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Humba Ventures is a venture capital firm based in the United States, founded by Leo Polovets, a former engineer at LinkedIn. Established to focus on hard tech and hard sectors, the firm aims to support founders who are developing innovative solutions in challenging and underexplored areas. The firm has a strong commitment to bridging the funding gap in critical sectors that are essential for future advancements.
Currently, Humba Ventures manages a fund size of $40 million and primarily invests in seed and early-stage companies. The firm has a history of backing companies that tackle complex challenges, particularly in sectors such as robotics, biotech, climate, and energy. Humba Ventures is known for its strategic guidance and expertise in hard tech, which enhances the chances of success for its portfolio companies.
Humba Ventures operates from its headquarters in the United States and has established a reputation for its focus on deep tech and American Dynamism. The firm is a sister organization to Susa Ventures and has been actively investing in a range of notable companies, demonstrating its commitment to supporting groundbreaking solutions.
Humba Ventures invests primarily in seed and early-stage companies across various sectors, including robotics, biotech, climate, energy, automation, manufacturing, and defense. The firm emphasizes supporting founders who are tackling complex challenges that others may shy away from. Their investment strategy is centered on hard tech and hard sectors, which are often overlooked by other venture capitalists.
The firm typically invests between $250,000 and $1 million, with check sizes varying based on the stage of the company. Humba Ventures focuses on pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, aiming to back companies that are pioneering solutions in difficult domains. Their investment thesis highlights a commitment to bringing in additional funding, with an aim of generating $2 to $3 for every dollar invested.
Humba Ventures seeks founders who demonstrate resilience and a strong vision for their companies. The firm values innovative approaches to solving pressing problems and looks for teams that are willing to tackle sectors that require significant technological advancements.
Humba Ventures has invested in a diverse range of notable companies, many of which are in stealth mode. The following are key portfolio companies:
These companies reflect Humba Ventures' commitment to investing in hard tech sectors and supporting founders who are developing innovative solutions in challenging areas.
Leo Polovets: Co-founder and General Partner at Humba Ventures. Leo was one of the first engineers at LinkedIn and has over a decade of experience in venture capital. He is also a co-founder of Susa Ventures and is known for his blog, "Coding VC," where he shares insights on venture capital and technology.
Anna-Sofia Lesiv: Investment professional at Humba Ventures, focusing on research and writing about deep tech topics. She is the newest member of the team and brings a fresh perspective to the firm's investment strategy.
To pitch to Humba Ventures, founders should use the preferred channel available on their website at humbaventures.com. It is essential to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
Founders can expect a response within a few weeks, depending on the volume of pitches received. Warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
Humba Ventures offers the Humba Ventures Fellowship (BETA), a deep tech fellowship program designed for founders. This program provides resources and mentorship to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of building innovative solutions in hard sectors.
Eligibility for the fellowship typically includes being a founder of a startup in the deep tech space. Interested candidates can apply through the firm's website for more information on the application process.
In December 2024, Humba Ventures announced the closing of its second fund, Humba II, with a size of $40 million. This fund is oversubscribed and focuses on deep tech and American Dynamism.
Humba Ventures has been actively investing in a range of notable companies, including Mytra, The Renatural, Heliux, Kerna Labs, Critical Energy, Swarm Aero, and Eyebot. These investments align with the firm's commitment to supporting founders who are building solutions in hard tech sectors.
What are Humba Ventures' investment criteria?
Humba Ventures primarily invests in seed and early-stage companies within hard tech sectors, including robotics, biotech, climate, and energy. The firm looks for founders who are tackling complex challenges and developing innovative solutions in underexplored domains.
How can I apply or pitch to Humba Ventures?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the firm's website at humbaventures.com. It is recommended to include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch deck.
What makes Humba Ventures different from other VCs?
Humba Ventures focuses exclusively on hard tech and hard sectors that are often overlooked by other investors. The firm leverages proven playbooks from successful startups and unicorns to enhance the chances of success for its portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Humba Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in companies based in the United States, focusing on sectors critical for future advancements.
What is the typical fund size and check size for investments?
Humba Ventures currently manages a fund size of $40 million. The firm typically invests between $250,000 and $1 million, depending on the stage of the company.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Humba Ventures have?
Humba Ventures provides significant value to its portfolio companies by offering strategic guidance and leveraging its expertise in hard tech. The firm aims to enhance the chances of success for its investments through active involvement and support.
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