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Base Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2010 and based in Berkeley, California, adjacent to Silicon Valley. The firm began its investment activities in 2013, focusing on early-stage startups, particularly in technology-driven sectors. Base Ventures has established a reputation for its relationship-first investing approach, which aims to connect talented founders with the resources and opportunities necessary for innovation and growth.
Currently, Base Ventures manages a portfolio of over 100 companies and has raised three funds since its inception. The firm has achieved notable milestones, including investments in three unicorns and six companies valued at over $500 million. Base Ventures co-invests alongside prominent firms such as NEA, Bain Capital, GV, a16z, and Sequoia, enhancing its credibility and reach within the venture capital landscape.
Base Ventures primarily invests at the Seed and Pre-Seed stages, targeting technology-driven industries. The firm is a generalist investor with a strong emphasis on the Modern Consumer sector, which focuses on enhancing the relationship between consumers and brands, particularly in retail. Additionally, Base Ventures invests in the Enterprise sector, which seeks to modernize industrial, logistics, and manufacturing processes through innovative technologies.
The firm looks for founders who demonstrate a strong vision and the ability to execute their ideas effectively. Base Ventures prefers to build long-term relationships with its portfolio companies, providing extensive support and resources to help them grow. This relationship-first philosophy is central to their investment strategy, allowing them to foster innovation and drive success in their investments.
Base Ventures has a diverse portfolio that includes over 100 companies, with notable investments in:
These companies reflect Base Ventures' commitment to investing in technology that enhances consumer experiences and modernizes business processes.
Erik Moore: Founder & Managing Director. Erik has a background as a former investment banker at Merrill Lynch, where he spent 15 years. He is also an early angel investor in Zappos and PlanGrid, bringing significant experience in venture capital and startup growth.
Kirby Harris: Founder & Managing Partner. Kirby has a background in private equity, having worked as a Vice President at a boutique firm. He is a Kauffman Fellow, which highlights his commitment to entrepreneurship and venture capital.
Ryan Diew: Principal, Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR). Ryan has experience as a founder in the travel tech sector, focusing on sourcing and operational support for portfolio companies.
To pitch Base Ventures, founders should use the application form available at this link. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and team background. Founders can expect a response within a few weeks, and it is advisable to seek a warm introduction if possible to enhance the chances of engagement.
Base Ventures has maintained an active presence in the venture capital landscape, focusing on early-stage investments. Recent updates highlight their commitment to relationship-building with founders and their investment strategies across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include Zappos and Gecko Robotics, which have achieved significant exits.
In 2018, PlanGrid was acquired by Autodesk for $875 million, marking a significant exit for Base Ventures. The firm continues to support its portfolio companies, with several achieving unicorn status and valuations exceeding $500 million.
What are Base Ventures' investment criteria?
Base Ventures primarily invests in early-stage startups at the Seed and Pre-Seed stages, focusing on technology-driven industries, particularly in the Modern Consumer and Enterprise sectors.
How can I apply or pitch to Base Ventures?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the application form available at this link. It is recommended to provide a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Base Ventures different from other VC firms?
Base Ventures emphasizes a relationship-first approach, prioritizing strong connections with founders and providing extensive support to help them grow their businesses.
What is the geographic scope of Base Ventures' investments?
The firm primarily invests in the United States, with a focus on the Bay Area and Silicon Valley.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Base Ventures typically invests at the Seed and Pre-Seed stages, which generally involves smaller initial investments compared to later-stage funding.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Base Ventures provides extensive support to its portfolio companies, leveraging its team's experience and network to foster growth and innovation.
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