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SOSV

SOSV is a global venture capital firm based in Princeton, New Jersey, that focuses on early-stage deep tech startups. The firm operates several accelerator programs to support the development of innovative companies addressing significant global challenges.

Website
sosv.com
Founded
1995
Recorded stages
Pre Seed, Seed
Recorded regions
East Asia, Europe, Southeast Asia, United States

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Where SOSV ranks

Rankings that list SOSV
RankingEditionPositionSince last editionTrustWhat it measures
The most active startup accelerators and where they're investing2023#8No prior editionCActivity
Positions come from each publisher's edition. Open a ranking for its method and trust notes, or an edition for the full list.

Overview

SOSV is a deep tech venture capital firm founded in 1995 by Sean O'Sullivan (who coined the term "cloud computing" in 1996). Headquartered in Princeton, NJ with secondary base in Cork, Ireland. $1.5-1.6B AUM. 961 companies across 78 nationalities in 59 countries. 5 unicorns, 6 IPOs, 64 acquisitions. 67 staff including 30 partners.

Operates five specialized accelerator programs: HAX (hardware/hard tech), IndieBio (biotech/life sciences), Chinaccelerator (Asia market entry), MOX (mobile/emerging markets), and dlab (Web3, spun out as independent fund 2024). Fund V closed at $306M in 2024.

Focus

SOSV focuses on replacing humanity's means of production through deep tech. Fund V allocation: 70% climate tech, 25% health tech, 5% opportunistic. Programs by sector:

  • HAX: chemistry, electronics, robotics, manufacturing. $250K ($150K cash + $100K in-kind) for 10%. 6 months. Shenzhen, SF, Newark, Tokyo.
  • IndieBio: biotech, food tech, materials, therapeutics. $525K for 8-10%. 4-5 months. SF (flagship) and NYC.
  • Chinaccelerator: fintech, e-commerce, edtech for Asia market entry. 6 months.
  • MOX: mobile internet, cross-border scaling. Asia-focused.
  • dlab: Web3 infrastructure. Up to $250K. Fully remote. Spun out 2024.

Support

First check in deep tech. Multi-stage from pre-seed through Series B. 60 pre-seed investments + 150 follow-on annually. Proprietary ACE (Accelerator Contract for Equity) instrument. Tens of thousands of sq ft of in-house labs and fabrication facilities. HAX Newark: 35,000 sq ft (opened April 2024). IndieBio SF: full wet lab. Weekly strategy calls, assigned mentors, 2,000+ alumni network, $500K+ partner perks. Grant writing, tech transfer, IP support.

Questions

What are SOSV's investment criteria?

SOSV focuses on deep tech startups that address significant global challenges, particularly in climate tech, health tech, and physical AI. The firm primarily invests at the pre-seed stage, with initial checks ranging from $250,000 to $550,000.

How can I apply or pitch to SOSV?

Founders can apply through SOSV's application page at sosv.com/apply or contact them via email at contact@sosv.com.

What makes SOSV different from other venture capital firms?

SOSV distinguishes itself through its dual model of venture capital and accelerator programs, providing extensive resources and support to startups through HAX and IndieBio.

What is the geographic scope of SOSV's investments?

SOSV invests globally, with a significant presence in the United States, India, Europe, and Southeast Asia, supporting founders from diverse backgrounds.

What is the typical follow-on investment size?

Follow-on investments can reach up to $100 million through SOSV's Select Fund, allowing for significant support as companies scale.

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