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Oyster Ventures

North America, California, United States, San Francisco

Description

Oyster VC is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm dedicated to investing in pioneering "new-frontier" technology companies. Established in 2021, the firm strategically targets innovative startups operating in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Web3, Climate Technology, Biotechnology, and Space. Oyster VC positions itself as a founder-first fund, emphasizing deep engagement and support for the entrepreneurs it backs. The firm's leadership includes Managing Partner Max Shapiro and General Partner Ben Lamm, who bring diverse experience to the investment process.

The firm's investment strategy is flexible, spanning various early stages from pre-seed to Series A rounds. Oyster VC's initial check sizes typically range from $250,000 to $1,000,000, demonstrating their commitment to providing crucial early-stage capital. Beyond the initial investment, Oyster VC also reserves substantial capital for follow-on rounds, indicating a long-term partnership approach with their portfolio companies. This commitment to continued support aims to help founders scale their ventures effectively.

Oyster VC prides itself on being more than just a capital provider; they aim to be a strategic partner for their portfolio companies. Their platform offers resources and expertise designed to accelerate growth and navigate the complexities of building groundbreaking technology. As of early 2024, Crunchbase data indicates that Oyster VC has made at least 14 investments across its target sectors, showcasing their active participation in the early-stage tech ecosystem. Their focus on emerging and often complex technological domains underscores their belief in the transformative potential of these new frontiers.

Investor Profile

Oyster Ventures has backed more than 59 startups, with 1 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 3 rounds, about 5% of its total and boasts 11 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Singapore, Hong Kong.
  • Strong thematic focus on FinTech, Financial Services, Software.
  • Typical check size: $250K – $1M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (63%)
  • Series A (10%)
  • Series Unknown (8%)
  • Initial Coin Offering (7%)
  • Pre Seed (5%)
  • Corporate Round (2%)
  • Convertible Note (2%)
  • Series B (2%)
  • Angel (2%)

Country Focus

  • United States (75%)
  • Singapore (5%)
  • Hong Kong (3%)
  • United Kingdom (3%)
  • Mexico (2%)
  • United Arab Emirates (2%)
  • Nigeria (2%)
  • France (2%)
  • Canada (2%)
  • Spain (2%)

Industry Focus

  • Fintech
  • Financial Services
  • Software
  • Internet
  • Blockchain
  • Information Technology
  • Cryptocurrency
  • E-commerce
  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • Trading Platform
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Oyster Ventures frequently co-invest with?

ZhenFund
Asia, Beijing, China, Beijing
Co-Investments: 3
Soma Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 5
Liquid 2 Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
NGC Ventures
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 3
Foundation Capital
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 4
Y Combinator
North America, California, United States, Mountain View
Co-Investments: 18
SV Angel
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 4
Winklevoss Capital
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 3
DCVC
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
Amino Capital
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 3

Which angels does Oyster Ventures often collaborate with?

WG
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
EL
North America, Florida, United States, Miami Beach
Shared Deals: 1
LB
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
Shared Deals: 1
PT
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
EK
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
Kenneth Ballenegger
Asia, Hong Kong
Shared Deals: 3
GB
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
NR
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 3
IA
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Oyster Ventures?

Sogni AI

Singapore, Central Region, Singapore

Sogni AI functions as a platform for decentralized creative AI.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Software
Pre SeedMar 11, 2025
Amount Raised: $2,135,000
Ridepanda

San Francisco, California, United States

Ridepanda is an online e-ride shop that offers electric vehicles with maintenance support and theft protection.

Retail
SeedNov 9, 2023
Amount Raised: $7,500,000
Conductive.ai

Central, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong

Conductive.ai creates software for game developers to reward player engagement.

Information TechnologySoftware
SeedAug 2, 2023
Rithmm

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States

Rithmm is personalized predictive analytics for sports betting.

AnalyticsInformation TechnologyPredictive AnalyticsSports
SeedJun 5, 2023
Amount Raised: $2,000,000
Advance Tech Lending

Taguig, Rizal, Philippines

Advance Tech Lending is an online salary loans provider.

ConsultingEmployee BenefitsFinancial ServicesFinTech
Series AMar 29, 2023
Amount Raised: $16,000,000
Rent Small Small

Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Rent Small Small is a Nigeria prop-tech company providing 'On-demand Home Rental Solutions” with monthly stay and payment

Facility ManagementInternetLifestyleReal EstateReal Estate InvestmentRental PropertyResidential
SeedOct 31, 2022
Amount Raised: $2,000,000
Revere VC

San Francisco, California, United States

Building the "Morningstar for Venture Capital"

Big DataBusiness IntelligenceFinancial ServicesFinTechMarket ResearchVenture Capital
SeedMay 31, 2022
Amount Raised: $4,170,000
AAG Ventures

Singapore, Central Region, Singapore

AAG Ventures is the IT business behind AAG, one of the fastest-growing Play-To-Earn guilds in the industry.

GamingOnline GamesVideo Games
SeedDec 1, 2021
Amount Raised: $12,500,000
Ridepanda

San Francisco, California, United States

Ridepanda is an online e-ride shop that offers electric vehicles with maintenance support and theft protection.

Retail
SeedJun 30, 2021
Amount Raised: $3,750,000
Firstbase.io

New York, New York, United States

Launch, manage, and grow your startup. All in one place.

Business DevelopmentFinTechLegalLegal TechSoftware
SeedMay 23, 2021
Amount Raised: $3,000,000