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Yes VC is a venture capital firm founded in January 2018 by Caterina Fake and Jyri Engeström, based in San Francisco, USA. The firm focuses on funding early-stage ventures, particularly at the Pre-Seed and Seed stages, with a mission to support companies that are innovating in their respective fields and addressing significant global challenges. Yes VC aims to build a more human internet through its investments.
As of now, Yes VC manages a fund size of $50 million and has invested in over 40 companies. The firm emphasizes a founder-centric approach, providing strategic guidance and resources to help entrepreneurs navigate early-stage challenges. The team is composed of experienced professionals with backgrounds in technology and consumer-focused businesses, enhancing their ability to support portfolio companies effectively.
Yes VC invests in early-stage ventures across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, climate technology, consumer brands, and digital infrastructure. The firm is particularly interested in technology that is net-positive for society and supports innovations that can make a meaningful impact. Their investment strategy targets category-defining companies rather than feature-level startups, emphasizing authentic founder passion over mere market-size metrics.
The firm typically invests between $250,000 and $1 million in each company, focusing on Pre-Seed and Seed stages. Yes VC is committed to supporting companies that address significant global challenges, particularly in sectors like AI, climate technology, and consumer products. Their geographic focus is primarily on the United States, where they actively seek out innovative startups that align with their mission-driven investment thesis.
Yes VC has built a diverse portfolio of over 40 companies, with notable investments including:
Caterina Fake: Co-Founder and Venture Investor. Caterina co-founded Flickr, which was acquired by Yahoo. She has a history of investing in mission-driven companies, including Etsy and Kickstarter, and brings a wealth of experience in the technology sector.
Jyri Engeström: Co-Founder and Investor. Jyri founded Jaiku, which was acquired by Google, and has been an early investor in companies like Unity and Oura. He previously served as a partner at YCVC and True Ventures, contributing significant expertise in consumer technology.
To pitch Yes VC, founders should visit their website at yes.vc for submission guidelines. The firm prefers pitches that include a clear articulation of the startup's mission, market opportunity, and how it aligns with their investment thesis. While email communications are welcomed, responses may not be guaranteed, so founders should be prepared for potential delays in feedback.
In 2024, Yes VC saw notable exits with Adept AI being acquired by Amazon and Superhuman being acquired by Grammarly. Additionally, Core was acquired by WakeCap in 2025. The firm continues to actively build its portfolio, investing in innovative companies that align with its mission-driven approach.
As of late 2025, Yes VC remains engaged in new investments, focusing on early-stage ventures that address significant global challenges. Their commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation is evident in their ongoing deal activity.
What are Yes VC's investment criteria?
Yes VC focuses on early-stage ventures at the Pre-Seed and Seed stages, particularly in sectors like AI, climate technology, consumer brands, and digital infrastructure. They seek category-defining companies that are net-positive for society.
How can I pitch to Yes VC?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the Yes VC website at yes.vc. Email communications are welcomed, although responses may not be guaranteed.
What makes Yes VC different from other investors?
Yes VC emphasizes a founder-centric approach, providing significant value through active involvement from its founders, who have extensive experience in building and scaling technology and consumer-focused businesses.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Yes VC typically invests between $250,000 and $1 million in each company, focusing on early-stage funding.
What is the geographic scope of Yes VC's investments?
The firm primarily invests in the United States, targeting innovative startups that align with their mission-driven investment thesis.
What kind of post-investment support does Yes VC provide?
Yes VC offers strategic guidance and resources to help portfolio companies navigate early-stage challenges, emphasizing a collaborative relationship with founders.
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