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Laurence Innovation is a venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas, focused on pre-seed investments in early-stage companies. Founded by Tiana Laurence and David Nayer, the firm emphasizes supporting underrepresented founders, particularly women and people of color, in under-capitalized areas. The organization was established to invest in technologies related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which includes sectors such as AI, IoT, blockchain, biotech, and agtech.
The firm combines financial backing with a structured 12-week digital incubation program designed to help startups navigate their early growth phases. This program includes strategic planning, quantitative modeling, and business development support. Laurence Innovation aims to identify and support innovative companies that address significant global challenges, including climate change and food security.
Despite its promising mission, Laurence Innovation's current operational status appears uncertain, as its official website is under construction and recent activity has not been documented. The firm previously announced the closing of its Innovation Fund I pilot in January 2021, which allocated $125,000 across 18 investments, and opened Fund II for rolling implementation.
Laurence Innovation primarily targets pre-seed investments across several sectors, including AI, IoT, blockchain, biotech, aerospace, and agtech. The firm seeks to invest in companies that leverage Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to solve pressing global issues, such as climate change and food security. The investment strategy emphasizes diversification and aims to support overlooked founders, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
The firm’s check sizes have not been disclosed, but the initial fund pilot allocated $125,000 across 18 investments, suggesting a focus on smaller, early-stage funding. Laurence Innovation's digital incubation program is a key component of its investment strategy, providing startups with essential resources and guidance to enhance their chances of success in the competitive landscape.
While the firm has a clear focus on hard tech and diversity initiatives, the lack of detailed information regarding its current operational status and investment activities raises questions about its ongoing engagement in the venture capital space.
Laurence Innovation has invested in a diverse range of companies, focusing on innovative technologies. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies reflect Laurence Innovation's commitment to supporting technologies that address significant global challenges and its focus on sectors that are critical to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Tiana Laurence - Partner / General Partner. Tiana is a blockchain industry veteran and angel investor. She has a strong background in technology and entrepreneurship, focusing on supporting underrepresented founders.
David Nayer - Partner. David is a serial entrepreneur and inventor with extensive experience in commercial operations. He co-founded Laurence Innovation and plays a key role in guiding the firm’s investment strategy.
As of April 2026, Laurence Innovation's official website is under construction, and no recent investment announcements or updates have been documented since 2021. The firm previously closed its Innovation Fund I pilot in January 2021 and opened Fund II for rolling implementation.
Given the lack of recent activity and the current status of the official domain, founders should verify any current engagement directly with Tiana Laurence or David Nayer before pursuing investment opportunities.
What are Laurence Innovation's investment criteria?
Laurence Innovation focuses on pre-seed investments in sectors such as AI, IoT, blockchain, biotech, aerospace, and agtech. The firm emphasizes supporting underrepresented founders and those in under-capitalized areas.
How can I pitch to Laurence Innovation?
While specific pitch application details are not available, founders are encouraged to reach out directly to Tiana Laurence or David Nayer for potential discussions regarding investment opportunities.
What makes Laurence Innovation different from other VC firms?
The firm combines financial investment with a structured 12-week digital incubation program, providing startups with strategic planning, quantitative modeling, and business development support.
What is the geographic focus of Laurence Innovation?
Laurence Innovation primarily focuses on investments within the United States, particularly in Austin, Texas, and aims to support founders from under-capitalized regions.
What is the fund size and check size?
The fund size for Laurence Innovation's initial pilot was $125,000 allocated across 18 investments. Specific check sizes for subsequent funds have not been disclosed.
What is the post-investment involvement like?
Laurence Innovation provides ongoing support through its digital incubation program, which includes resources for strategic planning and business development to help portfolio companies succeed.
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