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Graphene Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2015 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California. The firm operates across the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia, focusing on direct investments in private technology companies. Graphene Ventures aims to partner with exceptional founders to help them expand into multiple markets, leveraging a self-imposed 10% rule in their portfolio management to ensure diversity and discipline.
As of now, Graphene Ventures has made a total of 32 investments, with a notable focus on late-stage funding, particularly in Series C, D, and E rounds. The firm has established a reputation for providing hands-on support and market-expansion insights, drawing on over 50 years of combined operational experience among its partners. This operational expertise allows them to assist portfolio companies in scaling effectively.
Graphene Ventures has achieved notable milestones, including successful exits with companies like Snap and Lyft, both of which went public. The firm continues to grow its portfolio and influence in the venture capital space, maintaining a commitment to supporting innovative technology startups.
Graphene Ventures primarily invests in late-stage technology companies, specifically targeting Series C, D, and E funding rounds. The firm has a diverse investment strategy that spans several sectors, including SaaS, healthcare, agtech, robotics, cybersecurity, fintech, consumer products, and biotech. This broad sector focus allows Graphene Ventures to engage with a wide range of innovative entrepreneurs who are transforming industries.
The firm emphasizes identifying trends and partnering with exceptional founders who demonstrate significant market potential. Graphene Ventures seeks to invest in companies that not only have a strong business model but also the capability to expand into multiple markets. Their investment approach includes a self-imposed 10% rule to maintain diversity within their portfolio, ensuring a balanced risk profile.
Geographically, Graphene Ventures operates in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia, allowing them to tap into various markets and support startups with global ambitions. The firm typically invests in rounds that include 6-7 participants, indicating a preference for co-investment rather than leading rounds alone.
Graphene Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of 32 companies, showcasing its commitment to investing in innovative technology startups. Notable portfolio companies include:
In addition to these companies, Graphene Ventures has invested in other sectors such as transportation, healthtech, cybersecurity, and agritech. Their portfolio reflects a strategic focus on companies that are poised for growth and have the potential to make significant impacts in their respective industries.
Nabil Borhanu: Founder & Managing Partner. Nabil has extensive experience in operational roles and venture capital, having led multiple successful investments. He is based in Palo Alto, California.
Arnaldo Goldemberg: Partner. Arnaldo brings a wealth of knowledge in technology investments and has a strong track record in supporting startups.
Leo Fonseca: Senior Principal. Leo specializes in identifying emerging trends and innovative entrepreneurs.
Musaad Alkadi: Senior Principal. Musaad has a background in operational management and venture capital, focusing on market expansion strategies.
Mitch Hambling: Senior Principal. Mitch has experience in various sectors, including healthtech and fintech, and plays a key role in portfolio management.
Yan Niehues: Chief of Staff. Yan oversees operations and ensures alignment between the firm's strategic goals and portfolio activities.
Hamza Hundt: Senior Investment Analyst. Hamza supports the investment team in evaluating potential opportunities and conducting market research.
Jorge Bianchin: Senior Investment Analyst. Jorge focuses on due diligence and financial analysis for prospective investments.
Akram Yassin: Operation Services. Akram manages operational support for portfolio companies, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.
To pitch Graphene Ventures, founders should use the online application form available at this link. The pitch deck should include a comprehensive overview of the business model, market potential, competitive landscape, and team qualifications. Founders are encouraged to provide data-driven insights and a clear growth strategy.
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.
Graphene Ventures offers several tools for founders, including the Founders' Equity Calculator, which helps startups determine share distribution based on participant contributions. Additionally, they provide a Leadership Assessment Test for self-evaluation of strengths and development areas.
These resources are designed to support founders in making informed decisions and enhancing their leadership capabilities as they navigate the challenges of building a startup.
In 2023, Graphene Ventures participated in a $6.1 million Series A funding round for Smartlens, a clinical-stage ophthalmic technology company. This investment reflects the firm's commitment to supporting innovative healthtech solutions.
Graphene Ventures has made a total of 32 investments since its founding in 2015, with notable exits including Snap and Lyft, both of which went public. These successful exits highlight the firm's ability to identify and support high-potential startups.
What are Graphene Ventures' investment criteria?
Graphene Ventures focuses on late-stage technology companies, particularly in Series C, D, and E funding rounds. They invest across various sectors, including SaaS, healthcare, agtech, robotics, cybersecurity, fintech, consumer products, and biotech.
How can I apply or pitch to Graphene Ventures?
Founders can apply for funding through their online application form available at this link. It is recommended to provide a comprehensive overview of your business model, market potential, and team.
What makes Graphene Ventures different from other VC firms?
Graphene Ventures emphasizes a hands-on approach, providing market-expansion insights and leveraging over 50 years of combined operational experience among its partners to assist portfolio companies in scaling effectively.
What is the geographic scope of Graphene Ventures?
The firm operates in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia, allowing them to tap into diverse markets and support startups with global ambitions.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Graphene Ventures typically participates in funding rounds with 6-7 participants, suggesting a collaborative investment approach.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Graphene Ventures provides hands-on support, market-expansion insights, and access to a broad network, helping portfolio companies navigate challenges and scale effectively.
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