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Visible Hands

North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston

Description

Visible Hands is a Boston-based venture capital firm and accelerator uniquely dedicated to empowering underrepresented founders, particularly those from Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities, in the United States. Founded with a mission to address systemic inequities in venture funding, the firm provides crucial early-stage capital, comprehensive programmatic support, and extensive network access to entrepreneurs at the very beginning of their journey. They specifically target solo founders or small teams with innovative ideas, aiming to transform these concepts into viable, scalable businesses.

The core of Visible Hands' offering is its intensive 14-week accelerator program, designed to equip founders with the tools and knowledge necessary to build and scale their ventures. As part of this program, Visible Hands makes a significant initial investment of $200,000 into each participating company. This capital is often the first institutional funding these founders receive, enabling them to focus on product development and market validation without immediate fundraising pressures. Beyond the financial commitment, the program includes personalized mentorship, workshops, and access to a robust network of industry experts, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs.

Since its inception, Visible Hands has made a tangible impact on the startup ecosystem by fostering a diverse cohort of founders. As of early 2024, the firm has supported over 60 founders across six distinct cohorts, demonstrating a consistent commitment to its mission. Their portfolio companies have collectively gone on to raise over $100 million in follow-on funding from various venture capital firms and angel investors, validating the potential of the businesses nurtured within the Visible Hands ecosystem. This success underscores the firm's efficacy in identifying promising talent and providing the foundational support required for long-term growth and fundraising success. Visible Hands stands out not just for its capital, but for its holistic approach to empowering a new generation of diverse entrepreneurs.

Investor Profile

Visible Hands has backed more than 20 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 3 rounds, about 15% of its total and boasts 0 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Pre Seed, Seed, Undisclosed rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Kenya.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Health Care.
  • Typical check size: $200K.

Stage Focus

  • Pre Seed (85%)
  • Seed (10%)
  • Undisclosed (5%)

Country Focus

  • United States (95%)
  • Kenya (5%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • Health Care
  • Wellness
  • Finance
  • Financial Services
  • Fintech
  • Media And Entertainment
  • Customer Service
  • Business Intelligence
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Visible Hands frequently co-invest with?

Drive Capital
North America, Ohio, United States, Columbus
Co-Investments: 2
Innovate UK
Europe, Wiltshire, United Kingdom, Swindon
Co-Investments: 2
Hustle Fund
North America, California, United States, San Carlos
Co-Investments: 2
Serena Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2
Unshackled Ventures
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 2
LongJump
North America, Illinois, United States, Chicago
Co-Investments: 2
AI
North America, Washington, United States, Seattle
Co-Investments: 2
Upfront Ventures
North America, California, United States, Santa Monica
Co-Investments: 2
Ulu Ventures
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 2
Contrary
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2

Which angels does Visible Hands often collaborate with?

TW
North America, Georgia, United States, Atlanta
Shared Deals: 2
AC
North America, Texas, United States, Austin
Shared Deals: 1
NC
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
BD
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
OJ
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Shared Deals: 2
JK
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Shared Deals: 1
HS
North America, Texas, United States, Houston
Shared Deals: 2
ZL
North America, California, United States, Huntington Beach
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Visible Hands?

Wear Opal

New York, New York, United States

Wear Opal is a personal safety smart ring that provides an extra layer of security.

Consumer ElectronicsInternet of ThingsJewelryWearables
Pre SeedOct 17, 2023
Atelier

Carbondale, Colorado, United States

The Home Design Ecosystem for LATAM

Home DecorInterior DesignMarketplaceSoftwareSustainability
Pre SeedSep 1, 2023
Amount Raised: $80,000
Tuma

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

TumaTM is a smart, micro merchant solution that enables businesses to take card payments from customers using their own smartphones.

Business DevelopmentCustomer ServicePayments
Pre SeedJun 22, 2023
Amount Raised: $500,000
Rivet

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Rivet is a fan management service platform provider, providing creators with fan management AI assistant.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Content CreatorsDigital EntertainmentMedia and EntertainmentMusic
Pre SeedFeb 27, 2023
Amount Raised: $500,000
Rivet

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Rivet is a fan management service platform provider, providing creators with fan management AI assistant.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Content CreatorsDigital EntertainmentMedia and EntertainmentMusic
Pre SeedFeb 21, 2023
Amount Raised: $500,000
Aura Finance

San Francisco, California, United States

A financial wellness platform blending psychology with money management, empowering employees to achieve their financial goals.

Asset ManagementEmployee BenefitsFinanceFinancial ServicesFinTechTrading PlatformWealth ManagementWellness
Pre SeedJan 3, 2023
Amount Raised: $865,000
WriteSea

New York, New York, United States

WriteSea is a whitelabeled freelance management system for freelancers and those who manage them.

InternetSoftwareSoftware Engineering
Pre SeedDec 29, 2022
Amount Raised: $2,030,108
Upaway

San Francisco, California, United States

UPaway is a travel company that offers stress-free travel.

AppsCustomer ServiceTravel
Pre SeedNov 22, 2022
Amount Raised: $535,000
Tribaja

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Tribaja is solving for the worlds talent shortages with their AI powered career coach and pipeline management software.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Career PlanningCommunitiesRecruitingSkill Assessment
Pre SeedSep 21, 2022
Amount Raised: $75,000
Outline It

Princeton, New Jersey, United States

Outline is an interactive writing platform and pedagogical tool helping students write better-structured essays faster.

EdTechEducationInformation TechnologySoftware
Pre SeedAug 31, 2022
Amount Raised: $865,500