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Departure Capital is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, founded in 2022. The firm specializes in frontier and deep technologies, focusing on sectors such as AI, robotics, climate tech, healthcare, and biotech. Led by Cassandra Carothers, who has extensive experience in technical sales and early-stage investing, Departure Capital aims to support companies that leverage scientific and engineering breakthroughs to address pressing global challenges.
Since its inception, Departure Capital has positioned itself as a key player in the venture capital landscape, emphasizing investments in innovative companies that tackle critical infrastructure and health challenges. The firm operates with a global perspective, primarily targeting North America while also considering opportunities worldwide. Departure Capital's commitment to scientific rigor and innovative approaches sets it apart in the competitive venture capital market.
As of now, the firm has not disclosed specific metrics such as fund size or portfolio count, but it continues to build a diverse portfolio of companies that align with its mission. Departure Capital's focus on category-defining technologies reflects its ambition to drive significant advancements in various sectors.
Departure Capital focuses on early-stage investments across a range of frontier technologies, including aerospace, robotics, AI, climate tech, and life sciences. The firm seeks to partner with technical teams that are developing innovative solutions to critical infrastructure and health challenges. This investment strategy emphasizes scientific rigor and a commitment to addressing existential risks and opportunities.
The firm is particularly interested in companies that are pioneering advancements in critical and industrial infrastructure, aiming to drive radical shifts in problem-solving approaches. Departure Capital's investment thesis revolves around supporting category-defining companies that contribute to planetary rejuvenation and human health. The firm typically invests at the pre-seed, seed, seed+, Series A, and Series A+ stages, allowing it to engage with startups at various points in their development.
Check sizes and specific deal structures have not been disclosed, but Departure Capital's focus on technical teams suggests a preference for founders with strong scientific and engineering backgrounds. The firm values innovative approaches that can lead to impactful change in critical sectors.
Departure Capital's portfolio includes a diverse array of companies that exemplify its focus on frontier technologies. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies represent a commitment to addressing significant global issues through scientific and engineering advancements. Departure Capital's investments reflect its dedication to supporting innovative teams that are poised to make a substantial impact in their respective fields.
Cassandra Carothers - Managing Partner and Founder of Departure Capital. Cassandra has a strong background in technical sales, business development, and early-stage investing. Before founding Departure Capital, she was a Principal at Upheaval Investments, where she focused on deep tech investments. Her expertise spans technology commercialization and international market development, making her well-equipped to guide portfolio companies in navigating the complexities of the frontier tech landscape.
In April 2026, Departure Capital supported Fauna Bio, an AI and comparative genomics drug-discovery company, after the firm achieved a significant milestone related to a Lilly obesity-program target designation. This support highlights Departure Capital's commitment to backing innovative companies that are making strides in critical health challenges.
As of now, there are no other recent announcements or activities reported for Departure Capital, but the firm continues to build its portfolio in the frontier technology space.
What are Departure Capital's investment criteria?
Departure Capital focuses on early-stage investments in frontier technologies, particularly in sectors such as AI, robotics, climate tech, and life sciences. The firm seeks to partner with technical teams that are developing innovative solutions to critical infrastructure and health challenges.
How can I pitch to Departure Capital?
While specific pitch processes have not been disclosed, founders are encouraged to present their innovative ideas and technical expertise. Emphasizing scientific rigor and the potential for impactful change is crucial.
What makes Departure Capital different from other VCs?
Departure Capital distinguishes itself by focusing exclusively on frontier technologies and partnering with technical teams. The firm emphasizes scientific breakthroughs and innovative approaches to address existential risks and opportunities.
What is the geographic scope of Departure Capital's investments?
The firm has a global investment focus, with a primary emphasis on North America. Departure Capital is open to exploring opportunities worldwide, particularly in regions that are advancing in frontier technologies.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Departure Capital has not disclosed specific check sizes, but the firm invests at various early stages, including pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds.
What kind of support does Departure Capital provide to portfolio companies?
Departure Capital adds value through strategic guidance, leveraging its deep network in the frontier tech ecosystem, and supporting the development of innovative solutions that can create impactful change in critical sectors.
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