Hyphen Capital

Hyphen Capital is a prominent venture syndicate dedicated to investing in and empowering Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) founders. Based in San Francisco, this syndicate was co-founded by notable figures such as Dave Lu, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, and Christine Tsai, co-founder and CEO of 500 Global. Their core mission addresses the significant funding gap faced by AAPI entrepreneurs, aiming to provide not just capital but also crucial mentorship and access to a robust community network. They recognize the immense talent and innovation within the AAPI community, often overlooked by traditional venture capital, and seek to unlock this potential.

Operating primarily as an early-stage investor, Hyphen Capital focuses on pre-seed and seed rounds, providing critical initial funding to promising startups. Their investment thesis is rooted in supporting diverse founders who are building impactful companies across various sectors, including SaaS, fintech, healthcare, and consumer. As a syndicate, they pool capital from accredited investors, allowing them to participate in larger funding rounds than individual angel investors might. This structure enables them to write meaningful checks and provide substantial support to their portfolio companies.

Hyphen Capital typically deploys first checks ranging from $50,000 to $500,000, demonstrating their commitment to early-stage ventures. Since its inception, the syndicate has built a diverse portfolio, having made over 60 investments in AAPI-led companies. Notable portfolio companies include Boba Guys and Lumos, showcasing their breadth across different industries. Beyond capital, Hyphen Capital actively supports its founders through strategic guidance, operational expertise, and by connecting them with a powerful network of mentors, advisors, and fellow entrepreneurs, fostering a collaborative environment for growth.