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Lionheart Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2019 by a group of former entrepreneurs with extensive experience in raising capital and building successful companies. Based in San Francisco, California, the firm emphasizes ethical investment practices and aims to mitigate civilizational risks through its investments. The team consists of experts in AI safety, neuroscience, and psychedelic research, dedicated to supporting exceptional and ethical founders.
As of now, Lionheart Ventures manages a portfolio of 14 companies and operates with a check size ranging from $100,000 to $5 million, with a sweet spot of $1.5 million. The firm has not publicly disclosed its total assets under management (AUM) or fund size. Their notable milestones include investments in leading companies such as Anthropic and Calm, which align with their mission of enhancing human well-being.
Lionheart Ventures primarily invests in two key sectors: artificial intelligence and frontier mental health technologies. Their investment strategy emphasizes the responsible development of transformative technologies that enhance human flourishing and address significant global challenges, particularly the mental health crisis. The firm seeks to invest in companies that not only have the potential for substantial impact but also generate attractive returns for investors.
In terms of geographic focus, Lionheart Ventures primarily operates within the United States but maintains a global perspective, as evidenced by its investment in Switzerland-based Reconnect Labs. The firm looks for exceptional and ethical founders who are committed to creating significant societal impacts through their innovations. Their deal structure preferences include a range of check sizes, with a focus on early-stage investments.
Lionheart Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of 14 companies, focusing on innovative solutions in AI and mental health. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects Lionheart's commitment to investing in transformative technologies that address pressing global issues.
David Langer: Founder & Managing Partner. Co-founded Zesty, which was acquired by Square in 2018. He has made over 20 angel investments with a greater than 10x multiple on invested capital. He holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics from Oxford.
Shelby Clark: Partner. Founded Turo, which filed for IPO in 2022. He has an MBA from Harvard and is a mindfulness practitioner.
Brandon Goldman: Partner. Previously the lead architect at Blockfolio, which was acquired by FTX for $150 million. He was an early employee at Box and serves as Treasurer for the Foresight Institute.
Jurgen Herre: Partner. Has over $25 billion in experience across real estate, tech, and healthcare ventures. Formerly a Managing Director at Hines Europe.
Dr. Tim Mullen: Partner. A neuroscientist with 20 years of experience in neurotechnology. He co-founded Intheon and holds a PhD from UC San Diego.
Dr. Jessica Eisner: Venture Partner. Former FDA medical officer with a focus on global health.
Amy Emerson: Venture Partner. Founding CEO of Lykos Therapeutics, specializing in psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Huub Heijnen: Venture Partner. Co-founded Scape, which was acquired by Meta in 2020. He holds a Master’s degree in Robotics from ETH Zürich.
Cyrus Hodes: Venture Partner. Co-founded Stability AI and focuses on AI governance policy. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School.
Rob Nail: Venture Partner. Former CEO of Singularity University with expertise in robotics and holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from Stanford.
To pitch to Lionheart Ventures, founders should use the contact email hello@lionheart.vc or submit their pitch through the website at lionheart.vc. It is recommended to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team qualifications.
Founders can expect a response within a few weeks, depending on the volume of submissions. Warm introductions are preferred, but cold pitches are also accepted if they are well-prepared and clearly articulate the value proposition.
As of October 2023, Lionheart Ventures has been actively promoting its focus on transformative technologies through its website. The firm has outlined its investment thesis and notable portfolio companies, including Anthropic and Calm, which reflect its commitment to ethical investment practices.
While no recent blog posts or public announcements have been detected, the firm continues to engage with the startup community and maintain a presence in the venture capital landscape.
What are Lionheart Ventures' investment criteria?
Lionheart Ventures focuses on investing in companies within the artificial intelligence and frontier mental health sectors. They prioritize ethical founders who are committed to creating significant societal impacts while generating attractive returns for investors.
How can I apply or pitch to Lionheart Ventures?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the firm's website at lionheart.vc. It is advisable to include a detailed deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Lionheart Ventures different from other VC firms?
The firm emphasizes ethical investment practices and focuses on mitigating civilizational risks through its investments. Their team includes experts in AI safety and neuroscience, providing unique insights and support to portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Lionheart Ventures?
While primarily based in the United States, Lionheart Ventures maintains a global perspective, investing in companies outside the US, such as Reconnect Labs in Switzerland.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Lionheart Ventures typically invests between $100,000 and $5 million, with a sweet spot around $1.5 million for early-stage companies.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Lionheart Ventures have?
The firm adds value through a deep bench of operators, neuroscientists, and AI safety experts, providing strategic guidance and support in navigating the complexities of developing transformative technologies.
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