Social Starts

Social Starts is a San Francisco-based venture capital partnership established in 2012, initially known for its investments in consumer, social, and mobile technology. Over time, the firm has strategically pivoted its focus to emerging science, now primarily backing companies that leverage deep technological and scientific breakthroughs to create new markets or disrupt existing ones. This includes sectors such as biotechnology, quantum computing, advanced materials, and artificial intelligence. The firm positions itself as an early-stage investor, typically participating in seed and pre-seed rounds for promising startups.

The firm's investment thesis centers on identifying foundational scientific advancements with significant commercial potential. They seek out companies that are developing proprietary technologies and have strong intellectual property. Social Starts provides not just capital but also strategic guidance, leveraging its extensive network and experience in company building. Their portfolio reflects this shift, featuring companies like Opentrons, a leader in lab automation, and Atom Computing, which is building quantum computers. This strategic evolution allows them to engage with high-impact, long-term ventures that require substantial R&D and patient capital.

With a robust track record, Social Starts has made over 220 investments since its inception, demonstrating a consistent commitment to early-stage innovation. The firm has also seen more than 40 exits, indicating a successful approach to identifying and nurturing high-growth potential companies. For initial investments, Social Starts typically writes checks ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000, providing crucial early capital to help founders de-risk their technologies and achieve key milestones before larger institutional rounds. Their willingness to invest in capital-intensive, science-driven ventures at the earliest stages underscores their belief in the transformative power of deep technology.