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The Founder VC is a venture capital firm established in 2024, headquartered in Seattle, with an additional presence in San Francisco. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, particularly in the pre-seed and seed stages, with a commitment to supporting visionary founders who are leveraging Vertical AI to create category leaders. The firm launched its inaugural $5 million fund in early 2026, aiming to back operator-founders who are developing industry-specific AI applications that utilize advanced foundation models.
As of now, The Founder VC has a target portfolio size of 25 to 30 investments and has already invested in seven companies, with an aggregate capital raised of approximately $70 million across its portfolio. The firm has garnered attention from notable media outlets such as GeekWire, highlighting its active role in the Seattle startup ecosystem. The firm is backed by around 60 limited partners, indicating a strong foundation for future growth and investment.
The Founder VC specializes in investing in Vertical AI companies, primarily within the United States. The firm participates in pre-seed and seed stage rounds, with investment sizes typically ranging from $100,000 to $250,000. Their investment strategy often involves co-investing alongside other venture capital firms, which enhances their ability to support portfolio companies effectively.
The firm prioritizes operator-founders, with a significant portion of their portfolio founders holding VP or C-level positions in technology. Approximately 67% of current portfolio founders are in these roles, while 56% possess technical backgrounds. The firm believes that the next wave of durable startup value will emerge from founders building AI-native, industry-specific products rather than general-purpose AI tools. This focus on Vertical AI positions The Founder VC as a key player in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
The Founder VC's portfolio includes seven notable companies, each leveraging Vertical AI to address specific industry needs:
These companies collectively represent a diverse range of applications within the Vertical AI sector, showcasing The Founder VC's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in various industries.
Mia Lewin — Founding Partner. Mia is a serial founder with a successful track record of acquisitions and extensive experience in the startup ecosystem.
Paul Longhenry — Partner. Based in San Francisco, Paul has a long history as an investor and previously held executive roles at companies such as Tapjoy, Pinpoint Predictive, and Bolt.
Shail Kaveti — Partner. Shail brings a wealth of experience in technology investments and startup operations.
Jay Bartot — Technical Advisor and CTO. Jay has a deeptech background and previously ran labs at Madrona Venture Group, contributing significant technical expertise to the firm.
To pitch The Founder VC, founders should submit their proposals through the firm's website at thefounder.vc. It is recommended to include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch deck. The firm does not specify a formal application form but encourages a concise and compelling presentation of the startup's vision and potential.
Founders should expect a reasonable response time, although specific timelines are not disclosed. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory for submission.
In early 2026, The Founder VC publicly launched its inaugural $5 million fund, focusing on Vertical AI investments. The firm has been featured in various media outlets, including GeekWire, highlighting its commitment to supporting early-stage startups in the Seattle area and beyond.
As of April 2026, The Founder VC has successfully invested in seven companies, with a combined portfolio valuation exceeding $250 million. The firm has reported that 57% of its funding rounds have been oversubscribed, and 30% have been preempted by top-tier venture capital firms, indicating strong demand for its portfolio companies.
What are The Founder VC's investment criteria?
The Founder VC invests in early-stage companies, specifically in the pre-seed and seed stages, focusing on Vertical AI applications. They typically invest between $100,000 and $250,000 per round.
How can I pitch to The Founder VC?
Founders can pitch their ideas by visiting The Founder VC's website at thefounder.vc. They encourage submissions through their online platform.
What makes The Founder VC different from other investors?
The Founder VC focuses exclusively on Vertical AI, prioritizing operator-founders with significant industry experience. Their collaborative approach often involves co-investing with other firms, enhancing the support they provide to portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of The Founder VC's investments?
The firm primarily invests in companies based in the United States, with a strong emphasis on the Seattle startup ecosystem.
What kind of post-investment support does The Founder VC provide?
The Founder VC adds value through strategic guidance, industry connections, and resources tailored to accelerate growth and innovation for their portfolio companies.
What is the expected response time for pitches?
The Founder VC does not specify a response time for pitches, but they encourage founders to submit their proposals through their website for consideration.
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