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2nd & Fillmore is a venture capital firm founded by experienced entrepreneurs and operators in San Francisco, United States. Established to support early-stage founders, the firm provides both capital and insights to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. The firm operates with an operator-first thesis, emphasizing the importance of leveraging their own startup experiences to assist portfolio companies in overcoming challenges.
Currently, 2nd & Fillmore manages a portfolio of 8 companies, focusing primarily on early-stage investments. Their approach includes providing strategic guidance alongside financial resources, ensuring that founders have the necessary support to navigate the complexities of building a startup. The firm has achieved notable milestones, including the acquisition of their portfolio company Pana by Coupa, showcasing their ability to identify and nurture successful ventures.
2nd & Fillmore specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in the consumer products sector, while also exploring opportunities in hospitality, technology, travel, and adjacent verticals. The firm invests at the pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, providing financial resources and strategic guidance to help founders succeed. Their investment strategy is centered around backing exceptional founders who demonstrate strong conviction and execution ability.
The firm does not adhere to a rigid sector mandate, allowing them to remain flexible in their investment choices. They prioritize companies that align with their operator-first philosophy, where they act as founder-allies, sharing their own startup experiences to help unblock challenges. This approach fosters a collaborative environment that enhances the potential for success among their portfolio companies.
2nd & Fillmore's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects 2nd & Fillmore's commitment to investing in innovative companies that address various consumer needs and challenges.
Sam Holloway: Founder & Partner. Sam has extensive experience as a founder and operator, having led multiple startups in various sectors. His expertise lies in consumer products and strategic growth.
Joey Alfano: Founder & Partner. Joey brings a wealth of knowledge from his background in technology and hospitality, having successfully launched and scaled businesses in these industries.
Matt Talbot: Founder & Partner. Matt has a strong track record in operational roles within startups, focusing on marketing and business development strategies that drive growth.
To pitch to 2nd & Fillmore, founders should use the email address hi@2ndandfillmore.com, with 'Reaching out' in the subject line. It is important to include a concise overview of the business, the problem it addresses, and the proposed solution. Founders should also outline their market opportunity and any traction they have achieved thus far.
While there is no specific application form mentioned, a well-structured pitch deck that covers these key points will be beneficial. Response times may vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks.
As of March 2026, 2nd & Fillmore continues to actively manage its portfolio of 8 companies, with a notable exit being the acquisition of Pana by Coupa. This acquisition highlights the firm's ability to identify and nurture successful ventures within their investment strategy.
The firm remains focused on supporting early-stage founders across various sectors, leveraging their operator-first approach to provide both capital and strategic guidance. No recent public blog activity has been detected, indicating a concentrated focus on their portfolio companies and investment activities.
What are 2nd & Fillmore's investment criteria?
2nd & Fillmore focuses on early-stage companies, particularly in the consumer products sector, but also invests in hospitality, technology, travel, and adjacent verticals. They seek to partner with exceptional founders who demonstrate strong conviction and execution ability.
How can I pitch to 2nd & Fillmore?
Founders can pitch by emailing hi@2ndandfillmore.com. It is recommended to include 'Reaching out' in the subject line and provide a concise overview of the business and its value proposition.
What makes 2nd & Fillmore different from other VC firms?
2nd & Fillmore operates with an operator-first thesis, meaning their partners are experienced founders themselves. They provide not only capital but also strategic guidance based on their own startup experiences, acting as allies to the founders they support.
What is the geographic focus of 2nd & Fillmore?
The firm primarily invests in companies based in the United States, particularly those located in San Francisco and surrounding areas.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, 2nd & Fillmore invests at the pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, which typically involve smaller initial investments compared to later-stage funding.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
2nd & Fillmore provides ongoing support to their portfolio companies, leveraging their own experiences to help founders navigate challenges and achieve growth. This includes strategic guidance and access to their network.
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