Tess Ventures

Tess Ventures is a boutique venture capital firm strategically located in Silicon Valley, specifically Menlo Park, California. The firm has carved out a distinct niche by actively investing in companies that are at the forefront of building a decentralized and smart future. Their investment thesis is deeply rooted in emerging technologies, with a primary focus on the blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), Web3, Metaverse, decentralized finance (DeFi), and GameFi sectors. This specialized approach allows Tess Ventures to identify and support innovative startups poised to disrupt traditional industries and create new digital economies.

As an early-stage investor, Tess Ventures primarily targets Seed and Series A funding rounds. While specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed by the firm, their participation in various early-stage rounds suggests a typical investment range. For Seed investments, a common first check from a boutique firm like Tess Ventures could range from $250,000 to $1,000,000. For Series A rounds, their contributions are estimated to be between $1,000,000 and $3,000,000. This range reflects their commitment to providing meaningful capital to nascent companies while also participating in larger, more established early-growth rounds.

Tess Ventures has demonstrated a robust investment pace, having made approximately 27 investments across its portfolio, according to available data. Among these, they have taken a lead investor role in at least one significant round, highlighting their conviction in certain ventures. Their portfolio showcases a diverse array of companies within the Web3 and AI ecosystems, from infrastructure providers to application-layer innovations. The firm's 'boutique' nature implies a hands-on approach, likely offering strategic guidance, network access, and operational support to their founders, beyond just capital. This tailored engagement is crucial for the complex and rapidly evolving sectors they operate within, helping their portfolio companies navigate the challenges of building in decentralized environments.

The firm's strategic location in Silicon Valley provides it with access to a vibrant ecosystem of talent, technology, and co-investors, further strengthening its position as a key player in the decentralized technology landscape. Tess Ventures' consistent focus on high-growth, transformative technologies underscores its vision to be a significant enabler of the next generation of internet and AI-powered solutions, contributing to a more open, transparent, and intelligent digital world.