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Hypothesis is a venture studio and fund founded in 2018, based in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. The organization operates remotely, emphasizing that exceptional companies can emerge from anywhere, not just traditional startup hubs like Silicon Valley. Hypothesis focuses on supporting mission-driven entrepreneurs who are solving significant problems, regardless of their geographical location.
Currently, Hypothesis manages a portfolio of 36 companies, reflecting its commitment to investing in diverse sectors such as healthcare, edtech, agtech, fintech, logistics, IoT, and AI. The firm operates with a team of approximately 13 individuals, including five partners, and has established itself as a hybrid model that builds and funds early-stage companies. Notable milestones include a strong track record of portfolio exits, with three IPOs and seven acquisitions.
Hypothesis invests in early-stage companies at the pre-seed and seed stages, with a focus on sectors including healthcare technology, education technology, agricultural technology, logistics, fintech, IoT, and software services. The firm emphasizes a hands-on approach, providing not just capital but also extensive support in product development, marketing, sales, design, and recruiting. This model allows them to work closely with founders to help them navigate the challenges of building a startup.
The organization believes that exceptional founders and mission-driven tech companies exist outside Silicon Valley, particularly in US 'emerging markets.' Hypothesis seeks to create asymmetric upside by supporting these founders and their innovative solutions. The firm looks for mission-driven entrepreneurs who are addressing significant problems and demonstrates a commitment to fostering their growth through active involvement.
Hypothesis has built a diverse portfolio of 36 companies, showcasing its commitment to various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects Hypothesis's strategy of investing in mission-driven companies that are solving significant challenges across various industries.
Bong Koh - Investment Partner: Bong has extensive experience in venture capital and has led multiple successful investments in early-stage companies.
Peter Brack - Investment Partner: Peter specializes in technology investments and has a strong background in supporting startups in various sectors.
John Ryu - Investment Partner: John brings expertise in finance and has a track record of successful exits in his previous roles.
Chelsea Burkett - Venture Partner: Chelsea focuses on strategic partnerships and has a background in business development.
Swati Doshi - HR Partner: Swati is responsible for talent acquisition and organizational development within the portfolio companies.
Keith Hong - Growth Partner: Keith specializes in scaling startups and has a strong network in the tech industry.
Jeff Hou - Growth Partner: Jeff has a background in product management and helps portfolio companies refine their offerings.
Doh Koh - Technology Partner: Doh focuses on technology integration and innovation within the portfolio.
Justin LaBaw-Rivers - Design Partner: Justin brings design expertise to help startups enhance their user experience.
Nic Roth - Product Partner: Nic specializes in product strategy and development for early-stage companies.
Nick Schreiber - Sales Partner: Nick focuses on sales strategies and revenue generation for portfolio companies.
James Smits - Venture Partner: James has a background in venture capital and supports startups in their growth phases.
Nancy Soni - Talent Partner: Nancy focuses on talent management and organizational culture within the portfolio.
Craig Elson - Special Advisor: Craig provides strategic advice and insights based on his extensive industry experience.
Welby Chen - Venture Partner: Welby specializes in early-stage investments and has a strong network in the startup community.
To pitch Hypothesis, founders should reach out via email. It is recommended to include a concise deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background. Hypothesis encourages warm introductions but is open to direct pitches as well.
Founders can expect a response within a few weeks, depending on the volume of inquiries. Providing clear and compelling information in the initial outreach can help expedite the review process.
Hypothesis runs a program called Hypothesis Studio, which focuses on building and funding early-stage companies. This program is designed to support mission-driven entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary resources and guidance to succeed.
Eligibility for the program includes being a founder of an early-stage company in sectors such as healthcare, edtech, agtech, fintech, logistics, IoT, and AI. Interested founders can apply through the Hypothesis website for more information on how to participate.
In recent activity, Hypothesis made a notable investment in Brooklyn Health, focusing on digital health solutions. Additionally, they invested in Kloopify, further expanding their portfolio in innovative sectors.
As of May 2025, Hypothesis has a total of 36 companies in its portfolio, with three IPOs and seven acquisitions recorded. This demonstrates the firm's active engagement in building and supporting its portfolio companies.
What are Hypothesis's investment criteria?
Hypothesis invests in early-stage companies at the pre-seed and seed stages across sectors such as healthcare, edtech, agtech, fintech, logistics, IoT, and AI. They prioritize mission-driven founders who are addressing significant problems.
How can founders apply or pitch to Hypothesis?
Founders can pitch to Hypothesis via email. They encourage entrepreneurs to apply to become co-founders of studio companies, providing a unique opportunity for collaboration.
What makes Hypothesis different from other venture funds?
Hypothesis operates as both a venture studio and a fund, actively building companies in addition to providing capital. This hands-on approach allows them to offer extensive support in product development, marketing, sales, design, and recruiting.
What is Hypothesis's geographic scope?
Hypothesis has a global investment approach, focusing on exceptional companies outside traditional startup hubs, particularly in US 'emerging markets.'
What is the typical check size for investments?
Specific check sizes have not been disclosed, but Hypothesis focuses on pre-seed and seed investments, which typically range from $100,000 to $1 million.
What is Hypothesis's involvement post-investment?
Hypothesis takes a hands-on approach post-investment, providing support in various areas such as product development, marketing, sales, design, and recruiting to help portfolio companies succeed.
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