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Graham & Walker is an early-stage venture capital fund founded by Leslie Feinzaig in 2021, based in Seattle. The firm emerged from the Female Founders Alliance, which has expanded to include over 5,000 founders. Graham & Walker is dedicated to investing in underrepresented founders and CEOs, particularly those who are often overlooked by mainstream venture capital.
The fund has a total size of $10 million, which was announced at its launch. It primarily focuses on pre-seed and seed stages, targeting software-first and technology-enabled companies that address significant societal challenges. Graham & Walker operates with a commitment to not only provide capital but also to build a supportive community around its founders.
As of now, Graham & Walker has established a strong presence in North America, with plans to expand its founder programs to cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York by 2026. The firm emphasizes a hands-on approach, allowing them to observe execution and provide tailored support to their portfolio companies.
Graham & Walker invests in sectors such as healthcare, consumer, fintech, and climate, with a particular emphasis on software-first and technology-enabled companies. The firm targets pre-seed and seed stages, providing check sizes ranging from $100,000 to $400,000, depending on the company’s stage and round size. Their investment strategy is centered around addressing venture capital's biggest blind spots, focusing on underestimated founders who possess a unique understanding of the problems they are solving.
The firm’s thesis highlights the importance of substance over hype, supporting founders through various initiatives, including live funding opportunities, a resource library, and events designed to connect and equip entrepreneurs. Their flagship program, Founder Day, specifically caters to pre-seed and seed founders, reinforcing their commitment to nurturing early-stage ventures.
Graham & Walker seeks to partner with founders who demonstrate grit, a hunger for feedback, and a clear vision for their market. The firm values companies that show customer demand and have the potential to shape their respective markets significantly.
Graham & Walker's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies that reflect its commitment to supporting innovative solutions across various sectors. Notable companies in their portfolio include:
These companies exemplify Graham & Walker's focus on addressing significant societal challenges through technology and innovation. The firm actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing not just capital but also a supportive community and resources to help them succeed.
Leslie Feinzaig — Founder & CEO. Leslie is a seasoned entrepreneur with experience in launching successful startups, including her role as the founder of the Female Founders Alliance. She has a strong background in technology and venture capital, contributing to her expertise in supporting underrepresented founders.
Ryan Hughes — Chief of Staff. Ryan brings a wealth of experience from his time at Goldman Sachs and various early-stage startups. His operational expertise helps streamline processes within the firm and supports portfolio companies.
Pam Kostka — Advisor. Pam is an experienced entrepreneur and investor, previously serving as the founding CEO of All Raise. She provides strategic guidance to Graham & Walker and its portfolio companies.
Sarah Imbach — Advisor. Sarah has a strong background in technology and investment, having worked at PayPal, LinkedIn, and 23andMe. She is an angel investor and startup advisor with over 40 early-stage investments.
Eric Ries — Advisor. Eric is the founder of the Long-Term Stock Exchange and the author of the influential book, The Lean Startup. His insights into startup growth and innovation are invaluable to Graham & Walker's portfolio.
Marysia Angus — Investor Relations. Marysia manages investor relations and communications, ensuring that the firm maintains strong connections with its limited partners and stakeholders.
To pitch Graham & Walker, founders should visit their official website at grahamwalker.com. The firm prefers pitches that include a clear overview of the problem being addressed, the market opportunity, and how the startup aligns with their investment focus on underrepresented founders.
Founders are encouraged to provide detailed information about their business model, customer acquisition strategy, and any traction they have achieved. A well-structured pitch deck that highlights these elements will increase the chances of a positive response.
Graham & Walker values warm introductions, but they also accept direct applications through their website. Response times may vary, so founders should be prepared for a potential wait while the team reviews submissions.
Graham & Walker runs a flagship program called Founder Day, which is designed specifically for pre-seed and seed stage founders. This program provides resources, networking opportunities, and live funding events to help entrepreneurs connect and grow their businesses.
Founder Day focuses on equipping founders with the tools they need to succeed, including access to a resource library and opportunities to engage with experienced advisors. The program aims to create a supportive environment where underrepresented founders can thrive and develop their ideas into successful ventures.
In April 2026, Graham & Walker featured Agave Health in a portfolio founder spotlight, highlighting their innovative approach to neurodiversity care. This showcases the firm's commitment to supporting companies that address significant societal challenges.
In December 2025, BiggerPicture was also featured as a portfolio founder, emphasizing the firm's active engagement with its investments and the growth of its portfolio companies.
Graham & Walker continues to expand its reach, with plans to launch additional founder programs in major cities across the United States by 2026, further solidifying its commitment to supporting underrepresented founders.
What are Graham & Walker's investment criteria?
Graham & Walker focuses on investing in pre-seed and seed stage companies led by underrepresented founders. They seek software-first and technology-enabled companies that address significant societal challenges.
How can I pitch to Graham & Walker?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the Graham & Walker website. It is recommended to include a clear vision of the problem being solved, market potential, and how the company aligns with their investment thesis.
What makes Graham & Walker different from other VC firms?
The firm emphasizes substance over hype and focuses on underestimated founders who often lack access to traditional venture capital. They provide a community and resources alongside capital, which is a key differentiator.
What is the geographic focus of Graham & Walker?
Graham & Walker primarily invests in North America, with a strong presence in Seattle and plans to expand its programs to other major cities.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Graham & Walker typically invests between $100,000 and $400,000, depending on the stage of the company and the specifics of the funding round.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
Portfolio companies benefit from access to a supportive community, candid feedback, and a network of resources. Graham & Walker focuses on meeting founders early in their journey to provide tailored support as they grow.
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