Kevin Rose
Description
Kevin Rose is a highly influential figure in the technology and venture capital landscape, known for his pioneering work as an entrepreneur and his prolific angel investment activities. As the co-founder of seminal internet companies like Digg, Milk, and Revision3, Rose established himself as a visionary builder before transitioning significantly into the investment world. His deep understanding of consumer behavior and emerging technologies has positioned him as a sought-after early-stage investor, particularly in disruptive tech.
Rose's investment thesis primarily centers on backing early-stage startups with strong product-market fit and ambitious founders. His portfolio spans a wide array of sectors, including social media, fintech, consumer applications, and more recently, a significant focus on Web3, NFTs, and cryptocurrency projects through his work with PROOF. He is known for his hands-on approach, leveraging his extensive network and operational experience to support the companies he invests in. His investment philosophy often prioritizes innovative solutions that can achieve broad consumer adoption, reflecting his background in building mass-market internet products.
His investment track record is remarkably strong, featuring early bets on companies that have grown into industry giants. Notable investments include Twitter, Facebook, Square (now Block), Chime, and Coinbase, among many others. Rose also served as a General Partner at Google Ventures (now GV) for three years, from 2012 to 2015, further solidifying his venture capital expertise and expanding his network within the institutional investment sphere. Beyond his time at GV, his personal angel portfolio is extensive, with public records indicating investments in over 100 companies, showcasing his consistent activity and belief in fostering innovation from the ground up.
Currently, Rose is deeply immersed in the Web3 space as the Co-Founder and CEO of PROOF, a collective and studio focused on NFTs and digital art, which includes the highly successful Moonbirds project. This current venture further underscores his commitment to the decentralized web and his continued role in shaping the future of technology, both as an operator and an investor. His ongoing engagement at the forefront of technological shifts makes him a valuable partner for nascent startups looking to navigate complex and rapidly evolving markets.
Investor Profile
Kevin Rose has backed more than 25 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 0 rounds, about 0% of its total and boasts 14 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Series B rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, Singapore, Portugal.
- Strong thematic focus on Mobile, Apps, Blockchain.
- Typical check size: $100K – $750K.
Stage Focus
- Seed (52%)
- Series A (24%)
- Series B (16%)
- Series C (4%)
- Series Unknown (4%)
Country Focus
- United States (84%)
- Singapore (4%)
- Portugal (4%)
- Canada (4%)
Industry Focus
- Mobile
- Apps
- Blockchain
- Fintech
- Software
- Location Based Services
- E-commerce
- Internet
- Messaging
- Photo Sharing
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.