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.
ex/ante is a venture capital firm based in Brooklyn, New York, founded in 2023. The firm focuses on advancing human agency through investments in privacy, security, and information tools. It aims to pioneer a new category known as 'agentic tech,' which encompasses technologies that empower individuals to have greater control over their data and digital identities. The firm is backed by notable investors, including Marc Andreessen and Fred Wilson, and seeks to counter digital authoritarianism while promoting democratic values in technology.
As of now, ex/ante manages a debut fund of $33 million and has made approximately nine investments. The firm operates with a dedicated investment team that includes key members such as Zoe Weinberg and Michael Mosier, both of whom bring significant expertise in technology and regulatory compliance. The firm’s mission is to support innovative teams that create solutions addressing vulnerabilities like hacking, censorship, and disinformation.
ex/ante's commitment to its values is reflected in its investment strategy, which is tech-agnostic and spans various sectors, including AI/ML, web3, data infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise, and fintech. The firm emphasizes the importance of democratic values and accountability in the technologies it supports, aiming to promote resilience in free societies.
ex/ante invests in companies that enhance individual control over data, assets, and information. The firm’s investment strategy is values-forward and tech-agnostic, targeting diverse sectors such as AI/ML, web3, data infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise, and fintech. The organization emphasizes the importance of democratic values and accountability in the technologies they support. Their focus on 'agentic technology' aims to empower individuals against digital authoritarianism and promote user agency.
Investment stages include seed and Series A, aligning with the firm’s $33 million fund size. Check sizes are not publicly disclosed but are consistent with early-stage investments. ex/ante seeks to support innovative teams that create solutions addressing vulnerabilities like hacking, censorship, and disinformation. The firm values mission-driven founders who align with their vision of enhancing human agency through technology.
ex/ante's approach includes a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance and technology development, providing significant value to its portfolio companies through a robust network of industry connections and access to high-quality investors. This strategic alignment with democratic values positions ex/ante as a unique player in the venture capital landscape.
ex/ante has a portfolio of nine companies, all focused on enhancing digital interactions, data protection, and cybersecurity. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies reflect ex/ante's commitment to investing in technologies that enhance individual control over data and promote democratic values. The firm’s portfolio is strategically aligned with its mission to counter digital authoritarianism and support innovative solutions in the tech space.
Zoe Weinberg: Founding General Partner at ex/ante, Zoe has a strong background in technology and venture capital. She is a graduate of Harvard, Stanford, and Yale, and has previously worked with Schmidt Futures, where she developed expertise in supporting mission-driven startups.
Michael Mosier: Partner at ex/ante, Michael brings a wealth of experience in regulatory compliance and technology development. He has previously served as counsel at Espresso Systems and Chainalysis, focusing on government compliance and blockchain technology.
Matt Hawes: A member of the investment team, Matt has a background in venture capital and technology. His expertise lies in identifying innovative startups that align with ex/ante's mission.
Farhan Abrol: Also part of the investment team, Farhan contributes his knowledge of technology and market trends, helping to evaluate potential investments.
Anastasia Uglova: Involved in ecosystem development, Anastasia hosts 'The Privacy Podcast,' focusing on AI security and digital privacy, and co-hosts 'Next in Foreign Policy,' discussing national security and technology.
To pitch ex/ante, founders should submit their information through the firm's website at buildexante.com. It is important to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the technology, market opportunity, and alignment with ex/ante's values. The firm prefers pitches that clearly articulate how the startup enhances human agency and addresses challenges related to privacy and security.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are encouraged, especially through mutual connections in the tech or venture capital space. This can enhance the likelihood of a favorable review.
In February 2025, ex/ante launched 'Builder Blueprints,' a free legal and operational playbook for tech startups, supported by the Ford Foundation Mission Investments. This initiative aims to provide valuable resources for startups navigating the complexities of privacy and security.
As of early 2025, ex/ante has made approximately nine investments, including notable companies such as Reality Defender, which focuses on deepfake detection, and Webacy, which specializes in self-custody and wallet security. These investments reflect the firm's commitment to enhancing human agency through technology.
What are ex/ante's investment criteria?
ex/ante invests in early-stage companies (seed and Series A) that focus on enhancing human agency through privacy, security, and information tools. They prioritize mission-driven founders and technologies that promote democratic values.
How can I pitch to ex/ante?
Founders can submit their pitch through the firm's website at buildexante.com. It is recommended to include details about the technology, market potential, and alignment with ex/ante's values.
What makes ex/ante different from other VC firms?
ex/ante is the first venture fund dedicated to 'agentic technology,' focusing on tools that enhance human agency and counter digital authoritarianism. Their values-forward investment strategy sets them apart in the venture capital landscape.
What is the geographic focus of ex/ante?
The firm primarily invests in North America, specifically within the United States, targeting companies that align with their investment thesis.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
ex/ante provides significant value through a strong network of industry connections, access to high-quality investors, and expertise in regulatory compliance and technology development. They emphasize mission-driven support to help startups navigate challenges.
What is the fund size and check size range?
ex/ante's debut fund size is $33 million. While specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, they are consistent with early-stage investments typical for a fund of this size.
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.