Naval Ravikant

Naval Ravikant is a highly influential figure in the venture capital and startup ecosystem, primarily recognized as a prolific angel investor and the co-founder of AngelList. Based in San Francisco, Ravikant has cultivated a reputation for identifying and backing groundbreaking technology companies at their earliest stages. His investment philosophy is deeply rooted in supporting visionary founders and disruptive ideas, often before they gain widespread traction. He is known for his insightful perspectives on wealth creation, happiness, and the future of technology, which he frequently shares through various platforms.

Ravikant's investment portfolio is extensive and impressive, spanning over 200 companies across diverse sectors including SaaS, fintech, biotech, and consumer technology. Notable early-stage investments include industry giants like Uber, Twitter, Postmates, Notion, Opendoor, and Clubhouse, many of which have achieved multi-billion dollar valuations or successful exits. For instance, he famously made a reported $25,000 investment in Uber's seed round, which yielded substantial returns. His approach emphasizes long-term potential and the ability of founders to execute on ambitious visions, often acting as a mentor and advisor in addition to providing capital.

As an angel investor, Naval Ravikant typically focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage rounds, often being one of the first institutional or prominent individual checks into a company. His typical first cheque sizes can range from approximately $50,000 for very early, high-conviction bets to as much as $750,000 for more developed seed rounds where he might take a significant or leading position. His involvement often signals credibility and attracts follow-on funding from other top-tier investors, making him a highly sought-after angel. Through AngelList, he also pioneered the syndicate model, democratizing angel investing and enabling larger collective investments in promising startups.