Darling Ventures

Darling Ventures is a San Francisco-based pre-seed and seed-stage venture capital firm known for being early backers of entrepreneurs pushing the boundaries of technology innovation. The firm primarily focuses on emerging sectors such as deep tech, artificial intelligence, the future of work, and climate technology. Their investment philosophy centers on identifying and supporting visionary founders at the earliest stages, often serving as the first institutional capital for promising startups.

The firm's investment strategy is characterized by a high-conviction approach to nascent companies with significant disruptive potential. Darling Ventures typically deploys initial checks ranging from $250,000 to $750,000, aiming to provide crucial early funding that enables startups to achieve key milestones and attract subsequent larger rounds. They are actively involved post-investment, offering strategic guidance, operational support, and network access to help portfolio companies navigate the challenges of early-stage growth.

Since its inception, Darling Ventures has built a diverse portfolio, having made over 50 investments across various frontier technology domains. The firm's commitment to supporting groundbreaking innovation is further evidenced by its fundraising efforts, with its most recent fund, Darling Ventures III, reportedly closing at approximately $20 million. This capital empowers them to continue their mission of backing ambitious founders who are shaping the future of technology and addressing critical global challenges. Their hands-on approach and early-stage focus position them as a key partner for entrepreneurs building the next generation of transformative companies.