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Flying Fish Partners, also known as Flying Fish Ventures, is a venture capital firm established in 2016 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington. The firm focuses on investing in pre-seed and seed stage companies, particularly those leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) across various industries. Since its inception, Flying Fish Partners has aimed to support visionary founders who are pioneering advancements in AI and machine learning technologies.
As of now, the firm manages a fund size of $70 million and has invested in a total of 77 companies. The firm has expanded its geographic focus beyond the Pacific Northwest to include startups across North America, including the United States and Canada. Notable milestones include the successful exits of portfolio companies such as Symbl.ai, Reclaim, and Tomorrow, showcasing the firm's ability to identify and nurture high-potential startups.
Flying Fish Partners is committed to adding value to its portfolio through strategic guidance, industry connections, and operational expertise. The firm is well-positioned to fill the funding gap in the Seattle area and beyond, particularly for AI-focused ventures.
Flying Fish Partners invests in high-potential companies that utilize AI and machine learning technologies, with a specific emphasis on sectors such as applied intelligence, foundational AI, and hard sciences. The firm targets pre-seed and seed stage investments, typically writing checks in the range of $500,000 to $1.5 million, with a sweet spot around $1 million. This investment strategy allows them to support early-stage companies that are developing transformative solutions in AI.
The firm seeks visionary founders who are at the forefront of AI innovation and are committed to creating impactful technologies. Flying Fish Partners is particularly interested in startups that are developing solutions in applied intelligence and foundational AI, as well as those that address complex challenges in healthcare and biotech. Their investment thesis emphasizes the importance of supporting companies that are pioneering advancements in AI and machine learning.
Flying Fish Partners has built a diverse portfolio of 77 companies, focusing on those that leverage AI and machine learning technologies. Notable portfolio companies include:
In addition to these notable companies, Flying Fish Partners has also seen successful exits with companies like Symbl.ai, Reclaim, and Tomorrow, highlighting their ability to identify and support high-growth potential startups.
Geoff Harris - Managing Partner. Geoff has a background as the former GM of Microsoft's Speech and Natural Language team, bringing extensive experience in AI technologies to the firm.
Heather Redman - Managing Partner. Heather is a co-founder of Flying Fish Partners and a prominent figure in the Seattle tech community, known for her operational expertise and board involvement.
Frank Chang - Managing Partner. Frank has a background in AI operations at Microsoft, contributing valuable insights into the firm's investment strategy.
Heather Gorham - Principal. Heather brings experience in venture capital and technology, focusing on supporting portfolio companies in their growth journeys.
Tiffany Linke-Boyko - Principal. Tiffany has a strong background in technology and venture capital, working closely with founders to refine their business strategies.
Adriane Brown - Managing Partner. Adriane has a wealth of experience in technology and operations, enhancing the firm's ability to support its portfolio companies.
Tri Tran - Chief Financial Officer. Tri oversees the financial operations of the firm, ensuring sound financial management and reporting.
Alex Tangas - Chief of Staff. Alex supports the firm's operations and strategic initiatives, facilitating communication and collaboration within the team.
Lisa Nelson - Venture Partner. Lisa brings a wealth of experience in venture capital and technology, providing valuable insights to the investment process.
Vanessa Pegueros - Venture Partner. Vanessa has a strong background in technology and venture capital, contributing to the firm's investment strategy and portfolio management.
To pitch Flying Fish Partners, founders should visit their contact page at Flying Fish Ventures Contact Page. The firm prefers direct outreach through this channel. When preparing a pitch deck, it is important to include a clear overview of the technology, the problem it solves, and the market opportunity. Founders should also outline their team’s qualifications and any traction they have achieved to date.
Response times can vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are appreciated but not required.
In January 2026, Flying Fish Partners made a notable investment in AgileRL, a startup focused on reinforcement learning technologies. This investment aligns with the firm's commitment to supporting innovative AI-driven companies.
Additionally, in September 2025, Flying Fish Partners led a £3.7 million seed round for Hiverge, a UK-based startup specializing in algorithm development. This investment marks the firm's expansion beyond North America into the UK market.
Flying Fish Partners has also co-led a $12.7 million seed round for Accipiter Biosciences, a biotech company developing protein therapies, alongside Takeda. This collaboration highlights the firm's willingness to engage in biotech investments, which is somewhat atypical for an AI-focused firm.
What investment criteria does Flying Fish Partners look for?
Flying Fish Partners focuses on pre-seed and seed stage companies that leverage AI and machine learning technologies. They seek visionary founders who are developing innovative solutions in sectors such as applied intelligence, foundational AI, and hard sciences.
How can I pitch to Flying Fish Partners?
Founders can pitch to Flying Fish Partners by visiting their contact page at Flying Fish Ventures Contact Page. They encourage direct outreach through this channel.
What makes Flying Fish Partners different from other VCs?
The firm is operator-led, with a team that has extensive experience in AI and technology sectors. This background allows them to provide strategic guidance and operational support to their portfolio companies.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Flying Fish Partners typically invests between $500,000 and $1.5 million, with a sweet spot around $1 million. They are willing to lead or co-lead seed rounds.
What geographic areas does Flying Fish Partners focus on?
The firm primarily invests in North America, with a specific focus on the United States and Canada. They have also indicated an interest in expanding their reach to include startups in the United Kingdom.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Flying Fish Partners adds value through strategic guidance, industry connections, and operational expertise. They actively support their portfolio companies in navigating challenges and scaling their operations.
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