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Night Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2019 by Kevin Carter, based in San Francisco, California. The firm has established itself as a significant player in the early-stage investment landscape, focusing on pre-seed and seed rounds. Night Capital has made over 1,300 investments and has backed more than 30 unicorns, showcasing a prolific track record in identifying high-potential startups.
Kevin Carter, the founder, previously served as a General Partner at SV Angel from 2009 to 2018, where he honed his skills in early-stage investing. Night Capital operates with a small team, emphasizing a founder-first approach that prioritizes the needs and visions of entrepreneurs. The firm is strategically located in Northern California, a hub for innovation and technology.
Notable milestones include the firm's rapid growth in portfolio size and the successful exits of several companies in its investment history. Night Capital continues to build on its legacy by supporting exceptional founders who are innovating in large markets.
Night Capital focuses on early-stage investments, specifically in the pre-seed and seed stages. The firm typically invests between $300,000 and $500,000 in startups, emphasizing sectors such as AI, SaaS, FinTech, and Enterprise software. This investment strategy is driven by a high-cadence deployment model, which allows the firm to cast a wide net at the pre-seed stage while relying on the quality of founders and the size of the market as primary filters for investment decisions.
The firm seeks to partner with exceptional entrepreneurs who are building innovative solutions in large markets. Night Capital's investment thesis is centered around supporting founders who demonstrate strong vision and potential for growth. The firm’s approach is characterized by a commitment to providing guidance and resources to help startups navigate the challenges of early-stage development.
Night Capital's portfolio includes several notable companies that exemplify its investment strategy:
In addition to these current investments, Kevin Carter has a history of investing in high-profile companies such as Snap, Pinterest, Airbnb, GitHub, Twitter, Dropbox, Coinbase, Square, Slack, PagerDuty, Amplitude, Hims, DoorDash, Twilio, Opendoor, Wise, Segment, Elastic, Credit Karma, Warby Parker, Casper, Oscar, Instacart, Flexport, Gusto, Dave, Hugging Face, and Farmer's Dog. This extensive track record highlights Night Capital's ability to identify and support companies that achieve significant market impact.
Kevin Carter - Founder and General Partner. Kevin has over 17 years of experience in early-stage investing and previously served as a General Partner at SV Angel from 2009 to 2018. He has been recognized in Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in both 2012 and 2013 for his contributions to the venture capital industry. Kevin has led investments in numerous successful companies, including Snap, Pinterest, and Airbnb, establishing a strong reputation in Silicon Valley.
To pitch Night Capital, founders should visit the firm's website at nightcapvc.com. The pitch deck should include essential elements such as the business model, market analysis, team background, and financial projections. Night Capital prefers clear and concise presentations that effectively communicate the startup's vision and potential.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory for submission.
In recent months, Night Capital has actively invested in several high-profile startups, including Deel, Zip, Kalshi, and Underdog. These investments reflect the firm's commitment to supporting exceptional founders in the early stages of their ventures. Kevin Carter's involvement in these companies, particularly as a board member for Underdog, highlights his hands-on approach to guiding portfolio companies.
Night Capital continues to build on its legacy of successful investments, with a focus on sectors such as AI and FinTech, indicating a strategic interest in emerging technologies and market trends.
What are Night Capital's investment criteria?
Night Capital invests in early-stage startups, focusing on pre-seed and seed rounds. The firm typically looks for exceptional founders who are innovating in large markets, particularly in sectors like AI, SaaS, and FinTech.
How can I apply or pitch to Night Capital?
Founders can pitch their startups through the Night Capital website at nightcapvc.com. It is advisable to include a clear business model, market analysis, and the team's background in the pitch deck.
What makes Night Capital different from other VC firms?
Night Capital emphasizes a founder-first approach, providing not only capital but also mentorship and access to a robust network in Silicon Valley. Kevin Carter's extensive experience and track record in early-stage investing further distinguish the firm.
What is the geographic scope of Night Capital's investments?
While primarily based in Northern California, Night Capital invests in startups across the United States, focusing on companies that demonstrate significant market potential.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Night Capital typically invests between $300,000 and $500,000 in each startup, allowing for substantial support at the earliest stages of development.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Night Capital provides ongoing support to its portfolio companies, leveraging Kevin Carter's experience and network to assist founders in navigating challenges and scaling their businesses.
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