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Hustle Fund is a venture capital firm founded in 2017 by Elizabeth Yin, Shiyan Koh, and Eric Bahn. The firm is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, with additional operations in Singapore. Hustle Fund specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in the pre-seed and seed stages, with a total fund size of $46 million across multiple funds. The firm has made over 500 investments, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting a diverse range of startups.
Hustle Fund's unique approach emphasizes measuring founder success through week-over-week execution velocity rather than traditional metrics such as pedigree or market size. This philosophy allows the firm to identify high-potential startups that may be overlooked by other investors. The firm also operates a community layer called Angel Squad, which democratizes access to startup investing by allowing individuals to invest as little as $1,000 in selected startups from Hustle Fund's pipeline.
Notable milestones include the firm's active engagement in the startup ecosystem, with 20 investments made in the last 12 months. Hustle Fund's commitment to early-stage entrepreneurs is further reflected in its educational initiatives and networking opportunities provided through its Angel Squad program.
Hustle Fund primarily invests in early-stage startups, focusing on pre-seed and seed stages. The firm typically makes initial checks ranging from $25,000 to $500,000, with a sweet spot around $150,000. Hustle Fund's investment strategy is characterized by a data-driven approach, evaluating over 1,000 companies monthly and prioritizing execution velocity over traditional metrics like market size or founder background.
The firm targets a diverse range of sectors, including fintech, SaaS, AI, healthcare, consumer products, and Web3. Hustle Fund excludes investments in deep tech, hardware, pharmaceuticals, art/film, real estate, and traditional retail. Geographic focus includes the United States, Canada, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa, allowing for a broad reach in identifying promising startups.
Hustle Fund's emphasis on community engagement is evident through its Angel Squad program, which connects over 2,000 vetted angel investors with early-stage startups. This community not only provides capital but also fosters a supportive network for founders, enhancing the overall investment experience.
Hustle Fund has built a diverse portfolio of over 500 startups across various sectors. Notable companies include:
While specific names of all portfolio companies are not detailed, Hustle Fund's investments span B2B SaaS, digital health, fintech, and consumer software, reflecting a commitment to supporting innovative solutions in these areas.
Elizabeth Yin - Co-Founder, General Partner. Elizabeth has a background in technology and entrepreneurship, having previously co-founded LaunchBit and worked at Google. She is known for her expertise in early-stage investing and startup growth.
Shiyan Koh - Co-Founder, General Partner. Shiyan has extensive experience in venture capital and startup operations, previously working at 500 Startups. She focuses on supporting diverse founders and innovative startups.
Eric Bahn - Co-Founder, General Partner. Eric has a strong background in technology and venture capital, having co-founded Product Hunt. He brings valuable insights into product development and market strategy.
Haley Bryant - Partner. Haley has experience in early-stage investing and works closely with portfolio companies to provide operational support and mentorship.
Brian Nichols - GM - Angel Squad. Brian oversees the Angel Squad program, facilitating connections between angel investors and startups.
Wael Jabir - Chief of Staff. Wael supports the firm's operations and strategic initiatives, ensuring efficient processes within the organization.
To pitch Hustle Fund, founders should use the online application form available at this link. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the startup, the problem it addresses, the solution offered, and the team's qualifications. Founders are encouraged to be concise and focus on execution velocity as a key metric.
Hustle Fund typically responds to pitches within 48 hours, making it essential for founders to present their ideas clearly and compellingly. Warm introductions are beneficial but not required.
Hustle Fund operates the Angel Squad program, which is designed to educate individuals on angel investing and provide opportunities to invest in early-stage startups. Members of the Angel Squad can invest as little as $1,000 in selected startups from Hustle Fund's pipeline.
This program not only democratizes access to startup investing but also fosters a community of investors who can support each other and the startups they invest in. Hustle Fund also hosts various educational events and meetups to further engage its community.
On December 23, 2025, Hustle Fund made its latest investment, continuing its active engagement in the startup ecosystem. Over the past year, the firm has completed 20 investments, reflecting its commitment to supporting early-stage entrepreneurs.
Hustle Fund has also been involved in various events, including Camp Hustle Asia, held in Bali on September 18-19, which focused on connecting investors and startups. The firm remains dedicated to its mission of democratizing access to startup investing through its Angel Squad program.
What are Hustle Fund's investment criteria?
Hustle Fund invests in early-stage startups, primarily at the pre-seed and seed stages. The firm focuses on execution velocity over traditional metrics like pedigree or market size. They typically make initial investments ranging from $25,000 to $500,000, with a preference for checks around $150,000.
How can founders pitch to Hustle Fund?
Founders can pitch to Hustle Fund through their online application form available at this link. The firm encourages a concise presentation of the startup's vision, execution strategy, and market potential.
What makes Hustle Fund different from other VCs?
Hustle Fund emphasizes execution velocity as a key metric for evaluating startups, which sets it apart from traditional venture capital firms that may prioritize founder pedigree or market size. Additionally, the firm operates the Angel Squad program, allowing individuals to invest smaller amounts in startups, thereby democratizing access to startup investing.
What is the geographic scope of Hustle Fund's investments?
Hustle Fund invests in startups located in the United States, Canada, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa. This broad geographic focus allows the firm to tap into diverse markets and innovative solutions.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
Hustle Fund provides not only capital but also access to a large community of over 2,000 vetted angel investors through its Angel Squad program. This network facilitates co-investment opportunities and offers valuable resources and insights tailored for founders.
What is the typical response time for pitches?
Hustle Fund aims to make investment decisions within 48 hours of receiving a pitch, allowing for a swift response to founders seeking capital.
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