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Tango.vc is a venture capital fund founded by Ivan Kirigin in 2020, located in the Redwood City and San Francisco Bay Area. The firm focuses on pre-seed and seed investments, primarily in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and robotics. Tango.vc has a fund size of $25 million, which is actively being deployed across promising startups in these sectors.
Since its inception, Tango.vc has aimed to support exceptional technical founders who are developing innovative solutions. The firm emphasizes technical depth and market clarity, ensuring that the companies it backs are well-positioned to succeed in competitive markets. Ivan Kirigin's extensive background in robotics and AI, including experience at iRobot and Lyft, informs the firm's investment strategy and approach.
As of now, Tango.vc operates as a solo-GP fund, with Ivan Kirigin as the primary decision-maker. The firm has established a reputation for backing companies that are at the forefront of technological advancement, particularly in hard technology and autonomous systems.
Tango.vc invests primarily in early-stage companies within the AI, machine learning, and robotics sectors. The firm seeks to identify and support technical founders who are developing hard technology and autonomous systems, as well as those creating AI infrastructure and developer tools. The investment strategy is centered around backing teams that can defend technically challenging products and articulate their market potential effectively.
The firm typically invests between $25,000 and $500,000 in its portfolio companies, with a focus on pre-seed and seed stages. Tango.vc is particularly interested in startups that demonstrate a strong technical foundation and a clear go-to-market strategy. The geographic focus is primarily on the United States, with a particular emphasis on the San Francisco Bay Area.
In addition to financial support, Tango.vc provides significant value to its portfolio companies through technical feedback, assistance with hiring, and introductions to potential investors. This hands-on approach helps founders navigate the complexities of building and scaling their businesses in competitive environments.
Tango.vc has built a notable portfolio that includes several high-profile companies:
This diverse portfolio reflects Tango.vc's commitment to investing in innovative technologies that have the potential to reshape industries.
Ivan Kirigin - Founder and General Partner. Ivan has a strong background in robotics and AI, having studied at NYU and CMU. He has worked at iRobot on self-driving systems and has experience in product and growth roles at Facebook and Dropbox. Ivan founded Tango.vc in 2020 after leaving Lyft to invest full-time in early-stage startups.
To pitch to Tango.vc, founders should use the preferred channel available on their website at this link. It is important to include a detailed deck that outlines the technology, market opportunity, and team qualifications. Founders can expect a response within a reasonable timeframe, although specific timelines may vary.
Warm introductions are beneficial but not strictly necessary. The firm values clarity and depth in pitches, so founders should focus on presenting a compelling narrative about their startup.
In September 2025, Tango.vc announced the active deployment of Fund III, targeting $25 million. This fund is focused on pre-seed and seed investments in AI, machine learning, and robotics.
Recent blog posts from Tango.vc include topics such as 'Concentration' and a personal endorsement of the portfolio company 'Lovable', highlighting ongoing engagement with their audience.
What are Tango.vc's investment criteria?
Tango.vc focuses on early-stage investments in AI, machine learning, and robotics. The firm looks for technical founders who can demonstrate a strong understanding of their technology and market potential.
How can I pitch to Tango.vc?
Founders can pitch to Tango.vc through their website at this link. It is recommended to include a clear explanation of the technology, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch.
What makes Tango.vc different from other investors?
Tango.vc is led by a solo GP, Ivan Kirigin, who has extensive experience in robotics and AI. This allows for a more personalized approach to investment and support for portfolio companies.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Tango.vc typically invests between $25,000 and $500,000 in its portfolio companies, with a focus on pre-seed and seed stages.
What geographic areas does Tango.vc focus on?
The firm primarily invests in the United States, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area, but is open to opportunities that fit their investment thesis.
What kind of support does Tango.vc provide to its portfolio companies?
Tango.vc offers significant value through technical feedback, assistance with hiring, go-to-market strategies, and introductions to potential investors. This support is tailored to the specific needs of each portfolio company.
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