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Trust VC is a venture capital firm founded in 2018 in Austin, Texas by Salen Churi. The firm focuses on investing in startups that operate in industries significantly impacted by public policy barriers. Trust VC has established itself as a key player in the venture capital landscape, particularly in regulatory-heavy sectors. The firm manages multiple funds, including the Trust Ventures AI Fund, which targets innovative technologies in artificial intelligence and related fields.
Currently, Trust VC has a portfolio of 45 companies, including one unicorn, Base Power. The firm has demonstrated a commitment to addressing significant industry challenges by investing in sectors such as energy, healthcare, housing, and food. Trust VC's deep understanding of the government and public policy landscape allows it to provide valuable regulatory expertise and guidance to its portfolio companies.
Trust VC invests primarily in early-stage technology companies that operate in regulatory-heavy industries. The firm targets sectors such as energy, healthcare, housing, food, AI, SaaS, generative AI, and e-commerce. Trust VC's investment strategy involves underwriting regulatory risk before making investments, which enables them to support startups that tackle complex regulatory challenges. The firm typically invests in seed rounds averaging $10.9 million, Series A rounds averaging $16 million, and Series B rounds averaging $85.9 million.
Trust VC's focus on industries with significant public policy barriers allows it to identify unique opportunities for growth and innovation. Notable portfolio companies include modular nuclear energy provider Oklo, 3D-printed housing company ICON, and battery grid innovator Base Power. The firm has also invested in companies like Antora Energy and meati, which are recognized for their contributions to sustainable technology.
Trust VC's portfolio consists of 45 companies, showcasing a diverse range of innovative startups. Among these, one notable unicorn is Base Power, which specializes in battery grid technology. The firm has also invested in several companies recognized for their impact in the greentech sector, including:
Three of Trust VC's portfolio companies have been named in TIME's Top Greentech 2024, highlighting their significant contributions to environmental technology. The firm's investment strategy emphasizes supporting startups that navigate regulatory challenges in their respective industries.
Salen Churi - Founder and Managing Partner. Salen has a background in venture capital and public policy, with a focus on regulatory challenges in various industries. He has led multiple investments in startups addressing significant public policy barriers.
Founders interested in pitching to Trust VC should submit their proposals through the firm's website at trust.vc. It is important to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market analysis, and regulatory considerations. Trust VC values clarity and detail in pitches, and response times may vary based on the volume of submissions.
On November 12, 2025, Trust VC made its latest investment, continuing its active engagement in the venture capital space. Over the past 12 months, the firm has completed four investments, further expanding its portfolio of innovative companies.
What are Trust VC's investment criteria?
Trust VC focuses on early-stage technology companies in regulatory-heavy industries such as energy, healthcare, housing, and food. They look for startups that can effectively navigate public policy barriers and demonstrate innovative solutions to complex regulatory challenges.
How can founders apply or pitch to Trust VC?
Founders can pitch to Trust VC through their website at trust.vc. It is recommended to include a detailed business plan, market analysis, and information on how the startup addresses regulatory challenges.
What makes Trust VC different from other venture capital firms?
Trust VC differentiates itself by underwriting regulatory risk before investing, allowing them to support startups in industries that face significant public policy barriers. Their deep understanding of the regulatory landscape provides valuable insights to portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Trust VC's investments?
Trust VC primarily invests in the United States and North America, focusing on startups that operate within these regions and are affected by local regulatory frameworks.
What is the average check size for investments made by Trust VC?
Trust VC typically invests an average of $10.9 million in seed rounds, $16 million in Series A rounds, and $85.9 million in Series B rounds, reflecting their commitment to supporting startups at various stages of growth.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Trust VC have?
Trust VC provides regulatory expertise and guidance to its portfolio companies, helping them navigate policy barriers and scale their operations effectively. They often take an advisory role to ensure the success of their investments.
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