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Scalar Capital is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm founded in 2018 by Linda Xie and Jordan Clifford, both former employees of Coinbase. The firm provides fund management and advisory services, primarily focusing on the cryptocurrency sector. Scalar Capital has established itself as a notable player in the crypto investment landscape, emphasizing technical research and protocol-level investing.
As of now, Scalar Capital manages approximately $25 million in assets under management (AUM). The firm has historically targeted seed and Series A funding rounds, primarily within North America, while also maintaining a global perspective on crypto investments. Scalar's portfolio includes several prominent companies in the blockchain and decentralized finance sectors, showcasing its commitment to investing in innovative technologies.
Scalar Capital's team consists of experienced professionals with backgrounds in finance and technology, allowing them to provide valuable insights and support to their portfolio companies. The firm has been recognized for its focus on blockchain infrastructure and decentralized systems, making it a significant player in the evolving cryptocurrency market.
Scalar Capital specializes in early-stage investments in the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors, with a particular emphasis on technical depth and infrastructure. The firm targets seed and Series A funding rounds, with check sizes ranging from $100,000 to $5 million. Scalar Capital's investment strategy focuses on projects that enhance privacy, censorship resistance, and decentralized systems, aligning with the growing demand for innovative solutions in the crypto space.
The firm has a strong interest in sectors such as web3 and fintech, reflecting its commitment to supporting projects that leverage blockchain technology for transformative applications. Scalar Capital seeks to invest in cryptoassets and blockchain protocols that demonstrate significant technical merit and potential for scalability. Their investment thesis emphasizes the importance of technical depth, particularly in areas related to decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain infrastructure.
Scalar Capital's geographic focus is primarily on North America, but it also maintains a global perspective, recognizing the international nature of the cryptocurrency market. The firm looks for founders who possess a deep understanding of their technology and market, as well as a clear vision for their project's impact on the industry.
Scalar Capital has invested in several notable companies within the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors. The following is a list of key portfolio companies:
These companies exemplify Scalar Capital's focus on technical innovation and infrastructure within the crypto space. Scalar's portfolio reflects its commitment to supporting projects that enhance privacy, decentralization, and the overall functionality of blockchain technology.
Linda Xie - Co-founder and Managing Director. Linda was an early employee at Coinbase, where she worked as a product manager focusing on internal compliance, fraud, and finance tools. She has also served as a portfolio risk analyst at AIG and an advisor to 0x.
Jordan Clifford - Co-founder and Managing Director. Jordan previously worked as a lead growth engineer at Coinbase and has experience as a software engineer at multiple startups. He also held a business analyst role at Capital One.
Yesim Kaymak - Director of Finance. Yesim has a background as a senior manager at KPMG, where she performed external audits of private and public companies. Her expertise in finance supports Scalar Capital's operational needs.
In September 2023, The Block reported that co-founder Linda Xie was transitioning out of a full-time investor role, leading Scalar Capital to enter maintenance mode. This shift indicates that the firm will not deploy new capital going forward, although it will continue to support its existing portfolio companies.
Scalar Capital has been recognized for its focus on technical research and protocol-level investing in the cryptocurrency sector. The firm has historically targeted seed and Series A investments, primarily within North America, while also maintaining a global perspective on crypto investments.
What are Scalar Capital's investment criteria?
Scalar Capital focuses on early-stage investments in the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors, particularly in projects that emphasize technical depth, privacy, and decentralized systems. The firm typically invests in seed and Series A rounds, with check sizes ranging from $100,000 to $5 million.
How can founders pitch Scalar Capital?
Founders interested in pitching Scalar Capital should prepare a detailed presentation that outlines their project's technical aspects, market potential, and team expertise. While Scalar does not have a formal application process, a warm introduction through industry connections may increase the chances of engagement.
What makes Scalar Capital different from other venture firms?
Scalar Capital distinguishes itself through its deep technical expertise in the cryptocurrency sector and its focus on protocol-level investing. The firm emphasizes advisory support and governance for its portfolio companies, leveraging its knowledge of blockchain technology to help navigate market complexities.
What is Scalar Capital's geographic focus?
Scalar Capital primarily focuses on North America for its investments but maintains a global perspective, recognizing the international nature of the cryptocurrency market.
What is Scalar Capital's post-investment involvement like?
Scalar Capital provides advisory support and governance to its portfolio companies, assisting them in navigating the complexities of blockchain technology and market dynamics. The firm aims to help its investments succeed through ongoing engagement and strategic guidance.
What is the current status of Scalar Capital?
As of September 2023, Scalar Capital has transitioned to maintenance mode, with no new capital deployment planned. The firm continues to support its existing portfolio companies but is not actively seeking new investments.
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