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Saga Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2024 by Max Altman, Thomson Nguyen, and Ben Braverman. Based in the United States, the firm focuses on investing in technology-driven companies that address significant global challenges. The firm closed its inaugural fund, totaling $125 million, in March 2024, with plans to make approximately 30 investments. Saga Ventures aims to support ambitious founders at various stages of development, particularly in sectors such as artificial intelligence, logistics, climate impact, and financial services.
The firm positions itself as a return to traditional venture capital, emphasizing genuine relationships with founders and conviction-based seed investing. This approach distinguishes Saga Ventures from many firms that operate within the Silicon Valley hype cycle. The partners bring diverse operational backgrounds, enhancing their ability to provide strategic guidance and support to portfolio companies.
Saga Ventures invests primarily in early-stage software startups, with a strong emphasis on sectors that include artificial intelligence, logistics, climate impact, and financial services. The firm targets investments at various stages, including pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, Series A, Series B, and growth equity. Check sizes typically range from $2 million to $2.5 million per company, allowing for substantial support as startups grow.
The firm seeks to partner with ambitious founders who are addressing significant global challenges through technology solutions. Saga Ventures prioritizes conviction-based investing, which involves building deep relationships with founders and understanding their visions. This approach enables the firm to provide tailored support and strategic guidance, ensuring that portfolio companies can navigate the complexities of their respective markets effectively.
Saga Ventures has a diverse portfolio of approximately 30 companies, focusing on innovative solutions across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies exemplify Saga Ventures' commitment to investing in technology-driven solutions that tackle pressing global issues, from climate change to logistics efficiency.
Max Altman - Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Max previously served as a Partner at Alt Capital from 2021 to 2024, where he focused on early-stage investments. He is the brother of Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and brings a strong network and expertise in technology investments.
Thomson Nguyen - Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Thomson founded Nearside, a fintech platform for small businesses, in 2019, which was acquired by Plastiq in 2022. He has a background in data science and machine learning, having previously served as Head of Capital Data Science at Square.
Ben Braverman - Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Ben spent nearly nine years at Flexport, where he played a key role in scaling the company's go-to-market strategy. His extensive experience in logistics and enterprise sales enhances Saga Ventures' operational expertise.
To pitch to Saga Ventures, founders should use the preferred channel of their website at sagavc.com or email hi@sagavc.com. It is important to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team qualifications. The firm typically reviews pitches within a few weeks, and founders are encouraged to follow up if they do not receive a response.
In March 2024, Saga Ventures closed its inaugural fund, raising $125 million to invest in early-stage software startups. The firm is actively deploying capital and plans to make approximately 30 investments from this fund. The partners have been featured in various startup and venture capital publications, highlighting their unique approach to investing and commitment to supporting ambitious founders.
Recent discussions on platforms like the Venture Unlocked podcast have showcased the firm's investment philosophy and the importance of building genuine relationships with founders. Saga Ventures continues to gain recognition as an active investor in the startup ecosystem.
What are Saga Ventures' investment criteria?
Saga Ventures focuses on early-stage technology-driven companies that address significant global challenges. They invest in sectors such as AI, fintech, logistics, climate impact, and healthcare. The firm typically invests between $2 million and $2.5 million per company.
How can I apply or pitch to Saga Ventures?
Founders can pitch to Saga Ventures through their website at sagavc.com or by emailing hi@sagavc.com. It is recommended to include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch deck.
What makes Saga Ventures different from other VC firms?
Saga Ventures emphasizes conviction-based investing and building genuine relationships with founders. They aim to move away from the traditional Silicon Valley hype cycle, focusing instead on long-term partnerships and strategic guidance.
What is the geographic scope of Saga Ventures' investments?
The firm primarily invests in companies based in the United States, focusing on technology solutions that can have a global impact.
What is Saga Ventures' post-investment involvement like?
Saga Ventures provides strategic guidance and operational support to its portfolio companies. The partners leverage their diverse backgrounds in logistics, fintech, and early-stage investing to assist founders in navigating challenges and scaling their businesses.
What is the expected response time for pitches?
While specific response times may vary, founders can generally expect to hear back within a few weeks after submitting their pitch. It is advisable to follow up if no response is received within that timeframe.
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