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Founded in 2008 by John Frankel, ff Venture Capital (ffVC) operates as a bi-continental venture capital firm with offices in New York City and Warsaw, Poland. The firm has established a strong reputation in the venture capital landscape, having funded over 300 companies, including three unicorns: Addepar, Socure, and Standard. With a total of $383.7 million raised across ten funds, ffVC has demonstrated its capability to attract significant capital, including the ff Red & White fund, which is backed by Japanese corporates and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). The firm is known for its impressive Series B graduation rate, which is five times higher than the industry average, showcasing its ability to identify and nurture promising startups.
ffVC's investment strategy is characterized by a rigorous due diligence process, where only 5% of the 3,000 deals reviewed annually receive funding. This selective approach ensures that the firm partners with visionary founders who are poised to lead their industries. The firm’s leadership team includes experienced professionals such as Adam Plotkin and Alex Katz, who contribute to its operational expertise and strategic direction. With a strong presence in both the United States and Central Europe, ffVC is well-positioned to leverage cross-border opportunities and foster innovation in emerging markets.
ff Venture Capital specializes in seed and Series A investments, targeting check sizes ranging from $1 million to $25 million. The firm primarily focuses on sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, energy, industrial technology, proptech, and robotics. By concentrating on these emerging industries, ffVC aims to support startups that are at the forefront of technological advancement and innovation.
The firm has made a significant number of investments in the United States, with 87 investments, and has also established a presence in Poland with 10 investments, reflecting its commitment to Central European exposure. ffVC's investment thesis emphasizes the importance of partnering with visionary founders who possess the potential to disrupt their respective markets. The firm seeks companies that demonstrate strong growth potential and innovative solutions, particularly in the realms of enterprise software, applied AI, and manufacturing.
In addition to its sector focus, ffVC's bi-continental platform allows it to bridge the gap between deep-tech companies in Central and Eastern Europe and multinational corporations in Japan, enhancing the value it brings to its portfolio companies. This unique positioning enables ffVC to provide not only capital but also strategic guidance and operational support to its founders, fostering an environment conducive to growth and success.
ff Venture Capital boasts a diverse portfolio of over 300 companies, including 179 active portfolio companies. Among its notable investments are three unicorns: Addepar, Socure, and Standard, which highlight the firm's ability to identify and support high-potential startups. Recent investments include Microamp Solutions, which was funded in September 2025, and Civ Robotics, which secured a $7.5 million Series A round in July 2025. Additionally, ffVC has invested in DBR77 Robotics at the seed stage, further diversifying its portfolio across various sectors.
The firm has also achieved significant exits, with two IPOs and 39 acquisitions to date, underscoring its effectiveness in nurturing companies through their growth stages. Notable portfolio companies include Socure, Omaze, Rhino, Rescale, Stocktwits, and Owlet, which exemplify the firm's focus on innovative solutions across different industries. ffVC's extensive network and partnerships, particularly through its ff Red & White fund, facilitate connections between its portfolio companies and Japanese multinationals, enhancing their growth prospects and market reach.
John Frankel - Founder, with extensive experience in venture capital and a strong track record of supporting innovative startups.
Adam Plotkin - Partner, focusing on investment strategy and portfolio management.
Alex Katz - Partner, specializing in operational support and strategic guidance for portfolio companies.
To pitch ff Venture Capital, founders should visit their contact page at ffvc.com/contact or email contact@ffvc.com. They prefer clear and concise pitches that outline the business model, market opportunity, and team background. Warm introductions are beneficial, but cold applications are also accepted.
In the past year, ff Venture Capital has made five notable investments, including Microamp Solutions in September 2025 and a $7.5 million Series A round for Civ Robotics in July 2025. The firm continues to expand its portfolio and strengthen its presence in both the US and Central Europe.
ff Venture Capital primarily invests in seed and Series A stages, providing funding to early-stage startups that demonstrate strong growth potential and innovative solutions.
Founders can pitch ff Venture Capital by visiting their contact page at ffvc.com/contact or by emailing them directly at contact@ffvc.com. It is advisable to provide a clear and concise overview of the business, including the problem being solved, market opportunity, and team background.
ff Venture Capital focuses on several key sectors, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, energy, industrial technology, proptech, and robotics. The firm seeks to invest in companies that are at the forefront of these emerging industries.
The typical check size for ff Venture Capital ranges from $1 million to $25 million, allowing them to support startups at various stages of their growth.
ff Venture Capital invests primarily in the United States and Poland, with a strong focus on Central European exposure. The firm has made 87 investments in the US and 10 in Poland, reflecting its bi-continental strategy.
The application process for ff Venture Capital involves submitting a pitch through their contact page or via email. Founders should prepare a compelling presentation that outlines their business model, market potential, and team qualifications.
ff Venture Capital offers deep operational expertise through its 20+ person acceleration team, providing valuable support to portfolio companies in areas such as strategy, operations, and market entry.
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