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Twenty Two Ventures is a micro-venture capital firm founded in 2018 and based in San Francisco, California. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, particularly in sectors such as Software as a Service (SaaS), fintech, open source, marketplaces, and developer tools. With a total AUM of $20 million across five funds, Twenty Two Ventures has established itself as a key player in the seed investment space, having made over 100 investments since its inception.
The firm operates with a small team, currently consisting of two members, and emphasizes a hands-on approach to supporting founders. By engaging with companies before they publicly launch, Twenty Two Ventures aims to provide strategic guidance and foster innovation. Their notable portfolio includes companies like Airbyte and Whatnot, showcasing their commitment to backing ambitious entrepreneurs.
Twenty Two Ventures employs a focused investment strategy that targets early-stage companies, primarily in the United States. The firm invests in sectors such as SaaS, fintech, open source, marketplaces, and developer tools. Their typical check sizes range from $50,000 to $250,000, with a sweet spot around $150,000. This approach allows for quick decision-making and execution, enabling the firm to support founders at the earliest stages of their ventures.
The firm prioritizes investments in companies before they publicly launch, which aligns with their goal of engaging with ambitious founders. This early engagement allows Twenty Two Ventures to provide tailored support and strategic guidance, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation. Their investment thesis emphasizes the importance of quick execution and responsiveness to the needs of founders, making them a valuable partner for startups in their formative stages.
Twenty Two Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of over 100 companies, primarily focusing on seed-stage investments. Notable portfolio companies include:
Katey Caldwell - Founder & GP. Katey launched Twenty Two Ventures solo in 2018 and has since invested in over 100 companies through the firm's five funds. She has a strong background in early-stage investing and is dedicated to supporting ambitious founders.
Fred Benenson - Partner. Fred was the second employee at Kickstarter, where he rose to the position of VP of Data over six years. He later worked on Y Combinator's admissions team, focusing on engineering and founder interviews. His expertise in data-driven decision-making enhances the firm's investment strategy.
To pitch to Twenty Two Ventures, founders should reach out via email at hello@twentytwo.vc. It is advisable to include a concise deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background. While warm introductions are encouraged, they are not strictly necessary. Founders can expect a response within a reasonable timeframe, typically within a few weeks, depending on the volume of inquiries.
As of April 2023, Twenty Two Ventures continues to expand its portfolio, having made investments in over 100 companies since its founding. The firm remains active in the seed-stage investment space, particularly in sectors such as SaaS and fintech. Their notable portfolio includes companies like Whatnot, which has emerged as a leader in the livestream shopping market.
In recent months, Twenty Two Ventures has been recognized for its agile investment approach, allowing them to engage with founders before public launch. This strategy has positioned them as a valuable partner for early-stage startups looking for strategic guidance and support.
What are the investment criteria for Twenty Two Ventures?
Twenty Two Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in sectors such as SaaS, fintech, open source, marketplaces, and developer tools. They typically engage with companies before they publicly launch, allowing them to provide tailored support to ambitious founders.
How can I apply or pitch to Twenty Two Ventures?
Founders can reach out via email at hello@twentytwo.vc. A warm introduction within their network is encouraged, but not mandatory. They appreciate concise pitches that clearly outline the business model and market opportunity.
What makes Twenty Two Ventures different from other investors?
The firm specializes in making smaller check sizes, typically between $50,000 and $250,000, with a sweet spot around $150,000. This allows for quick decision-making and engagement with founders at the earliest stages of their ventures.
What is the geographic scope of Twenty Two Ventures?
Twenty Two Ventures primarily invests in companies based in the United States, focusing on early-stage startups that are poised for growth.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Twenty Two Ventures provides strategic guidance and support during the critical early stages of development. Their hands-on approach fosters a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and growth.
What is the fund size and check size range?
The firm has a total AUM of $20 million across five funds, with check sizes typically ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, and a sweet spot around $150,000.
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