Skip to content

FASHION DESIGNER FUND

Designer Fund is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco that invests in early-stage technology startups, focusing on design-led companies. It supports mission-driven founders aiming to enhance health, sustainability, and prosperity through innovative design.

Founded
2011
Recorded stages
Pre Seed, Seed, Series A
Recorded regions
United States

Online destinations

Find FASHION DESIGNER FUND online

Where to find this organization online, grouped by who runs each page. A link here does not mean the organization controls it.

Official links

Pages the organization runs itself.

Affiliated publications and profiles

Pages connected to the organization that it may not control.

Overview

Founded in 2011, Designer Fund is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco that specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies. The organization focuses on startups that prioritize design as a core element of their products and teams. With a mission to support founders who are improving health, climate, and overall prosperity, Designer Fund seeks to invest in companies that significantly outperform alternatives in their markets. The firm has built a strong portfolio, including notable companies like Stripe, Gusto, and Notion, and operates community programs such as the Designer Fund Collective, which connects over 300 founders and design leaders.

Focus

Designer Fund targets early-stage technology companies, specifically those at the Pre-seed to Series A stages. The organization seeks to partner with founders who are committed to leveraging design to create products that significantly outperform alternatives and operate in markets with substantial addressable opportunities.

Support

Designer Fund provides value to its portfolio companies through access to a vast network of accomplished designers and advisors, resources for hiring, and support throughout the fundraising process. The organization also fosters a community through the Designer Fund Collective, offering members exclusive resources and networking opportunities.

Questions

What are Designer Fund's investment criteria?

Designer Fund invests in early-stage technology companies, specifically those at the Pre-seed to Series A stages. They prioritize startups that integrate design into their products and business strategies, focusing on sectors such as healthcare, climate, AI, fintech, consumer products, and SaaS.

How can founders apply or pitch to Designer Fund?

Founders can apply or pitch to Designer Fund through their application page at designerfund.com/refer. The firm encourages mission-driven founders to present their design-led solutions and the potential impact of their products.

What makes Designer Fund different from other venture capital firms?

Designer Fund distinguishes itself by emphasizing design as a core element of its investment strategy. The firm not only provides capital but also offers strategic support to help portfolio companies build design capabilities and teams. Their community programs, such as the Designer Fund Collective, foster collaboration among design-centric founders.

What is the geographic scope of Designer Fund's investments?

Designer Fund primarily focuses on investments in North America, particularly the United States. However, they also consider opportunities in global markets that align with their investment thesis.

What is the typical check size for investments?

Designer Fund typically invests between $100,000 and $1 million in early-stage startups. This check size positions them as a seed and pre-seed specialist, allowing them to support companies at critical stages of their development.

What kind of post-investment involvement does Designer Fund have?

Designer Fund actively engages with its portfolio companies beyond providing capital. They offer mentorship, resources, and access to a network of design leaders and advisors, helping startups navigate challenges and scale effectively.

Check your startup’s fit

Check your startup’s fit with FASHION DESIGNER FUND

Similar investors

Organizations that do similar work to FASHION DESIGNER FUND.

All investors
Sequoia Capital logoInvestor

Sequoia Capital is a venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley, established in 1972. It invests in technology companies at various stages, focusing on long-term partnerships with founders.

New York Angels logoInvestor

Empowering early-stage entrepreneurs through angel investment.

Founders Fund logoInvestor

Founders Fund is a venture capital firm based in the United States, founded in 2005. It invests in technology companies across various sectors and stages.

Superscout Pro

Find faster. Show up verified. Keep your deals private.

$99a year, or $12 a month
Get Pro

Is this page right?Reviewed · How the research works

Something's off