
UP Partners
Description
UP Partners is a prominent venture capital firm based in Santa Monica, California, dedicated to investing in companies that are fundamentally transforming the global "Moving World." Their investment thesis is broad yet focused, encompassing innovations across mobility, logistics, and supply chain sectors, spanning air, space, ground, and sea. The firm seeks out disruptive technologies and business models that address critical challenges and opportunities within this vast ecosystem.
The firm has demonstrated significant fundraising success, having closed its inaugural fund, UP.Partners Fund I, L.P., at $170 million in 2020. Building on this momentum, they successfully raised their second and larger fund, UP.Partners Fund II, L.P., which closed at $300 million in February 2023. This brings their total assets under management to approximately $470 million, underscoring their substantial capacity to deploy capital into promising early-stage ventures.
UP Partners typically invests across Seed, Series A, and Series B rounds, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and access to their extensive network within the mobility industry. Their portfolio features high-profile companies such as Zipline, a leader in drone delivery, and Skydio, known for its autonomous drone technology. The firm's approach emphasizes deep industry expertise and a long-term perspective, aiming to support founders who are building the foundational technologies and infrastructure for the future of movement.
Investor Profile
UP Partners has backed more than 33 startups, with 9 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 23 rounds, about 70% of its total and boasts 0 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Series B rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, Singapore, United Kingdom.
- Strong thematic focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Transportation.
- Led 9 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $2M – $20M.
Stage Focus
- Seed (36%)
- Series A (36%)
- Series B (12%)
- Pre Seed (6%)
- Series E (3%)
- Series D (3%)
- Series C (3%)
Country Focus
- United States (79%)
- Singapore (6%)
- United Kingdom (6%)
- Mexico (3%)
- United Arab Emirates (3%)
Industry Focus
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Robotics
- Transportation
- Machine Learning
- Software
- Logistics
- Drones
- Information Technology
- Drone Management
- Manufacturing
Frequently Asked Questions
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