Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Leonis Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2021, based in Silicon Valley. The firm focuses on supporting technical founders, particularly in the technology sector. Leonis Capital aims to provide not just capital but also valuable resources and insights to early-stage startups. The firm has established a strong research-driven approach, leveraging the expertise of a team of research fellows from prestigious institutions such as Stanford, MIT, Berkeley, and Harvard.
As of now, Leonis Capital manages a total of $25 million across its second fund, which closed in September 2025. The firm has a notable LP base that includes institutional investors, foundations, and executives from leading tech companies like Nvidia, OpenAI, and Anthropic. Leonis Capital is recognized for its commitment to identifying and nurturing the next generation of AI-native talent.
Leonis Capital invests primarily in AI-native startups, focusing on sectors such as industrial AI, infrastructure tools, and automation. The firm targets early-stage investments, specifically at the pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages. Their investment strategy combines technical knowledge with market insights, allowing them to support startups effectively. Leonis Capital particularly seeks out technical founding teams, especially those emerging from GitHub repositories, academic research labs, and deep engineering communities.
The firm emphasizes foundational models applied to enterprise and verticalized applications, aiming to back companies that demonstrate strong technical capabilities and innovative solutions. Leonis Capital's research-driven approach informs their investment decisions, ensuring they are well-positioned to identify promising opportunities in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Leonis Capital has a focused portfolio that includes notable companies such as:
These companies exemplify Leonis Capital's commitment to supporting technical founders and their innovative approaches within the AI sector.
Harry Qi - Founder & CEO. Harry has a background in technology and venture capital, with experience in supporting early-stage startups.
Chris Turlica - Founder & CEO. Chris brings expertise in venture investing and a strong understanding of the AI landscape.
Fryderyk Wiatrowski - Founder & CEO. Fryderyk has a technical background and experience in working with startups in the technology sector.
Alejandro León - Founder & CEO. Alejandro has a history of supporting technical founders and has a keen interest in AI innovations.
Jenny Xiao - Co-founder/Partner. Formerly a researcher at OpenAI, Jenny brings deep expertise in AI and machine learning.
Jay Zhao - Co-founder/Partner. Jay is a veteran venture investor with extensive experience in identifying promising startups.
To pitch Leonis Capital, founders should visit their website at leoniscap.com. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the startup's technology, market opportunity, and the founding team's qualifications. While specific response times are not disclosed, founders should expect a thorough review process given the firm's research-driven approach.
Warm introductions are preferred, especially from individuals within the firm's network or from trusted industry contacts. This can enhance the chances of receiving a timely response.
Leonis Capital runs the Leonis Alpha Program, which provides research-driven support for technical founders. This program includes community resources and market intelligence to help startups grow beyond just capital investment.
Additionally, the firm publishes the Leonis AI 100, a proprietary list of top AI companies that serves as a resource for deal sourcing and market intelligence.
In April 2026, Leonis Capital closed its second fund at $25 million, fully subscribed and focused on backing AI-native startups. This fund aims to enhance the firm's ability to support technical founders in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Leonis Capital has been featured in various media outlets, including Bloomberg Tax and Yahoo Finance, highlighting its unique approach to venture capital and its commitment to research-driven investments.
What are Leonis Capital's investment criteria?
Leonis Capital focuses on AI-native startups led by technical founders. They prioritize companies that demonstrate strong technical capabilities and innovative solutions, particularly those emerging from GitHub repositories and academic research labs.
How can I pitch to Leonis Capital?
Founders can submit their pitches through the official website at leoniscap.com. It is advisable to include detailed information about the technology, market potential, and the founding team's background in the pitch deck.
What makes Leonis Capital different from other VCs?
Leonis Capital distinguishes itself through its research-driven approach and its focus on supporting technical founders. The firm leverages insights from a team of research fellows from top institutions to inform investment decisions.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, Leonis Capital invests at the pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, indicating a focus on early-stage funding.
What is the geographic focus of Leonis Capital?
Leonis Capital primarily invests in startups based in the United States, with a particular emphasis on companies located in Silicon Valley.
What kind of support does Leonis Capital provide post-investment?
Beyond capital, Leonis Capital offers a research-driven support system through their Leonis Alpha Program, which includes community resources and market intelligence to help portfolio companies grow.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.