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WXR Fund is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, focused on investing in early-stage companies led by female entrepreneurs and gender-diverse teams. Established in 2021, the fund emerged from the WXR Accelerator, which successfully supported 26 pre-seed startups in spatial computing and artificial intelligence (AI) during its cohorts in 2018 and 2019. The inaugural fund closed at $5 million, aimed at addressing the funding gap faced by diverse founding teams.
The firm primarily invests in sectors such as spatial computing, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and AI, with a strong emphasis on healthcare, education, media, and e-commerce. WXR Fund operates with a mission to empower underrepresented founders and drive innovation through capital and community resources. The firm’s commitment to gender diversity in leadership is a core aspect of its investment strategy.
WXR Fund is actively involved in the San Francisco startup ecosystem, with a geographic focus that extends to Seattle and Los Angeles. The firm emphasizes hands-on support, providing portfolio companies with access to a network of resources, mentorship, and media exposure to enhance their visibility and success.
WXR Fund specializes in investing in early-stage companies that leverage spatial computing technologies, including AR, VR, and AI. The firm targets pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, with check sizes ranging from $100,000 to $1 million. The fund is particularly interested in sectors such as healthcare, education, enterprise training, media, entertainment, and e-commerce, with a strong focus on gender diversity in leadership.
The investment thesis of WXR Fund combines two critical filters: the next computing paradigm and gender-diverse leadership. The firm seeks to invest in companies that not only utilize spatial computing and AI but also prioritize diverse founding teams. WXR Fund believes that diverse teams are often underfunded despite demonstrating stronger performance, and it aims to bridge this gap through targeted investments and support.
WXR Fund's approach includes providing hands-on support and ecosystem connections to its portfolio companies, enhancing their chances of success. The firm emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration, aiming to create a supportive environment for female founders and their ventures.
WXR Fund has invested in a diverse range of companies that exemplify its focus on spatial computing and gender diversity. The portfolio includes:
This portfolio reflects WXR Fund's commitment to supporting female-led ventures that are at the forefront of technological innovation in spatial computing and AI.
Martina Welkhoff - Managing Partner. Martina is a serial entrepreneur who founded a mobile gaming startup and ConveneVR. She has served as Board President of Women in Tech Seattle and has participated in XR councils and advisory roles.
Amy LaMeyer - Managing Partner. Amy has a background at Akamai Technologies, where she led diligence and integration for over $1.5 billion in M&A. She has since become an advisor and investor in AR/VR technologies.
Abby Albright - Founding Venture Partner. Abby has extensive experience in AR enterprise adoption at Daqri, working across various sectors including aerospace and manufacturing. She also has a strong background in startup capital procurement.
Malia Probst - Founding Venture Partner. Malia is a founding partner at VRScout and hosts VR/AR podcasts. She has significant access to immersive media companies and deals, enhancing WXR Fund's reach in the industry.
To pitch WXR Fund, founders should visit their website at wxrfund.com for detailed information on the application process. While specific pitch guidelines are not publicly disclosed, it is advisable to include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and the team’s diversity in the pitch deck.
Founders should also be prepared for a decision timeline of approximately one month. Warm introductions may enhance the chances of receiving a response, but the firm does not explicitly state a preference for this approach.
In 2021, WXR Fund announced the closing of its inaugural $5 million fund, marking a significant milestone in its mission to support female entrepreneurs in spatial computing and AI. This fund is the first of its kind focused exclusively on women pioneering the next wave of computing.
Neha Singh, founder of Obsess, highlighted WXR Fund's crucial role in her company's journey from accelerator through two funding rounds, showcasing the fund's impact on its portfolio companies.
What are WXR Fund's investment criteria?
WXR Fund invests in early-stage companies that leverage spatial computing technologies and prioritize gender diversity in leadership. The firm focuses on sectors such as healthcare, education, media, and e-commerce.
How can I pitch to WXR Fund?
Founders interested in pitching to WXR Fund should visit their official website at wxrfund.com for more information on the application process.
What makes WXR Fund different from other venture capital firms?
WXR Fund is distinct in its commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs and gender-diverse leadership in the tech industry, particularly in the spatial computing sector. The firm provides not only capital but also hands-on support and community resources.
What is the geographic focus of WXR Fund?
The fund primarily invests in companies based in the United States, with a specific focus on regions such as San Francisco, Seattle, and Los Angeles.
What is the typical check size for investments?
WXR Fund typically writes checks ranging from $100,000 to $1 million for its investments in early-stage companies.
What is the decision timeline for investments?
The decision timeline for investments is approximately one month, allowing founders to receive timely feedback on their pitches.
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