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Yellow Rocks! is a venture capital firm founded in 2013, with offices located in San Francisco and Lisbon. The organization focuses on investing in early-stage technology companies founded by talented entrepreneurs, particularly those targeting global markets with high growth potential. Since its inception, Yellow Rocks! has built a diverse portfolio of 29 companies across various sectors and geographies, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
The firm emphasizes innovation and aims to support startups that are poised to make a significant impact in their respective industries. Yellow Rocks! has been actively investing in innovative technology startups, particularly in the fields of fintech, edtech, and artificial intelligence. The firm has established a reputation for its dual-office structure, which facilitates transatlantic deal flow and enhances its ability to identify promising investment opportunities.
Yellow Rocks! invests in fast-growing early-stage tech companies, specifically in the Seed and Pre-Seed stages, with follow-on investments in Series A. The organization has a particular interest in sectors such as fintech, edtech, and artificial intelligence. Their investment strategy includes a focus on the Future of Work, which encompasses workflow automation, collaborative software, and productivity tools. In the edtech sector, Yellow Rocks! targets adult education and online learning platforms, while in fintech, they look for innovations in embedded finance, budgeting, and wealth management.
The firm typically writes checks ranging from $100,000 to $2 million, allowing them to support startups at various stages of their growth. Geographic focus includes North America, Europe, and Asia, reflecting their commitment to identifying and nurturing companies with global market potential. Yellow Rocks! seeks partnerships with startups that demonstrate a clear strategy for international expansion and a strong value proposition in their respective markets.
Yellow Rocks! has a diverse portfolio that includes 29 companies across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects Yellow Rocks!'s commitment to investing in technology-driven solutions that address contemporary challenges across multiple industries.
Sergei Bogdanov serves as the Managing Partner based in Lisbon, while Valerie Bertele is a Partner and heads the San Francisco office. The firm has a total team of 9, including 4 partners, indicating a strong leadership presence across its dual-office structure.
Startups interested in pitching to Yellow Rocks! should submit their proposals through the firm's website at yellowrocks.vc. It is important to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and financial projections. Yellow Rocks! typically reviews submissions promptly, and founders are encouraged to seek warm introductions when possible to enhance their chances of receiving a favorable response.
Yellow Rocks! operates the 'Pre-Seed to Succeed' program, which is designed to assist early-stage startups in refining their business models and achieving market traction. This program provides structured support, mentorship, and resources to help founders navigate the challenges of launching and scaling their businesses.
Eligibility for the program typically includes having a minimum viable product (MVP) and initial traction in the market. Startups interested in participating can apply through the Yellow Rocks! website.
As of November 2025, Yellow Rocks! has made significant strides in its investment activities, leading a $3 million Seed round in sociallinks.io alongside Altair Capital. The firm also co-led investments in globalwork.ai and FuseBase with other notable investors, including AltaIR Capital, Smart Partnership Capital, and I2BF Global Ventures. This activity highlights Yellow Rocks!'s ongoing engagement in the venture capital space and its commitment to supporting innovative technology startups.
In the past year, Yellow Rocks! has added five new companies to its portfolio, reflecting its active deployment strategy and focus on identifying promising early-stage ventures. The firm continues to prioritize investments in sectors such as AI, fintech, and edtech, aligning with its established investment thesis.
What are Yellow Rocks!'s investment criteria?
Yellow Rocks! primarily invests in early-stage technology companies at the Seed and Pre-Seed stages, with a focus on sectors such as fintech, edtech, and AI. They look for startups with a clear global market potential and a strong value proposition.
How can startups apply or pitch to Yellow Rocks!
Startups can pitch to Yellow Rocks! through their website at yellowrocks.vc. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and information about the team, market opportunity, and financial projections in the pitch deck.
What makes Yellow Rocks! different from other venture capital firms?
Yellow Rocks! emphasizes mentorship and strategic guidance in addition to capital investment. Their 'Pre-Seed to Succeed' program provides structured support for early-stage startups, helping them refine their business models and achieve market traction.
What is the geographic scope of Yellow Rocks!'s investments?
Yellow Rocks! has a global investment focus, with particular attention to North America, Europe, and Asia. This broad geographic reach allows them to tap into diverse markets and identify promising startups worldwide.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Yellow Rocks! typically invests between $100,000 and $2 million in their portfolio companies, allowing them to support startups at various stages of growth.
What is Yellow Rocks!'s post-investment involvement like?
Yellow Rocks! actively engages with their portfolio companies, providing access to a network of resources, mentorship, and strategic guidance. They aim to support founders in achieving their business objectives and scaling their operations.
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