The Yard Ventures

The Yard Ventures is a Boston-based venture capital firm with a highly specialized investment thesis, focusing exclusively on companies founded by Harvard University alumni, faculty, and students. Established with a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystem within one of the world's leading academic institutions, the firm leverages its extensive network to identify and support promising startups emerging from the Harvard community. This unique focus allows The Yard Ventures to cultivate a targeted portfolio, providing capital and strategic guidance to ventures across various sectors.

The firm primarily invests in companies at the Seed and Series A stages, aiming to be an early partner in their growth journey. Its investment strategy is rooted in the belief that Harvard-affiliated founders possess a distinct combination of intellectual rigor, innovation, and global ambition. By concentrating on this specific demographic, The Yard Ventures has positioned itself as a significant player in the university-affiliated venture landscape, often serving as the first institutional capital for these nascent companies.

The Yard Ventures has demonstrated consistent growth in its fundraising efforts, reflecting its expanding influence and commitment to its niche. The firm successfully closed its third fund, Fund III, at $50 million in 2023, following its $10 million Fund I and $25 million Fund II. This progression in fund size enables The Yard Ventures to deploy more substantial capital into its portfolio companies. Typical initial investments from The Yard Ventures generally range from $250,000 to $1,500,000, aligning with the capital needs of early-stage startups and reflecting its role as a lead or co-investor in many rounds.

With a portfolio that includes over 100 companies, The Yard Ventures has established itself as a prolific investor within its specialized domain. Its broad professional, investing, and entrepreneurial experience, combined with its focused approach, makes it a key partner for Harvard-affiliated founders seeking early-stage funding and strategic support. The firm's commitment to nurturing innovation within the Harvard ecosystem underscores its unique value proposition in the venture capital landscape.