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FirstLook Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, based in the United States, with offices in Los Angeles and Chicago. The firm operates as a hybrid fund-of-funds and direct co-investment vehicle, focusing on early-stage investments. FirstLook aims to support visionary founders and the next generation of investment opportunities, primarily targeting emerging venture capital managers and breakout expansion-stage companies.
The firm has a reported fund size of $189 million, which positions it to make significant investments in its chosen sectors. FirstLook's strategy emphasizes collaboration with emerging VC managers, allowing them to leverage their networks to source direct investments and support the growth of their portfolio companies. This approach enables FirstLook to identify and back innovative startups that have moved beyond initial proof and are ready to scale.
Since its inception, FirstLook has focused on sectors such as software, fintech, healthcare IT, AI, developer tools, and cybersecurity. The firm is dedicated to identifying and supporting the next generation of investment opportunities, making it a notable player in the early-stage venture capital landscape.
FirstLook Partners invests in early-stage venture capital funds and directly in companies that have progressed beyond initial proof and are prepared for scaling. The firm primarily participates in Seed, Series A, and Series B funding rounds, with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $1 million. FirstLook's geographic focus is on the United States, where it seeks to identify visionary founders and innovative startups.
The firm emphasizes sectors including SaaS, fintech, healthcare IT, AI, developer tools, and cybersecurity. FirstLook's investment thesis is built on the belief that smaller and newer venture funds can generate unusually strong returns. By backing emerging VC managers and breakout companies, FirstLook aims to create a portfolio that not only supports its direct investments but also enhances the overall performance of its fund.
FirstLook typically acts as a co-investor rather than a lead investor, which allows it to collaborate with other investors and leverage their expertise. This model is particularly beneficial for startups that have already established product-market fit and are looking for additional capital to scale their operations.
FirstLook Partners has made several notable investments in its short history, focusing on companies that align with its investment thesis. The following are key portfolio companies:
These investments reflect FirstLook's commitment to supporting innovative companies in sectors that are poised for growth and disruption.
Josh Porter - Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Josh has a background in venture capital and investment management, having previously worked with Reimagined Ventures, Goldman Sachs, and Point72. He holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and is known for his expertise in direct and fund investments.
Ankeet Kansupada - Managing Partner. Ankeet has experience in venture capital, having held roles at Reimagined Ventures and Magnetar Capital. He is involved in scheduling meetings with LPs, GPs, founders, and portfolio companies, contributing to FirstLook's operational strategy.
Sean Zoka - Partner. Sean is listed as a partner at FirstLook, although specific details about his background are less publicly available compared to his colleagues. His role involves supporting the firm's investment strategy and portfolio management.
To pitch FirstLook Partners, founders should visit their website at firstlookpartners.com. The firm prefers pitches to come through warm introductions or connections within their network. When preparing a pitch deck, it is essential to include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy.
FirstLook looks for concise and compelling presentations that highlight the startup's traction and potential for scaling. Founders should be ready to discuss their team, product, and how they plan to utilize the investment to achieve their goals.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks if their pitch aligns with FirstLook's investment focus. It is advisable to follow up politely if there is no response within that timeframe.
In December 2025, FirstLook Partners participated in a $60 million Series B funding round for Flex, an AI-native private bank and finance platform. This investment highlights FirstLook's commitment to supporting innovative financial technology solutions.
In September 2025, FirstLook also co-invested in a $22.5 million Series A round for Hello Patient, a conversational AI platform focused on healthcare communications. This investment underscores the firm's interest in healthcare technology.
Additionally, FirstLook co-invested in a $40 million Series B round for Cerby, an operational AI and cybersecurity platform, in 2024. This reflects the firm's strategy of backing companies that are ready to scale and have demonstrated potential for growth.
What are FirstLook Partners' investment criteria?
FirstLook Partners focuses on early-stage investments in sectors such as SaaS, fintech, healthcare IT, AI, developer tools, and cybersecurity. They typically invest in companies that have moved beyond initial proof and are ready to scale, participating in Seed, Series A, and Series B funding rounds.
How can I pitch to FirstLook Partners?
Founders interested in pitching to FirstLook Partners should visit their official website at firstlookpartners.com. The firm prefers to receive pitches through warm introductions or connections within their network.
What makes FirstLook Partners different from other VC firms?
FirstLook operates as a hybrid fund-of-funds and direct co-investment vehicle, focusing on emerging venture capital managers and breakout companies. This unique approach allows them to leverage their network to source direct investments and provide strategic insights to their portfolio companies.
What is the typical check size for FirstLook Partners?
FirstLook Partners typically invests between $500,000 and $1 million in their portfolio companies, depending on the stage and specific needs of the business.
What is FirstLook's geographic focus?
The firm primarily focuses on investments within the United States, with offices located in Los Angeles and Chicago.
What kind of post-investment support does FirstLook provide?
FirstLook Partners offers strategic insights and connections to help portfolio companies scale effectively. They leverage their network of emerging VC managers to support growth and enhance the overall performance of their investments.
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