Tom Preston-Werner

Tom Preston-Werner, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of GitHub, has transitioned his entrepreneurial acumen into a significant role as an investor through Preston-Werner Ventures. Co-founded with his wife, Theresa Preston-Werner, this San Francisco-based family office primarily focuses on early-stage technology companies. His deep-rooted experience in building and scaling developer-centric platforms at GitHub provides a unique lens through which he identifies and supports promising startups.

Preston-Werner Ventures actively seeks out innovative companies, with a particular emphasis on sectors such as developer tools, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and climate technology. The firm is recognized for its founder-friendly approach, offering not just financial capital but also strategic guidance and mentorship. They aim to partner with visionary founders who are developing foundational technologies and disruptive solutions poised to make a substantial impact on their respective industries.

The firm typically participates in seed and Series A funding rounds. While investment amounts can vary based on the stage and specific needs of the company, Preston-Werner Ventures is known to write initial checks ranging from $500,000 to $5,000,000, with the potential for larger follow-on investments in successful portfolio companies. Their extensive portfolio reportedly includes investments in over 100 companies, showcasing a broad and active engagement within the global startup ecosystem. Notable early investments include participation in companies like OpenAI, Replit, and Warp, underscoring their commitment to cutting-edge and impactful ventures.