Founders, Inc.

Founders Inc., established in 2021 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, operates as a distinctive venture capital firm by combining the strengths of a venture studio with a traditional investment fund. This hybrid model allows them to partner closely with exceptional founders, providing not only crucial capital but also deep operational expertise and access to a robust network of resources. Their core mission is to help entrepreneurs build and scale impactful companies from the ground up, emphasizing a hands-on approach to company creation and growth.

The firm primarily targets pre-seed, seed, and early-stage companies, aiming to be a foundational partner in a startup's journey. Unlike traditional VCs, Founders Inc. often engages in more intensive company building, working alongside founders to navigate the initial challenges of product development, market fit, and team formation. This collaborative methodology is designed to accelerate growth and increase the likelihood of success for their portfolio companies. Their strategic involvement extends beyond mere funding, encompassing mentorship, strategic guidance, and operational support across various business functions.

Since its inception, Founders Inc. has rapidly built a diverse portfolio, having made over 15 investments across various sectors. The firm manages a reported fund size of $10 million, which it deploys strategically to support its early-stage ventures. Notable companies within their portfolio include Flowcarbon, which went on to raise a significant Series A round of $70 million, Metaplex, securing $46 million in seed funding, and Superplastic, which raised $20 million in its Series A. These examples underscore Founders Inc.'s ability to identify and nurture high-potential startups that attract substantial follow-on investment, validating their unique studio-fund approach to venture capital.