Max Levchin

Max Levchin is a highly influential figure in the technology and financial sectors, renowned as a co-founder of PayPal and the founder and CEO of Affirm. Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Levchin is a prolific and strategic angel investor based in San Francisco, deeply embedded in the Silicon Valley ecosystem. His investment philosophy is often characterized by a focus on disruptive technologies and strong founding teams, leveraging his extensive operational experience to identify and nurture promising startups. He brings not only capital but also invaluable mentorship and strategic guidance to his portfolio companies.

As an angel investor, Levchin primarily targets early-stage companies, often participating in seed and Series A rounds. His investment interests broadly span fintech, artificial intelligence, consumer internet, and health technology, reflecting his background and expertise. He is particularly drawn to companies that are tackling complex problems with innovative solutions, much like his own ventures. His involvement often signifies a strong vote of confidence in a startup's potential, attracting further investment and talent.

Levchin's investment portfolio is extensive and highly successful, boasting over 150 investments in various companies. Notable investments include early stakes in now-public companies like Yelp and Pinterest, as well as Palantir and Evernote. His track record also includes over 30 successful exits, underscoring his keen eye for identifying high-growth opportunities. Given his stature and the competitive landscape of early-stage funding, Max Levchin's typical first check size for a promising startup generally ranges from $100,000 to $1,000,000, reflecting his capacity to make substantial and impactful contributions to nascent ventures.