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.
Lobster Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2023 and based in Silicon Valley, California. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups from Y Combinator (YC), focusing on companies that demonstrate potential for significant growth and impact. Founded by Gabriel Jarrosson, a French engineer and YouTuber, Lobster Capital leverages a systematic approach to identify promising companies within the YC ecosystem.
The firm’s debut fund closed at $12 million, exceeding its initial target of $8 million. Currently, Lobster Capital manages approximately $12 million in assets under management (AUM) and has invested in around 30 startups. The firm is known for its focus on the top 2% of Y Combinator startups, which allows it to concentrate on high-potential companies that are likely to achieve substantial market success.
Located in San Francisco, Lobster Capital has quickly established itself as a key player in the venture capital space, particularly within the YC community. The firm has a notable milestone of backing companies that have gone on to achieve significant exits, including the unicorn Jeeves. This success reflects the firm’s commitment to identifying and supporting exceptional founding teams.
Lobster Capital invests primarily in the top 2% of Y Combinator startups, emphasizing traction, scalability, and exceptional founding teams. The firm’s investment strategy is centered on supporting founders who are addressing substantial problems with sustainable business models. Their focus sectors include software as a service (SaaS), fintech, and artificial intelligence (AI), which are critical areas for innovation and growth in the current market.
The firm targets early-stage investments, specifically in the pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A stages. Check sizes typically range from $100,000 to $500,000, allowing for flexibility in supporting startups at various points in their development. Lobster Capital employs a systematic approach to identifying promising companies within the YC ecosystem, utilizing data-driven analysis to assess potential investments.
In addition to financial support, Lobster Capital provides strategic guidance and access to resources that facilitate growth and scalability for its portfolio companies. The firm actively seeks founders who demonstrate a clear vision and the ability to execute their business plans effectively.
Lobster Capital has invested in over 100 startups from Y Combinator, with a total investment exceeding $40 million. Notable portfolio companies include:
In addition to these notable companies, Lobster Capital has backed several others, including Jeeves, a fintech company that has achieved unicorn status. The firm’s portfolio reflects a diverse range of innovative solutions across various sectors, showcasing its commitment to supporting high-potential startups.
Gabriel Jarrosson: General Partner. Gabriel is a French engineer and YouTuber who founded Lobster Capital in 2023. He previously built one of Europe's largest angel syndicates and has extensive experience in identifying promising startups. His background in engineering and investment provides a strong foundation for his role at Lobster Capital.
To pitch Lobster Capital, founders should use the contact form available on their website at lobstercap.com. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, traction metrics, and the team’s background. Founders should also outline their growth strategy and how they plan to scale their operations.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, especially from trusted sources within the Y Combinator network, as this can enhance the likelihood of securing a meeting.
As of March 2026, Lobster Capital has been actively investing in the Y Combinator ecosystem, with a portfolio that exceeds 100 startups and total investments surpassing $40 million. The firm’s debut fund closed at $12 million in 2025, above its initial target of $8 million. Notable portfolio companies include Jeeves, which has achieved unicorn status, and several others that are making significant strides in their respective markets.
What are Lobster Capital's investment criteria?
Lobster Capital primarily invests in the top 2% of Y Combinator startups, focusing on companies that demonstrate traction, scalability, and sustainable business models. The firm looks for exceptional founding teams that are addressing significant problems in their respective markets.
How can startups apply or pitch to Lobster Capital?
Startups can pitch to Lobster Capital through their website at lobstercap.com. The firm encourages founders to provide a clear vision of their business model, traction metrics, and how they plan to scale their operations.
What makes Lobster Capital different from other venture firms?
Lobster Capital's unique focus on the top 2% of Y Combinator startups allows it to concentrate on high-potential companies that are more likely to succeed. The firm leverages its deep connections within the YC ecosystem to provide strategic guidance and resources to its portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Lobster Capital's investments?
The firm primarily invests in startups located in North America, particularly those that are part of the Y Combinator program. This geographic focus allows Lobster Capital to maintain close relationships with its portfolio companies.
What is the typical fund size and check size for Lobster Capital?
Lobster Capital's debut fund closed at $12 million, with check sizes typically ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. This allows the firm to support startups at various stages of their development.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Lobster Capital have?
Lobster Capital actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance and facilitating access to resources that support growth and scalability. The firm aims to help founders navigate challenges and achieve their business objectives.
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.