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.
Primary Venture Partners is a specialized seed-stage venture capital firm founded in 2015 by Ben Sun and Brad Svrluga in New York City. The firm has successfully raised $1.65 billion across five funds, with a current portfolio of 272 investments. The team consists of approximately 60 members, with over 20 operational staff, creating a unique structure where operational support outnumbers investors by a ratio of 2:1.
Since its inception, Primary Venture Partners has established itself as a significant player in the early-stage investment landscape, particularly in the technology sector. The firm has achieved notable milestones, including backing seven unicorns and facilitating two IPOs. Fund V, which closed in February 2026 with a total of $625 million, marks a continued commitment to supporting high-potential startups.
Primary Venture Partners invests primarily in early-stage companies across several sectors, including B2B SaaS, fintech, healthcare, AI/DevTools, and the built world/supply chain. The firm employs a low-volume, high-conviction investment strategy, typically making 2-3 investments per year from a pool of around 100 screened opportunities. Check sizes range from $100,000 to $10 million, with a sweet spot of $5-10 million for Fund V.
The firm seeks to partner with exceptional founders who are building innovative solutions that have not been seen before. Their investment thesis emphasizes backing 99th-percentile founders at moments of maximum risk, particularly those who can demonstrate a direct impact on their profit and loss statements.
Primary Venture Partners has a diverse portfolio that includes several notable companies:
In addition to these unicorns, Primary Venture Partners has facilitated significant exits, including:
Ben Sun: Co-Founder and Managing Partner, with a background in venture capital and technology investments.
Brad Svrluga: Co-Founder and Managing Partner, recognized on the Forbes Midas List for his contributions to the venture capital industry.
Cassie Young: Partner specializing in Go-To-Market technology, with extensive experience in scaling startups.
Zach Fredericks: Principal focusing on industrial investments, bringing expertise in operational efficiency.
Emily Man: Partner with a focus on fintech and enterprise AI, known for her strategic insights in the sector.
Jason Shuman: Partner specializing in Vertical AI, with a strong background in technology investments.
Brian Schechter: Partner focusing on infrastructure investments, leveraging his experience in the field.
Tobias Citron: Partner specializing in cybersecurity, with a deep understanding of the market.
Sam Toole: Partner focusing on healthcare investments, known for his insights into healthtech.
To pitch to Primary Venture Partners, founders should email sam@primary.vc. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market analysis, and team qualifications. Response times may vary, but founders should expect a thorough review process given the firm's selective investment strategy.
Primary Venture Partners operates an incubation engine called PrimaryLabs, which supports the launch of new companies within their portfolio. This program provides resources and mentorship to help startups navigate the early stages of growth and development.
On February 11, 2026, Primary Venture Partners made its latest investment, continuing its active engagement in the startup ecosystem. In 2025, the firm completed 19 investments, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting early-stage companies. Fund V, which closed in February 2026 with $625 million, marks a significant milestone in the firm's growth and investment capacity.
Q?
What are the investment criteria for Primary Venture Partners?
Primary Venture Partners focuses on early-stage technology companies in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, and AI. They prefer to invest in B2B SaaS and companies that demonstrate a direct impact on their profit and loss statements.
Q?
How can founders pitch to Primary Venture Partners?
Founders can pitch by emailing sam@primary.vc. It is advisable to include a detailed deck outlining the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
Q?
What makes Primary Venture Partners different from other VCs?
The firm has a unique operational support model, with a team of over 20 operational staff, providing extensive resources to portfolio companies. This structure allows them to offer significant mentorship and support beyond capital.
Q?
What is the geographic focus of Primary Venture Partners?
While initially focused on New York City, Primary Venture Partners is expanding its investment strategy to include startups nationwide.
Q?
What is the typical check size for investments?
Primary Venture Partners typically invests between $100,000 and $10 million, with a sweet spot of $5-10 million for their latest fund.
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.