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Kapor Capital is an Oakland-based venture capital firm founded in 2011 by Mitch Kapor and Freada Kapor Klein. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage startups that address significant gaps of access, opportunity, or outcome for low-income communities and communities of color in the United States. Kapor Capital aims to create a more just society through its investments, emphasizing technology-driven solutions that tackle issues affecting African-American and Latinx communities.
As of now, Kapor Capital manages a total of $126 million across its funds, with over 170 companies in its portfolio. The firm has transitioned leadership, with co-founders stepping back from day-to-day operations in May 2022, leaving managing partners Brian Dixon and Ulili Onovakpuri to lead the firm. In May 2025, Onovakpuri announced her departure, leaving Dixon as the primary managing partner. Kapor Capital has established a reputation for its commitment to social impact alongside profitability, actively engaging with the startup ecosystem.
Notable milestones include the launch of the Kapor Capital Fellows program, which has graduated over 60 students since its inception, aimed at supporting underrepresented individuals in the tech industry. The firm is located in Oakland, California, and has a diverse LP base that includes institutional impact investors and foundations.
Kapor Capital invests in technology-driven early-stage companies that address critical gaps of access and opportunity for low-income communities and communities of color in the United States. The firm focuses on sectors such as healthcare, fintech, climate, and consumer goods, with a particular interest in startups that enhance economic opportunities and outcomes for marginalized groups. Investment stages include Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A, with average check sizes ranging from $250,000 for Pre-Seed to up to $3 million for Series A.
The firm seeks startups that align with its mission of social impact, particularly those that focus on education, finance, healthcare, and workforce development. Kapor Capital emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion within business strategies and supports founders in establishing these goals. The firm’s investment thesis is centered on closing gaps of access for low-income communities and underrepresented communities of color, aiming to create a more equitable society.
Kapor Capital has invested in over 170 startups across various sectors, with notable companies including:
Other notable exits from the portfolio include early investments in Uber, Omada Health, and Thrive Market. The firm has also invested in companies like TomoCredit, which focuses on credit solutions for young adults and immigrants, and Daylight, a digital banking platform designed for the LGBTQ+ community. Kapor Capital's portfolio reflects its commitment to supporting startups that drive social change and economic empowerment.
Brian Dixon: Managing Partner since January 2021, Brian Dixon is one of the youngest Black partners in Silicon Valley history. He has taken on a primary leadership role following the departure of Ulili Onovakpuri in May 2025. Dixon has a strong background in venture capital and is committed to advancing social impact through investments.
Ulili Onovakpuri: Former Managing Partner who joined in January 2021 and departed in May 2025. Onovakpuri started as a principal over a decade ago and advanced to managing partner, contributing significantly to the firm's mission and investment strategy.
Brandon Boros: Venture Partner since May 2024, Boros focuses on climate-tech and ed-tech investments. His expertise in these sectors adds depth to Kapor Capital's investment strategy.
Mitch Kapor: Co-founder and legendary tech figure known for creating Lotus 1-2-3. He has stepped back from day-to-day operations but remains an influential figure in the firm.
Freada Kapor Klein: Co-founder who stepped back alongside Mitch Kapor in May 2022. She has been instrumental in shaping the firm's mission and focus on social impact.
To pitch to Kapor Capital, founders should submit their applications through the Kapor Capital Pitch page. The firm prefers pitches that include a clear articulation of the startup's mission, its alignment with Kapor Capital's focus on social impact, and details about the team and market opportunity. Founders should also include information about their diversity and inclusion goals as part of their business strategy.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are encouraged, as they can enhance the chances of securing a meeting with the firm.
Kapor Capital runs the Kapor Capital Fellows program, which has graduated over 60 students since its inception in 2011. This program focuses on supporting underrepresented individuals in the tech industry, providing them with mentorship and resources to help them succeed in their careers. The program aims to create a diverse talent pipeline for portfolio companies, aligning with Kapor Capital's mission of enhancing economic opportunities for marginalized communities.
In 2023, Kapor Capital deployed $10.7 million across 19 companies, continuing its commitment to social impact investing. The firm is targeting a total of 51 deals for Fund III, which closed at $126 million in September 2022, marking its largest fund to date with outside LPs.
In 2024, Kapor Capital made a significant $25 million joint investment with the Omidyar Network and the San Francisco Foundation, focusing on responsible and equitable AI in education and regulation in California. Additionally, the firm co-organized the NBA Foundation All-Star 2025 Pitch Competition in the San Francisco Bay Area, further emphasizing its engagement with the startup ecosystem.
What are Kapor Capital's investment criteria?
Kapor Capital invests in early-stage technology-driven startups that address gaps of access and opportunity for low-income communities and communities of color. The firm focuses on sectors such as healthcare, fintech, climate, and consumer goods.
How can I apply or pitch to Kapor Capital?
Interested parties can submit their applications through the Kapor Capital Pitch page. The firm encourages startups that align with their mission to apply.
What makes Kapor Capital different from other venture firms?
Kapor Capital emphasizes social impact alongside profitability, focusing on investments that enhance economic opportunities for marginalized communities. The firm actively supports diversity and inclusion within its portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Kapor Capital's investments?
The firm primarily invests in startups located in the United States, particularly those addressing issues affecting low-income communities and communities of color.
What is the typical fund size and check size for investments?
Kapor Capital's Fund III has a total size of $126 million, with average check sizes ranging from $250,000 for Pre-Seed investments to up to $3 million for Series A rounds.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Kapor Capital have?
Kapor Capital provides strategic guidance, access to a network of industry experts, and support in navigating the challenges of scaling for its portfolio companies. The firm also runs the Kapor Capital Fellows program to help underrepresented individuals enter the tech industry.
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