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Hillsven is a seed venture capital firm founded in 2005 and based in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. The firm operates without limited partners, which allows for flexibility in their investment approach. This structure enables Hillsven to focus on making a limited number of investments each year, typically between two to three, ensuring a deep commitment to each startup they support.
Over the years, Hillsven has established a reputation for investing in innovative high-tech companies. The firm has a total of 28 portfolio companies and has recorded 13 notable exits. Their investment strategy is characterized by a hands-on approach, leveraging their extensive network and expertise to assist startups in their growth journey. Hillsven's commitment to a limited number of investments allows them to provide focused attention and resources to each company.
Hillsven primarily invests in seed-stage companies across various sectors, including AI, fintech, healthcare, consumer, SaaS, commerce, edtech, biotech, web3, and climate. The firm typically engages in 2 to 3 deals annually, emphasizing a selective investment strategy. Hillsven values referrals from trusted sources and seeks to collaborate with other investors who can add value to their investments. This collaborative approach enhances the support provided to portfolio companies.
The firm leads all seed rounds and does not follow on into later-stage rounds, allowing them to maintain a focused investment strategy. Check sizes range from $500,000 to $2 million, aligning with their commitment to high-conviction investments. Hillsven's geographic focus is primarily on startups located in the United States, particularly in Silicon Valley and Israel, which provides a dual focus for sourcing innovative companies.
Hillsven's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies, with notable exits and current investments. Key portfolio companies include:
Bobby Lent: Co-founder of Hillsven, Bobby has extensive experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in leading seed investments. His background includes a focus on high-tech startups, and he has been involved in several successful exits.
Boris Putanec: Co-founder of Hillsven, Boris brings a wealth of knowledge in the venture capital space. He has a strong track record of identifying promising startups and guiding them through their growth phases.
Startups interested in pitching to Hillsven should visit their website at hillsven.com. They prefer pitches that include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and the founding team's background. A warm introduction from a trusted source can significantly improve the chances of getting noticed.
Response times may vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks after submitting their pitch. Hillsven emphasizes the importance of collaboration, so they are open to working with other investors who can add value to their investments.
In November 2021, Hillsven celebrated the IPO of their portfolio company, Expensify, marking a significant milestone for the firm. This event highlighted Hillsven's successful investment strategy and commitment to supporting high-potential startups.
Hillsven continues to actively seek new investment opportunities, focusing on innovative high-tech companies in the United States. Their selective approach ensures that they maintain a high level of engagement with their portfolio companies.
What are Hillsven's investment criteria?
Hillsven focuses on seed-stage companies across various sectors, including AI, fintech, healthcare, and more. They typically engage in 2 to 3 investments annually and prioritize referrals from trusted sources.
How can startups apply or pitch to Hillsven?
Startups can pitch to Hillsven through their website at hillsven.com. They value referrals from trusted sources, so a warm introduction can be beneficial.
What makes Hillsven different from other venture capital firms?
Hillsven operates without limited partners, allowing for a flexible investment strategy. Their commitment to a limited number of investments each year enables them to provide focused attention and resources to each startup.
What is the geographic scope of Hillsven's investments?
The firm primarily invests in the United States, with a particular focus on Silicon Valley and Israel, allowing them to source innovative high-tech startups from these regions.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Hillsven typically invests between $500,000 and $2 million in seed-stage companies, aligning with their high-conviction investment strategy.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Hillsven have?
Hillsven takes a hands-on approach to support their portfolio companies, leveraging their network and expertise to assist in growth and development.
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