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Science

North America, California, United States, Santa Monica

Description

Science Inc., based in Santa Monica, California, operates as a unique hybrid entity, functioning both as a venture studio and an early-stage venture capital fund. Established in 2011, the firm is dedicated to identifying, building, and investing in disruptive technology-based companies, primarily focusing on the consumer internet, mobile, e-commerce, and SaaS sectors. Their distinctive model allows them to either incubate new ventures from conception or provide crucial early-stage capital to promising startups, offering a hands-on approach to company development.

As an investor, Science Inc. typically targets seed and Series A rounds, providing initial capital that often ranges from $500,000 to $2,000,000 for their first checks. Beyond capital, Science leverages its extensive operational expertise and network to support portfolio companies through various stages of growth, from product development and marketing to team building and strategic partnerships. This active involvement is a hallmark of their investment philosophy, aiming to significantly de-risk and accelerate the growth of their portfolio companies.

Science boasts an impressive track record of success with several high-profile exits and rapidly scaling companies. One of their most notable achievements includes the incubation and subsequent sale of Dollar Shave Club to Unilever for a reported $1 billion in 2016, a landmark event that underscored Science's ability to cultivate market-leading brands. More recently, their investment in Liquid Death, a canned water company, has seen it achieve a valuation exceeding $700 million, further demonstrating their acumen in identifying and scaling consumer-centric businesses.

With a history of raising significant capital, including a $75 million fund in 2021, Science Inc. continues to be a prominent player in the early-stage venture landscape. Their dual model of company building and strategic investment positions them as a valuable partner for founders seeking not just capital, but also deep operational support and industry guidance. Their consistent focus on disruptive consumer technologies has solidified their reputation as a shrewd and impactful investor in the United States.

Investor Profile

Science has backed more than 64 startups, with 2 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 18 rounds, about 28% 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, Lithuania, Denmark.
  • Strong thematic focus on Internet, Wellness, Food and Beverage.
  • Led 2 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $500K – $2M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (52%)
  • Series A (14%)
  • Series Unknown (14%)
  • Series B (8%)
  • Pre Seed (5%)
  • Series C (3%)
  • Initial Coin Offering (2%)
  • Non Equity Assistance (2%)
  • Series D (2%)

Country Focus

  • United States (95%)
  • Lithuania (2%)
  • Denmark (2%)

Industry Focus

  • Internet
  • Wellness
  • Food And Beverage
  • Retail
  • E-commerce
  • Software
  • Advertising
  • Health Care
  • Product Design
  • Fashion
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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 Science frequently co-invest with?

First Round Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
LAUNCH
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
ACME Capital
North America, Florida, United States, Boca Raton
Co-Investments: 3
New Enterprise Associates
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 4
Crosscut Ventures
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Co-Investments: 3
Felicis
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 3
SV Angel
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
Freestyle Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
Greylock
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 6
Slow Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3

Which angels does Science often collaborate with?

JR
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
Daniel Curran
North America, California, United States, Santa Monica
Shared Deals: 2
RM
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 3
NT
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 3
BL
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Shared Deals: 2
MR
North America, California, United States, Santa Monica
Shared Deals: 3
CL
North America, Tennessee, United States, Nashville
Shared Deals: 3
JV
North America, California, United States, Los Gatos
Shared Deals: 2
SP
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 4
PP
North America, California, United States, Manhattan Beach
Shared Deals: 3

What are some of recent deals done by Science?

Final Boss Sour

Santa Monica, California, United States

Final Boss Sour is a gaming-themed snack brand offering a healthier alternative to traditional sour treats.

Food and BeverageGamingHealth CareLifestyle
SeedOct 29, 2024
Amount Raised: $3,000,000
Mindset

New York, New York, United States

Mindset is mental illness information, tools, and community for family caregivers.

Health Care
Series AAug 20, 2024
Amount Raised: $13,000,000
Liquid Death

Santa Monica, California, United States

Liquid Death is a non-alcoholic beverage brand that is focused on health and sustainability.

Food and BeverageProduct DesignWellness
Series UnknownMar 11, 2024
Amount Raised: $67,000,000
Liquid Death

Santa Monica, California, United States

Liquid Death is a non-alcoholic beverage brand that is focused on health and sustainability.

Food and BeverageProduct DesignWellness
Series DOct 3, 2022
Amount Raised: $70,000,000
Liquid Death

Santa Monica, California, United States

Liquid Death is a non-alcoholic beverage brand that is focused on health and sustainability.

Food and BeverageProduct DesignWellness
Series CJan 4, 2022
Amount Raised: $75,000,000

A cereal and culture brand breaking the rules, starting with breakfast.

SeedAug 5, 2021
Amount Raised: $2,300,000
Dogdrop

Los Angeles, California, United States

Dogdrop is tech-enabled, small footprint, quality dog daycare.

FranchisePetRetailService Industry
SeedSep 8, 2020
Arrive Outdoors

Los Angeles, California, United States

Arrive Outdoors is an outdoor travel firm that connects with outdoor gear providers to rent out their gear on their website.

FashionOutdoorsRetail
SeedJul 23, 2020
Amount Raised: $4,750,000
Arrive Recommerce

Santa Monica, California, United States

Arrive is a technology company that powers circular commerce for the world’s most innovative brands, retailers and operators.

E-CommerceRentalRetail
SeedJul 23, 2020
Amount Raised: $4,750,000
Heavy Sound Labs

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Heavy Sound Labs is a global music-tech company looking for today’s next emerging stars.

Independent MusicMusicMusic Label
SeedJul 1, 2020