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.
First Spark Ventures is a Deep Tech venture capital fund founded by a team of interdisciplinary professionals. Established to support innovative founders, the firm is based in the United States and focuses on breakthrough technologies aimed at improving health, safety, and productivity. The organization has built a reputation for investing in transformative solutions across various sectors.
Currently, First Spark Ventures manages a portfolio of seven notable companies and operates primarily in the Pre-seed, Seed, and Series A funding stages. The firm emphasizes its commitment to supporting startups that are developing advanced technologies in fields such as biotech, healthcare, and cybersecurity. The team consists of experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds, contributing to the fund's strategic approach to investment.
First Spark Ventures invests in Deep Tech startups, concentrating on three primary areas: Advanced Compute, Digital Biology & Biotech, and Cyber Physical Systems. The fund targets companies at the Pre-seed, Seed, and Series A stages, providing essential capital and support to help them grow. In the Advanced Compute sector, the firm emphasizes the potential of machine learning and advanced computation to enhance productivity.
In the Digital Biology and Biotech sector, First Spark Ventures seeks advancements in human health through digital biology, therapeutics, and personalized medicine. The Cyber Physical Systems focus involves investing in physical systems that leverage software scaling to improve productivity and safety. The firm looks for founders who are passionate about their innovations and demonstrate a clear vision for their startups.
First Spark Ventures has invested in a diverse range of companies that exemplify its focus on Deep Tech. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects First Spark Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions that address critical challenges in health, safety, and productivity.
Manish Kothari, Ph.D. - Founding Managing Partner. Manish has extensive experience in venture capital and technology commercialization, having previously worked at leading firms in the industry.
Aaron Sisto, Ph.D. - Partner. Aaron specializes in biotech investments and has a strong background in research and development, contributing to the firm's focus on health-related technologies.
Peter Olcott, Ph.D. - Principal. Peter brings expertise in advanced computing and AI, playing a key role in evaluating technology-driven startups.
Todd Meister - Founding General Partner. Todd has a background in finance and has led numerous successful investments in early-stage companies.
Eric Schmidt, Ph.D. - Strategic Advisor & Founding Non-Managing Partner. Eric provides strategic insights and guidance based on his extensive experience in technology and entrepreneurship.
Peter Richards - Founding General Partner. Peter has a strong track record in venture capital and focuses on identifying high-potential startups.
Gal Treger - General Partner. Gal specializes in cybersecurity investments and has a deep understanding of the market landscape.
Jennifer Wu - Principal. Jennifer focuses on operational support for portfolio companies, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.
Danny Chen - General Partner, First Spark Opportunities. Danny brings expertise in scaling startups and operational excellence.
To pitch First Spark Ventures, founders should use the official website at firstsparkventures.com. The pitch deck should include essential information such as the business model, market analysis, team background, and financial projections. Founders are encouraged to provide a clear narrative that outlines the startup's vision and potential impact.
Response times may vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, as they can facilitate a more favorable review process.
As of October 2023, First Spark Ventures continues to expand its portfolio, focusing on investments in Deep Tech startups. The firm has recently added several companies to its portfolio, including notable names in the biotech and AI sectors.
First Spark Ventures remains active in the venture capital space, seeking opportunities to support innovative founders who are developing technologies that enhance health, safety, and productivity.
What are First Spark Ventures' investment criteria?
First Spark Ventures focuses on Deep Tech startups in sectors such as biotech, healthcare, AI, and cybersecurity. They primarily invest in companies at the Pre-seed, Seed, and Series A stages.
How can I apply or pitch to First Spark Ventures?
Founders can pitch their startups through the official website at firstsparkventures.com. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market analysis, and team background in the pitch deck.
What makes First Spark Ventures different from other VC firms?
The firm specializes in Deep Tech investments, focusing on breakthrough technologies that enhance health, safety, and productivity. Their interdisciplinary team brings diverse expertise to support portfolio companies effectively.
What is the geographic scope of First Spark Ventures?
First Spark Ventures primarily invests in startups located in the United States, targeting innovative companies that align with their investment thesis.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, First Spark Ventures invests in early-stage companies, typically providing the necessary capital to support growth during the Pre-seed, Seed, and Series A funding rounds.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
First Spark Ventures actively engages with portfolio companies, offering mentorship, operational support, and access to their network to help drive growth and success.
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.