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Long Journey Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2020 and based in San Francisco, California. The firm was established by Lee Jacobs and Cyan Banister, who sought to create a platform that supports early-stage companies with unconventional ideas. Since its inception, Long Journey Ventures has raised over $450 million across four funds, with the latest, Long Journey IV, announced in March 2025, totaling $181.8 million.
The firm has invested in approximately 130 companies, focusing on sectors such as fintech, climate technology, cybersecurity, and more. Long Journey Ventures emphasizes a distinctive culture that values mentorship and community, creating a supportive environment for innovative entrepreneurs. Their approach is characterized by a commitment to understanding the narratives behind capital and fostering long-term relationships with founders.
Long Journey Ventures invests in early-stage companies across various sectors, including fintech, climate technology, cybersecurity, SaaS, proptech, creator economy, retail technology, and food agtech. The firm targets pre-seed to Series A stages, primarily within the United States. Their investment strategy is guided by principles that prioritize bold choices and the unique stories behind each business.
The firm seeks out unconventional ideas and outlier founders who challenge the status quo. Long Journey Ventures emphasizes disciplined capital stewardship, ensuring that founders respect investor capital while maintaining autonomy. This approach aligns with their belief in the importance of understanding the value of capital and the narratives that accompany it, ultimately fostering a culture of hospitality and support for innovative ideas.
Long Journey Ventures has a diverse portfolio of notable companies, including:
Recent investments include:
Lee Jacobs — Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Lee has extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, focusing on supporting early-stage companies with unconventional ideas.
Cyan Banister — Co-Founder & General Partner. Cyan previously worked at Founders Fund and was an early backer of companies like Uber, Postmates, and SpaceX, bringing a wealth of experience in identifying high-potential startups.
Arielle Zuckerberg — General Partner. Arielle has a background in technology and venture capital, contributing her expertise to the firm's investment strategy.
Jonathan Bruck — Venture Partner. Jonathan has a strong background in technology investments and supports the firm's portfolio companies with strategic guidance.
Justin Mares — Venture Partner. Justin specializes in early-stage investments and works closely with founders to help them navigate growth challenges.
Pascal Levy-Garboua — Venture Partner. Pascal brings experience in technology and entrepreneurship, focusing on supporting innovative startups.
Scott Banister — Venture Partner. Scott has a background in technology investments and provides valuable insights to portfolio companies.
To pitch Long Journey Ventures, founders should reach out via email at hi@longjourney.vc. It is advisable to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and unique aspects of the startup. The firm appreciates narratives that highlight bold choices and unconventional ideas.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back regarding their pitch within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, but cold outreach is also accepted.
In March 2025, Long Journey Ventures announced the launch of its latest fund, Long Journey IV, which raised $181.8 million. This fund continues the firm's commitment to investing in early-stage companies with unconventional ideas.
Throughout 2023, Long Journey Ventures made several notable investments, including companies like TrueMed, Crusoe Energy, and Together.ai, reflecting their focus on sectors such as fintech and climate technology.
Additionally, the firm has been recognized for its unique culture and approach to mentorship, which emphasizes founder autonomy and community support.
What are Long Journey Ventures' investment criteria?
Long Journey Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in unconventional and unique businesses across various sectors, including fintech, climate technology, and cybersecurity. They prioritize founders who challenge the status quo and embrace bold choices.
How can I apply or pitch to Long Journey Ventures?
Founders can pitch their ideas by reaching out via email at hi@longjourney.vc. It is recommended to include a detailed deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and the unique aspects of the startup.
What makes Long Journey Ventures different from other firms?
The firm emphasizes a culture of mentorship and community, providing protective and direct support to founders. Their unique approach, characterized by the principle of
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