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MDSV Capital is a venture capital organization located in Palo Alto, California. Founded by veterans of Silicon Valley, the firm has over 20 years of experience in investing and entrepreneurship. MDSV Capital is dedicated to building an ecosystem of emerging manager funds (EMFs) and limited partners (LPs) that actively invest in venture capital. The firm has established itself as a key player in the venture capital space, focusing on sectors aligned with the current Innovation Supercycle.
The firm operates with a two-track approach, investing in top emerging manager funds and making direct co-investments into breakout portfolio companies. MDSV Capital's strategy, known as 'Emerging Manager Alpha at Scale,' aims to deliver balanced exposure to early-stage investments while directly supporting high-growth companies. The organization has a portfolio of 25 companies and is actively involved in community-building initiatives.
Notable milestones include the launch of the Emerging Outliers Fund in 2024 and the implementation of the Capital Extension Program, which provides follow-on funding for the fastest-growing portfolio companies. MDSV Capital continues to expand its influence in the venture capital landscape, with a strong focus on innovation and growth.
MDSV Capital invests in the top 1% of emerging manager funds, particularly those with less than $100 million in assets under management. The firm employs a strategy called 'Emerging Manager Alpha at Scale,' which aims to balance early-stage investments with direct investments in high-growth companies emerging from their portfolios. MDSV Capital focuses on sectors aligned with the current Innovation Supercycle, including artificial intelligence (AI), SaaS, fintech, defense technology, and frontier tech.
The firm targets investments across various stages, from pre-seed to Series A, and also engages in growth equity through its fund holdings. MDSV Capital seeks to identify and support high-potential companies that demonstrate strong growth potential. The organization values founders who are innovative, driven, and capable of executing their vision effectively. MDSV Capital's investment strategy is designed to provide balanced exposure to both emerging manager funds and breakout companies, ensuring a diversified portfolio.
MDSV Capital's portfolio includes 25 notable companies across various sectors. Key investments include:
This diverse portfolio reflects MDSV Capital's commitment to investing in high-growth sectors and supporting innovative startups.
Michael Downing - Managing Partner. Michael has extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, having worked with several successful startups in Silicon Valley.
Semin Valani - Managing Partner. Semin brings a wealth of knowledge in technology investments and has a strong track record of supporting high-growth companies.
Avery Kadison - Managing Partner. Avery specializes in early-stage investments and has a background in finance and technology.
Eric Woo - Venture Partner. Eric has a diverse background in venture capital and has been involved in numerous successful funding rounds.
To pitch MDSV Capital, founders should submit their proposals through the firm's website at mdsv.vc. It is important to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background. MDSV Capital prefers clear and concise presentations that highlight the startup's unique value proposition.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect feedback within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial, as they can enhance the chances of getting noticed by the investment team.
In 2024, MDSV Capital launched the Emerging Outliers Fund, focusing on direct co-investments in breakout companies from their portfolio. This initiative aims to enhance their investment strategy and provide additional support to high-growth startups.
The firm continues to expand its portfolio, currently comprising 25 companies across various sectors, including AI, fintech, and defense technology. MDSV Capital remains active in community-building efforts, hosting events like The Promontory and the Emerging Horizons conference series to connect emerging managers and limited partners.
What are MDSV Capital's investment criteria?
MDSV Capital focuses on investing in the top 1% of emerging manager funds with less than $100 million in assets under management. The firm looks for high-potential companies in sectors such as AI, SaaS, fintech, defense technology, and frontier tech. They prefer to invest in companies at the pre-seed to Series A stages.
How can founders pitch to MDSV Capital?
Founders can pitch their startups through the MDSV Capital website at mdsv.vc. It is advisable to include a clear business model, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch deck.
What makes MDSV Capital different from other venture capital firms?
MDSV Capital employs a unique strategy called 'Emerging Manager Alpha at Scale,' which combines investments in emerging manager funds with direct co-investments in breakout companies. This dual approach allows them to balance early-stage investments while supporting high-growth companies.
What is the geographic focus of MDSV Capital?
The firm has a global investment focus, with a particular emphasis on North America. They seek opportunities in various markets that align with their investment thesis.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
MDSV Capital provides value through its Capital Extension Program, which enables follow-on funding for the fastest-growing portfolio companies. They also foster a strong community through initiatives like The Promontory and the Emerging Horizons conference series.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, MDSV Capital typically invests in early-stage rounds, which can range from pre-seed to Series A funding stages.
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