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Obvious Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2014 by Ev Williams, James Joaquin, and Vishal Vasishth. The firm is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and has grown to manage over $1 billion in assets under management (AUM). With a team of 21 members, including 9 partners, Obvious Ventures focuses on investing in companies that are reimagining trillion-dollar industries through a lens of positive global impact.
Since its inception, Obvious Ventures has established itself as a leader in early-stage investments, particularly in sectors that address significant global challenges. The firm operates primarily in North America and has built a diverse portfolio of 113 companies, including five unicorns. Notable milestones include the launch of the Obvious 360 Fund, which aims to invest $360 million in companies focused on planetary, human, and economic health.
Obvious Ventures employs a thematic investment strategy centered around three primary pillars: planetary health, human health, and economic health. The firm seeks to back frontier innovations that combine profit and purpose, focusing on category-creating companies primarily at the Seed and Series A stages. Typical check sizes range from $2 million to $15 million, with a sweet spot around $5 million.
The sectors of interest include artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, clean energy, fintech, and sustainable consumer products. Obvious Ventures looks for visionary leaders who are building breakthrough solutions that address humanity's biggest challenges, emphasizing the integration of values at the core of their business models.
Obvious Ventures has a diverse portfolio of 113 companies, including five unicorns. The firm has made significant investments in notable companies such as:
Recent investments include:
Ev Williams: Co-Founder. Known for co-founding Twitter and Medium, he brings extensive experience in building successful tech companies.
James Joaquin: Co-Founder & Managing Director. He has a background in venture capital and entrepreneurship, focusing on impactful investments.
Vishal Vasishth: Co-Founder & Managing Director. He has experience in technology and investment, contributing to the firm's strategic direction.
Andrew Beebe: Managing Director. He has a strong background in venture capital and technology investments.
Kahini Shah: Partner. She specializes in investments in health and sustainability sectors.
Rohan Ganesh: Partner. He focuses on technology-driven investments and has a background in engineering and finance.
Jack Rothacher: Chief Financial Officer. He oversees financial operations and strategy.
Sarah Whitesell: Finance Manager. She manages financial planning and analysis.
Joycelyn Feng: Finance Senior Associate. She supports financial operations and reporting.
Jessica Nett: Chief of Staff. She coordinates operations and strategic initiatives within the firm.
Startups interested in pitching to Obvious Ventures should use the contact form available at obvious.com/contact/ or email info@obvious.com. The pitch deck should include a clear explanation of the startup's mission, how it aligns with the firm's investment pillars, and the potential for both financial and societal impact. Response times may vary, so founders should be prepared for follow-up discussions.
Obvious Ventures has launched the Obvious 360 Fund, which aims to invest $360 million in companies focused on planetary, human, and economic health. This fund is designed to support startups that align with the firm's mission of creating positive societal impact.
On November 1, 2025, Obvious Ventures made its latest investment, continuing its trend of active engagement in the startup ecosystem. In the past 12 months, the firm has completed 12 investments, demonstrating its commitment to backing innovative companies.
Recent notable investments include OpenHands, which raised $18.8 million in Series A funding, and Inductive Bio, which secured $25 million in Series A funding alongside a16z and Lux Capital.
Q?
What are the investment criteria for Obvious Ventures?
Obvious Ventures focuses on companies that align with their three pillars: planetary health, human health, and economic health. They seek category-creating companies primarily in AI, biotech, clean energy, and fintech.
Q?
How can startups apply or pitch to Obvious Ventures?
Startups can pitch to Obvious Ventures through their website at obvious.com/contact/ or via email at info@obvious.com.
Q?
What is the typical check size for investments?
Obvious Ventures typically invests between $2 million and $15 million, with a sweet spot around $5 million.
Q?
What makes Obvious Ventures different from other VC firms?
Obvious Ventures emphasizes a
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