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Handshake Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2017 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups, particularly in the B2B and enterprise technology sectors. Led by William Elmore, a seasoned venture capitalist with a notable background in enterprise software, Handshake Ventures has established itself as a key player in the early-stage investment landscape.
As of now, Handshake Ventures manages a portfolio of 19 companies and has made a total of 38 investments. The firm focuses on providing not only capital but also strategic guidance to its portfolio companies, helping them navigate challenges and scale effectively. The firm has a small team of two partners, allowing for a hands-on approach to investment and support.
Handshake Ventures has achieved notable milestones since its inception, including a diverse portfolio that emphasizes enterprise applications and high-tech solutions. The firm is actively seeking to back innovative founders who are building valuable companies in competitive markets.
Handshake Ventures primarily invests in early-stage companies, focusing on sectors such as SaaS, data infrastructure, AI-native enterprise tools, and deep tech. The firm targets pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, with a strong emphasis on B2B and enterprise technology investments. The average round size for seed stage investments is approximately $4.2 million, while Series A investments average around $7.3 million.
The firm seeks driven founders who are building innovative solutions that can significantly impact their industries. Handshake Ventures looks for startups that demonstrate strong potential for growth and scalability. The investment strategy is informed by the extensive experience of its team in enterprise software, allowing them to provide valuable insights and support to portfolio companies.
Handshake Ventures is committed to identifying and nurturing startups that are poised to make a difference in their respective markets. The firm’s approach includes a preference for co-investment opportunities, which enhances their ability to support portfolio companies effectively.
Handshake Ventures has a diverse portfolio of 19 companies, showcasing a strong emphasis on enterprise applications and high-tech solutions. Notable portfolio companies include:
Handshake Ventures has recorded three acquisitions within its portfolio, demonstrating a successful exit strategy. The firm’s investment strategy is heavily skewed towards enterprise applications, with 14 investments in this area, followed by 9 in high-tech and over 6 in AI-native solutions.
William Elmore - Founder & General Partner. William has a strong background in venture capital, previously serving as an emeritus partner at Foundation Capital, a top-tier Silicon Valley VC firm. He has extensive experience in early-stage technology investing and is involved in the Tech Diplomacy network.
Handshake Ventures operates with a small team of two partners, allowing for a focused and hands-on approach to investment and support for portfolio companies.
As of November 14, 2025, Handshake Ventures made its latest investment in Lative, participating in a Series A round. Additionally, the firm co-led a $700K seed round for Zaymo alongside Peak Sustainability Ventures. These recent activities highlight Handshake Ventures' ongoing commitment to supporting early-stage startups.
Overall, the firm has completed a total of 38 investments since its founding, with a significant focus on enterprise applications and high-tech solutions. The firm continues to actively deploy capital in the early-stage investment space.
What are Handshake Ventures' investment criteria?
Handshake Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in B2B and enterprise technology sectors, particularly in SaaS, data infrastructure, and AI-native tools. They look for driven founders with innovative ideas that have the potential to disrupt their industries.
How can startups apply or pitch to Handshake Ventures?
Startups interested in pitching to Handshake Ventures should prepare a detailed pitch deck that outlines their business model, market opportunity, and team background. While specific application forms are not mentioned, a warm introduction is preferred.
What makes Handshake Ventures different from other VC firms?
Handshake Ventures distinguishes itself through its focus on providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and support to its portfolio companies. The firm leverages the extensive experience of its team to help startups navigate challenges and scale effectively.
What is the geographic scope of Handshake Ventures?
Handshake Ventures is based in Palo Alto, California, and primarily invests in startups located in the United States, particularly those in the B2B and enterprise technology sectors.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Handshake Ventures typically invests in the range of $700K to $4.2M for seed stage rounds, with Series A investments averaging around $7.3M. The firm is focused on pre-seed to Series A stages.
What kind of post-investment involvement can startups expect?
Handshake Ventures provides ongoing support to its portfolio companies, including mentorship, operational guidance, and assistance with follow-on funding. The firm is actively involved in helping startups achieve their growth objectives.
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