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.
Spero Ventures is a boutique venture capital firm founded in San Francisco to support purpose-led companies. Established by Shripriya Mahesh, a former eBay executive, the firm focuses on backing founders who leverage technology to address significant global challenges. Spero Ventures aims to create a healthy, sustainable, and fulfilling future through disciplined execution and innovation.
Currently, Spero Ventures manages a portfolio of 30 companies and operates primarily in the United States. The firm typically leads or co-leads seed and Series A funding rounds, investing between $2 million and $10 million. Their commitment to impact investing aligns with their mission to improve human well-being across health, education, and the future of work.
Notable milestones include their active participation in the growing impact VC ecosystem in San Francisco, where they have established a reputation for supporting innovative startups that prioritize sustainability and human flourishing.
Spero Ventures invests in companies innovating at the intersection of new industries and technologies. Their investment strategy encompasses several key sectors, including healthcare, climate, fintech, edtech, artificial intelligence, and consumer products. The firm is particularly interested in companies that contribute to a Healthy Future, Sustainable Future, and Fulfilling Future.
Investment areas include health and longevity, sustainable systems for water, food, energy, and transportation, as well as technologies that transform how people create and learn. Spero Ventures typically leads or co-leads seed and Series A funding rounds, with investments ranging from $2 million to $10 million. Initial check sizes generally fall between $2 million and $4 million.
Founders who demonstrate a commitment to purpose-led innovation and the potential to address significant global challenges are particularly appealing to Spero Ventures. The firm seeks to partner with entrepreneurs who are not only focused on financial returns but also on creating a positive impact on society.
Spero Ventures has invested in a diverse array of companies, showcasing their commitment to innovation across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects Spero Ventures' focus on companies that leverage technology to address significant global challenges, particularly in health, sustainability, and education.
Shripriya Mahesh - General Partner: Shripriya has a background in technology and venture capital, having previously worked at eBay. She focuses on impact investing and has led numerous investments in purpose-driven companies.
Andrew Parker - General Partner: Andrew brings extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, with a strong focus on health and sustainability sectors.
Sara Eshelman - General Partner: Sara specializes in technology investments and has a keen interest in companies that leverage innovation for social impact.
Marc Tarpenning - Venture Partner: Marc is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, known for his expertise in technology and product development.
Stephen Wemple - Principal: Stephen focuses on sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities, particularly in the health and education sectors.
Nolan Shah - Investment Analyst: Nolan supports the investment team in conducting market research and due diligence on potential portfolio companies.
To pitch Spero Ventures, founders should visit their website at Spero Ventures for detailed instructions. The firm prefers pitches that include a clear overview of the company's mission, technology, and market potential. Founders should be prepared to discuss their business model, competitive landscape, and growth strategy.
While Spero Ventures does not specify a formal application form, they encourage warm introductions whenever possible. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks after submitting their pitch.
As of March 2026, Spero Ventures has been actively investing in a diverse range of companies, including a no-code platform for AI tools and real-time location intelligence for hospitals. Their portfolio also features innovations in drug formulation discovery and unified monitoring for energy systems.
In June 2025, Spero Ventures participated in a Series A funding round for a real-time location intelligence company aimed at enhancing safety in healthcare settings. Additionally, they invested in a no-code platform for AI tools in July 2025, showcasing their commitment to supporting technology-driven solutions.
Recent investments reflect Spero Ventures' focus on purpose-led innovation and their dedication to addressing significant global challenges through technology.
What are Spero Ventures' investment criteria?
Spero Ventures focuses on purpose-led companies that leverage technology to address significant global challenges. They invest in sectors such as healthcare, climate, fintech, edtech, AI, and consumer products. The firm typically leads or co-leads seed and Series A funding rounds, with investments ranging from $2 million to $10 million.
How can I apply or pitch to Spero Ventures?
Founders interested in pitching to Spero Ventures can visit their website at Spero Ventures for more information on the application process. They encourage pitches that clearly outline the company's mission, technology, and potential impact.
What makes Spero Ventures different from other VC firms?
Spero Ventures distinguishes itself by focusing on purpose-led innovation and impact investing. Their commitment to improving human well-being across health, education, and the future of work sets them apart from traditional venture capital firms.
What is Spero Ventures' geographic scope?
The firm primarily invests in companies based in the United States, although they may consider opportunities in other regions that align with their investment thesis.
What is Spero Ventures' post-investment involvement like?
Spero Ventures provides strategic support and guidance to portfolio companies, leveraging their expertise in technology and impact investing to help founders navigate challenges and scale their innovations effectively.
What is the typical check size for Spero Ventures?
Spero Ventures typically invests between $2 million and $10 million, with initial check sizes generally falling between $2 million and $4 million.
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.