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Footwork is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in April 2021 and headquartered in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco. The firm was established by Mike Smith and Nikhil Basu Trivedi, both of whom bring extensive experience in the technology and venture capital sectors. Footwork launched with a $175 million Fund I and is currently investing from its $225 million Fund II, which began in 2025.
As of Q1 2026, Footwork has built a portfolio of 25 companies, focusing on innovative consumer technology and the consumerization of enterprise technology. The firm primarily targets companies that demonstrate early signs of product-market fit, leading and co-leading Seed and Series A rounds. Footwork's approach is characterized by a commitment to supporting teams that are building category-defining companies.
Footwork's investment strategy is underpinned by a strong belief in the potential of consumer technology and its intersection with enterprise solutions. The firm aims to provide not only capital but also strategic guidance and industry connections to accelerate growth and market adoption for its portfolio companies.
Footwork invests primarily in consumer technology and the consumerization of enterprise technology. The firm typically participates in Seed and Series A rounds, providing initial investments ranging from $1 million to $15 million. This check size allows Footwork to support companies that are on the path to achieving product-market fit, which is a critical milestone for early-stage startups.
The sectors of interest for Footwork include consumer technology, SaaS, fintech, healthcare, AI, commerce, and climate. This diverse focus enables the firm to engage with a wide array of innovative startups that are addressing significant market needs. Footwork's investment thesis emphasizes the importance of early signs of product-market fit, which guides their selection process for potential investments.
In addition to financial support, Footwork seeks to add value through strategic guidance and industry connections. The firm aims to partner with founders who are building solutions that can redefine their respective categories, particularly in consumer-facing markets. This focus on collaboration and support is a key aspect of Footwork's investment strategy.
Footwork's portfolio consists of 25 companies as of Q1 2026, showcasing a range of innovative solutions across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This diverse portfolio reflects Footwork's commitment to investing in companies that are not only innovative but also have the potential to achieve significant market impact.
Mike Smith - President and COO. Mike has a strong background in the technology sector, having served as the President and COO of Stitch Fix from its inception through its IPO. He also held the position of COO at Walmart.com and has experience as a board member at MillerKnoll and Ulta Beauty.
Nikhil Basu Trivedi - Managing Director. Nikhil has a rich history in venture capital, previously serving as a Managing Director at Shasta Ventures. His notable investments include Athelas, Brigit, Canva, ClassDojo, Color Health, Frame.io, Imperfect Foods, Lattice, and The Farmer's Dog. He has also worked at Insight Partners and was part of the founding team at Artsy.
To pitch Footwork, founders should visit their website at footwork.vc or email hello@footwork.vc. The firm has an open pitch policy and encourages startups to reach out directly.
When preparing a pitch deck, it is important to include information about the team, market opportunity, product differentiation, and financial projections. Footwork appreciates clear and concise presentations that effectively communicate the startup's vision and potential.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back from the Footwork team after submitting their pitch. While no formal application process is disclosed, the firm operates on a rolling basis, allowing for continuous engagement with potential investments.
In January 2026, Footwork led a $10 million Series A investment in Snout, a pet healthcare financing platform. This investment included a $100 million financing facility to support the company's growth.
In November 2025, Footwork led a $7.5 million seed investment in Onton, an AI-powered product search and discovery engine.
In August 2025, Footwork led a $15 million Series A investment in Confido, an AI financial operations system for CPG brands.
In June 2024, Footwork led a $10 million Series A investment in GPTZero, an AI detection platform.
What are Footwork's investment criteria?
Footwork focuses on early-stage companies that demonstrate early signs of product-market fit. The firm typically invests in Seed and Series A rounds, with check sizes ranging from $1 million to $15 million.
How can I pitch to Footwork?
Founders can pitch to Footwork by visiting their website at footwork.vc or by emailing hello@footwork.vc. The firm has an open pitch policy.
What makes Footwork different from other VC firms?
Footwork specializes in consumer technology and the consumerization of enterprise technology, focusing on companies that are building category-defining solutions. The firm provides not only capital but also strategic guidance and industry connections to help accelerate growth.
What is Footwork's geographic focus?
Footwork primarily invests in companies based in North America, allowing them to engage closely with their portfolio companies and support their growth effectively.
What is the decision timeline for investments?
Footwork does not disclose specific timelines for decision-making. However, they operate on a rolling application cycle, allowing for continuous engagement with potential investments.
What types of support do portfolio companies receive?
Footwork provides strategic guidance, industry connections, and operational support to its portfolio companies, helping them navigate challenges and accelerate their growth trajectories.
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