PSL Ventures

PSL Ventures is the venture capital arm of Pioneer Square Labs (PSL), a prominent Seattle-based startup studio. Operating out of the Pacific Northwest, PSL Ventures leverages its unique affiliation with the studio to identify, validate, and invest in promising early-stage technology companies. While it often invests in companies spun out of PSL's own incubation efforts, the fund also actively seeks external opportunities, focusing on seed to Series A rounds. This dual approach allows them to benefit from PSL's operational expertise in company building while also sourcing deals from the broader tech ecosystem.

The fund's investment thesis centers on technology-driven businesses with strong potential for disruption and growth. Key areas of interest include B2B SaaS, artificial intelligence and machine learning, developer tools, and the future of work. PSL Ventures is known for its hands-on approach, offering more than just capital by providing strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a vast network of industry experts and potential customers. This value-add is a direct extension of Pioneer Square Labs' core mission to build and scale successful startups.

PSL Ventures has demonstrated significant fundraising success, having closed its first fund, PSL Ventures I, with $80 million in 2020, and its second fund, PSL Ventures II, also at $80 million in 2022. These substantial capital pools enable the firm to make meaningful initial investments and support portfolio companies through subsequent funding rounds. Their typical first cheque size for new investments generally ranges from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000, positioning them as a key player in early-stage funding for high-growth tech ventures.

By combining the strategic insights of a venture fund with the operational depth of a startup studio, PSL Ventures offers a distinctive proposition to founders. Their commitment to the Seattle tech scene and broader Pacific Northwest, coupled with their robust capital base and hands-on support, makes them a compelling partner for innovative technology companies seeking to scale from inception to market leadership.