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Foothill Ventures is a technology-focused venture capital fund based in Los Altos, California. Originally founded as Tsingyuan Ventures in 2017, the firm rebranded to its current name to better reflect its mission. The fund specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in pre-seed, seed, and Series A funding rounds. Foothill Ventures has successfully raised $110 million for its third fund, which closed above its initial target, demonstrating strong investor confidence.
Currently, Foothill Ventures manages a portfolio of 210 companies, showcasing its active role in the startup ecosystem. The firm emphasizes backing immigrant and cross-border founders, aiming to support diverse teams that exhibit significant technical differentiation. This approach aligns with their commitment to fostering innovation across various sectors, including software, life sciences, and deep tech.
Foothill Ventures operates from its office located at 280 2nd Street, Los Altos, CA 94022. The firm has established itself as a key player in the venture capital landscape, focusing on sectors that drive technological advancements and societal impact.
Foothill Ventures invests primarily in early-stage companies that demonstrate technical superiority across several sectors, including biotech, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and frontier technologies. The fund's investment strategy encompasses pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $5 million. This flexibility allows them to engage with a wide array of startups at different points in their development.
The firm actively seeks out startups that not only have innovative solutions but also possess strong technical differentiation. Foothill Ventures prioritizes backing immigrant and cross-border founders, reflecting its commitment to diversity in entrepreneurship. The fund's thesis emphasizes the importance of diverse founding teams and cross-disciplinary approaches, which are believed to enhance the potential for success in their portfolio companies.
In addition to its sector focus, Foothill Ventures provides strategic guidance and industry connections to its portfolio companies, further solidifying its role as a supportive partner in the startup journey.
Foothill Ventures boasts a diverse portfolio of 210 companies, highlighting its extensive reach in the venture capital space. Notable portfolio companies include:
Additional investments encompass:
Foothill Ventures also invests in AI-powered medical imaging devices, sustainable aviation fuel production technologies, advanced battery recycling technologies, and AI robotics for logistics and manufacturing automation.
Dr. Xuhui Shao - Partner: Dr. Shao has a background in technology and venture capital, with experience in leading investments in deep tech and life sciences.
Dr. Jinlin Wang - Partner: Dr. Wang specializes in software investments and has a strong track record of supporting early-stage technology companies.
Eric Rosenblum - Partner: Rosenblum brings extensive experience in venture capital and has been involved in numerous successful investments across various sectors.
Dr. Michael Jin - Partner: Dr. Jin focuses on life sciences investments, leveraging his expertise to identify promising healthcare startups.
Charles Ling - Deep Tech Investment Director: Ling leads the firm's deep tech investment strategy, focusing on breakthrough technologies and innovations.
Sophia Yu - Software Investment Associate: Yu supports the software investment team, assisting in deal sourcing and due diligence.
Dr. Lu Wang - Life Sciences Investor: Dr. Wang specializes in identifying and supporting life sciences startups, contributing to the firm's healthcare investment strategy.
To pitch Foothill Ventures, founders should send an email to Contact@Foothill.Ventures. A well-structured pitch deck is essential, including details about the business model, market analysis, and technical differentiation. The firm appreciates concise and clear presentations that effectively communicate the startup's vision and potential.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, as they can facilitate a more favorable review process.
In January 2026, Foothill Ventures made a notable investment in Aether Fuels, focusing on sustainable fuel technologies. This investment reflects the firm's ongoing commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the energy sector.
Foothill Ventures has also been recognized for its active role in the venture capital landscape, with a portfolio that includes 210 companies. The firm continues to seek out early-stage companies that demonstrate technical superiority and innovative approaches across various sectors.
Recent updates on their website highlight their focus on AI-powered medical imaging and sustainable technologies, reinforcing their commitment to driving advancements in these critical areas.
What are Foothill Ventures' investment criteria?
Foothill Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in sectors such as software, life sciences, and deep tech. They prioritize companies that demonstrate technical differentiation and innovative solutions.
How can I apply or pitch to Foothill Ventures?
Founders can reach out via email at Contact@Foothill.Ventures to initiate discussions about potential investments. A well-prepared pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and technical differentiation is recommended.
What makes Foothill Ventures different from other VCs?
The firm emphasizes backing immigrant and cross-border founders, which sets it apart in the venture capital landscape. They also focus on supporting diverse founding teams and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration.
What is the geographic scope of Foothill Ventures?
Foothill Ventures invests globally, with a particular emphasis on North America. They are open to opportunities that arise from various regions, especially those led by immigrant founders.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Foothill Ventures typically invests between $500,000 and $5 million in their portfolio companies, allowing for flexibility in funding stages.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Foothill Ventures have?
The firm actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance, industry connections, and support for operational challenges. They emphasize collaboration to enhance the potential for success.
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