross is a prominent figure in the Silicon Valley startup ecosystem, known for his multifaceted career as a founder, former head of AI at Y Combinator, and prolific angel investor. His journey began as the co-founder of Cue, an AI-powered personal assistant acquired by Apple in 2013 for reportedly between $40 million and $60 million. Following the acquisition, Gross joined Y Combinator, where he eventually led their AI efforts, playing a pivotal role in shaping the accelerator's focus on emerging technologies. This experience provided him with deep insights into early-stage company building and a vast network within the tech community, which he leveraged upon transitioning to full-time investing.

As an angel investor, Daniel Gross has established a reputation for backing ambitious founders at the earliest stages, often pre-seed or seed. His investment thesis heavily leans towards frontier technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, developer tools, and companies building foundational infrastructure for the future. He is known for his hands-on approach, offering strategic guidance and leveraging his extensive network to support his portfolio companies. Gross also co-founded Pioneer, an online grant program designed to discover and fund exceptional individuals globally, providing them with initial capital and mentorship to launch their startups.

Gross's investment portfolio is impressive, spanning hundreds of companies that have gone on to achieve significant valuations and impact. Notable early investments include Stripe, Notion, Figma, Scale AI, and Perplexity AI, among many others. In 2021, he reportedly raised a $50 million fund dedicated to investing in early-stage AI startups, further solidifying his commitment to the sector. His typical first checks range from $100,000 to $500,000, reflecting his focus on providing crucial initial capital to promising ventures.

His influence extends beyond capital provision; Gross is frequently sought after for his insights on AI and startup trends. He embodies the modern angel investor archetype—a founder-turned-funder who not only provides financial backing but also acts as a strategic partner and mentor. His continued activity underscores his belief in the transformative power of technology and his dedication to fostering the next generation of innovative companies.