The General Partnership

The General Partnership (TGP) is a highly selective venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, renowned for its early-stage investments in transformative technology companies. Founded in 2011 by a team of experienced operators and investors, including Michael Dearing and John Lilly, TGP distinguishes itself by partnering with startups during their critical formation and early growth stages. The firm's approach is often described as hands-on, providing deep operational guidance and strategic support to founders from the very nascent phases of their ventures.

TGP's investment philosophy centers on identifying exceptional founders and disruptive ideas, often before they gain widespread market recognition. They are known for their patient capital and long-term commitment, focusing on building foundational relationships with entrepreneurs. Unlike larger institutional funds, TGP operates with a more boutique model, allowing for highly concentrated portfolios and intensive engagement with each portfolio company. This selective strategy enables them to commit significant resources and expertise to a limited number of promising startups, fostering robust growth and resilience.

The firm boasts an impressive track record, having backed several companies that have gone on to achieve multi-billion dollar valuations and reshape their respective industries. Their portfolio includes highly successful entities such as Figma, Notion, and Plaid. For instance, Plaid, a fintech company in TGP's portfolio, reached a valuation of $13.4 billion in its Series D funding round, underscoring TGP's ability to spot and nurture future market leaders. This success is a testament to their rigorous due diligence and their capacity to provide invaluable support during the formative years of a startup.

While specific check sizes can vary based on the stage and needs of the startup, The General Partnership typically deploys initial capital ranging from $500,000 to $5,000,000. This range positions them to participate meaningfully in seed rounds and early Series A investments, often taking a significant, yet supportive, stake. Their reputation for backing "category-defining" companies makes them a highly sought-after partner for ambitious entrepreneurs seeking not just capital, but also deep strategic partnership and operational insights from seasoned industry veterans.