Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Draper Cygnus is a venture capital firm founded in 2012 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, originally as Cygnus Capital. The firm was established by Diego González Bravo and Ignacio Plaza to support deep-tech Latino founders globally. In 2021, the firm rebranded to Draper Cygnus after Tim Draper joined as a partner and investor. The current fund, Draper Cygnus LatAm Fund, has a target size of $50 million and focuses on early-stage investments.
As of now, Draper Cygnus has invested in 43 companies across various sectors, with a notable emphasis on deep-tech innovations. The firm has achieved significant milestones, including four unicorn exits: Auth0, NuvemShop, Satellogic, and Mural. Draper Cygnus operates with a team of six, including four partners, and maintains a global investment strategy, particularly in Latin America.
Draper Cygnus invests in deep-tech startups across several sectors, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, space technology, cybersecurity, and frontier technologies. The firm typically invests between $100,000 and $1 million in early-stage companies, focusing on pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages. Draper Cygnus emphasizes non-obvious, asymmetric bets that have the potential to reshape society and create significant impact.
The firm seeks to identify startups led by Latino founders who possess unique insights and capabilities. Draper Cygnus aims to support companies that are not only groundbreaking but also address substantial societal challenges. Their investment strategy is characterized by a preference for innovative technologies that can lead to transformative outcomes.
Draper Cygnus has built a diverse portfolio of 43 companies, showcasing its commitment to deep-tech innovation. Notable portfolio companies include:
Additionally, Draper Cygnus has achieved notable exits, including unicorns such as Auth0, NuvemShop, Satellogic, and Mural, demonstrating its successful investment strategy in the deep-tech sector.
Diego González Bravo - Partner & Cofounder. Diego has a background in venture capital and has led notable investments in deep-tech startups. He is known for his commitment to supporting Latino entrepreneurs.
Ignacio Plaza - Partner & Cofounder. Ignacio co-founded the firm and has extensive experience in the venture capital landscape, focusing on innovative technologies.
Tim Draper - Partner and Investor. Tim is a well-known venture capitalist who brings a wealth of experience and a global network to Draper Cygnus, co-investing alongside his other venture vehicles.
Daniel Salvucci - Partner. Daniel has a strong background in venture capital and is actively involved in sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities.
To pitch Draper Cygnus, founders should use the contact form available on the firm's website. It is advisable to include a clear and concise deck that outlines the startup's vision, technology, and potential impact. Founders should expect a response within a reasonable timeframe, although specific timelines may vary.
As of May 2025, Draper Cygnus has made two new investments in the last 12 months, continuing to expand its portfolio of deep-tech startups. The firm has a total of 43 companies in its portfolio, with a focus on pre-seed to Series A stages.
Notable recent activity includes the IPO of Satellogic in April 2025, marking a significant milestone for the firm. Draper Cygnus has also invested in several new companies from its current fund, including Novo Space, Stamm, Lemon, Codiga, Oasys, MicroTerra, and Voyager.
What are Draper Cygnus's investment criteria?
Draper Cygnus focuses on deep-tech startups led by Latino founders, investing in sectors such as AI, biotech, space technology, and cybersecurity. The firm typically invests between $100,000 and $1 million in early-stage companies.
How can founders apply or pitch to Draper Cygnus?
Founders can submit their pitches through the contact form on Draper Cygnus's website. The firm encourages submissions from innovative deep-tech startups.
What makes Draper Cygnus different from other venture capital firms?
Draper Cygnus emphasizes investments in non-obvious, asymmetric bets that leverage the unique capabilities of Latino entrepreneurs. The firm avoids typical LatAm commercial plays, focusing instead on transformative technologies.
What is the geographic scope of Draper Cygnus's investments?
The firm has a global investment focus, with a particular emphasis on Latin America, including countries like Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, and Peru.
What is Draper Cygnus's post-investment involvement like?
Draper Cygnus provides strategic guidance, access to a global network, and support in navigating the complexities of scaling deep-tech innovations. The firm is actively involved in helping portfolio companies grow and succeed.
What is the size of Draper Cygnus's current fund?
The current fund, Draper Cygnus LatAm Fund, has a target size of $50 million, focusing on early-stage investments.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.