<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/"><channel><title><![CDATA[The VC]]></title><description><![CDATA[We cover the VC ecosystem in depth, building connections between firms, solo capitalists and startup founders.]]></description><link>https://the.vc/</link><image><url>https://the.vc/favicon.png</url><title>The VC</title><link>https://the.vc/</link></image><generator>Ghost 5.36</generator><lastBuildDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:58:26 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://the.vc/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><ttl>60</ttl><item><title><![CDATA[Accel Launches $650 Million Fund]]></title><description><![CDATA[Accel's new $650M fund targets early-stage AI and cybersecurity startups in Europe and Israel, marking continued confidence in the region's tech potential.]]></description><link>https://the.vc/accel-launches-650-million-fund/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6643bb0dd696ed8415eb1643</guid><category><![CDATA[Briefing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Venture Capital]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Vattan PS]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2024 19:28:54 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In a significant boost to the European and Israeli startup ecosystems, venture capital giant Accel has announced a new $650 million fund aimed at early-stage investments, particularly focusing on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity sectors.</p><p>The new fund is poised to invest in startups from seed to Series A stages across the U.K., continental Europe, and Israel. Accel&apos;s robust portfolio already includes over 200 companies in these regions, with more than 100 current investments. Noteworthy past investments include high-profile successes like Spotify and Supercell, which underscore the region&apos;s potential to produce globally competitive tech enterprises.</p><p>As European tech continues to mature, Accel&apos;s new fund not only underscores the firm&apos;s bullish stance on the region but also promises to catalyze the next wave of cutting-edge startups in Europe and Israel.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Playground Global Raises $410 Million for Deep Tech Ventures]]></title><description><![CDATA[Playground Global's $410M Fund III boosts deep tech and science ventures, focusing on transformative technologies across various sectors including AI, infrastructure, and biotech.]]></description><link>https://the.vc/playground-global-raises-410-million-for-deep-tech-ventures/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">65886e59d696ed8415eb15e0</guid><category><![CDATA[Venture Capital]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Vattan PS]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 15 Dec 2023 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://playground.vc/?ref=the-vc">Playground Global</a>, an early-stage venture capital firm specializing in deep technology and science, has announced the raising of $410 million for its Fund III. This new fund brings the firm&apos;s total assets under management to over $1.2 billion, signifying a substantial commitment to transformative technologies and category-defining businesses. With a focus on Seed and Series A companies, Fund III will invest in areas such as next-gen computing, logistics, automation, infrastructure, decarbonization, and engineered biology.</p><p>The Playground team, led by Peter Barrett and other tech-savvy general partners, aims to back companies that are creating the next generation of technologies. Their investment philosophy centers on identifying and supporting groundbreaking developments in various sectors, including computing and AI. This approach is evident in their early investments in firms like PsiQuantum, MosaicML, and Velo3D.</p><p>With a team of over 40 experts, many of whom have technical backgrounds, Playground is well-equipped to identify and support technology companies. The firm&apos;s investment and technology teams work in tandem with operating and platform teams to provide comprehensive support in areas such as capital formation, business development, talent, and marketing from the earliest stages.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lightspeed Faction Launches $285M Crypto Fund]]></title><description><![CDATA[Lightspeed Faction's $285M fund targets early-stage crypto startups, aiming to drive innovation in blockchain technology across various sectors.]]></description><link>https://the.vc/lightspeed-faction-launches-285m-crypto-fund/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">65886ca3d696ed8415eb15c9</guid><category><![CDATA[Briefing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Crypto]]></category><category><![CDATA[Venture Capital]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Vattan PS]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 10 Nov 2023 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.faction.vc/?ref=the-vc">Lightspeed Faction</a>, a joint venture with Lightspeed Venture Partners, has launched its inaugural $285 million fund, focusing on early-stage crypto and blockchain startups. The fund, exceeding its initial target of $250 million, reflects investor confidence and Faction&apos;s commitment to long-term investment in the sector. </p><p>With a strategy that is agnostic to specific industry verticals, Lightspeed Faction is set to support a range of projects, including those in DeFi, infrastructure, NFTs, and others that utilize blockchain technology to offer real utility.</p><p>Already having deployed about 20% of its capital in companies like Crossmint, Lens, Matter Labs, Narya.ai, and Skip.money, Faction plans a three-year deployment period, emphasizing flexibility in its investment approach. The fund&apos;s average check size ranges between $5 to $10 million, enabling it to lead seed rounds and early Series As effectively.</p><p>As the crypto market experiences a rally, Faction remains focused on the long-term potential of cryptocurrencies as a key technology trend. The firm&apos;s partnership with Lightspeed Venture Partners provides a robust platform for its ventures, while maintaining its unique LP base and investment discretion. Faction&apos;s launch is a strategic move, signaling strong belief in the transformative potential of blockchain technology in the decades ahead.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Greylock Launches $1B Fund Focusing on AI and Early-Stage Startups]]></title><description><![CDATA[Greylock's new $1B fund and Greylock Edge program underscore a deep commitment to AI-focused, early-stage startups, aiming to shape the future of technology.]]></description><link>https://the.vc/greylock-launches-1b-fund-focusing-on-ai-and-early-stage-startups/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">65886ac4d696ed8415eb15b4</guid><category><![CDATA[Briefing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Venture Capital]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Vattan PS]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 06 Oct 2023 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://greylock.com/?ref=the-vc">Greylock</a>, a venture capital firm renowned for investing in companies like Airbnb and Meta, announced Greylock 17, its latest $1 billion fund focusing on AI-first startups. This fund will target pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages across sectors like cybersecurity, fintech, and consumer.</p><p>Alongside, Greylock introduced Greylock Edge, a unique company-building program for early-stage founders, offering flexible funding and comprehensive support. With a history of successful early investments, Greylock&apos;s new initiatives underscore its commitment to pioneering AI innovations and supporting entrepreneurs from inception to growth.</p><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Northzone Secures €1 Billion in Landmark Fund]]></title><description><![CDATA[Northzone's record €1B fund underscores its commitment to nurturing tech innovation, from seed stage startups to IPO, amidst global challenges.]]></description><link>https://the.vc/northzone-secures-eu1-billion-in-landmark-fund/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">65886847d696ed8415eb159d</guid><category><![CDATA[Venture Capital]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Vattan PS]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 15 Sep 2023 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Amidst the ongoing global climate crisis and socioeconomic uncertainties, <a href="https://northzone.com/?ref=the-vc">Northzone</a>, a leading European venture capital firm, has announced a landmark &#x20AC;1 billion fund. This fund, the largest in Northzone&apos;s history, signifies a strong commitment to nurturing the next generation of changemakers in technology. With a focus on startups from seed stage to IPO, Northzone aims to propel technological innovation as a key driver of societal growth.</p><p>Northzone&apos;s extensive portfolio includes major successes such as Spotify, Personio, and Klarna. The firm has consistently demonstrated its ability to identify and support high-potential startups, with recent investments in diverse sectors like grocery discounter Motatos and edtech company Microverse. In 2021, Northzone expanded its investments to 26 new companies, maintaining a steady investment pace in 2022.</p><p>Distinctly, Northzone adopts a &apos;glocal&apos; investment approach, with a team of 36 members representing 16 nationalities operating across six countries. This international perspective has been pivotal in scaling companies globally. The firm&apos;s platform team, led by partner Elena Pantazi, offers comprehensive support in marketing, talent, finance, and legal matters. This team is essential for deal acquisition and scaling ventures, reflecting Northzone&apos;s holistic approach to venture capital.</p><p>Northzone is not only investing in traditional sectors like fintech, healthtech, SaaS, and consumer markets but is also exploring emerging areas such as &apos;payments 2.0&apos; and climate technology. The firm recognizes the need for innovations that can significantly change consumer behavior and address the challenges in B2B payment systems.</p><p>In conclusion, Northzone&apos;s &#x20AC;1 billion fund symbolizes its confidence in the transformative power of technology and its dedication to fostering innovation that addresses both current and future global challenges.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[NATO Sets Up $1B Fund to Back Startups]]></title><description><![CDATA[NATO launches a $1B Innovation Fund to invest in startups that align with its defense and security goals, emphasizing emerging technologies and human empowerment.]]></description><link>https://the.vc/nato-sets-up-1b-fund-to-back-startups/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">64d266f8d696ed8415eb155c</guid><category><![CDATA[Briefing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Venture Capital]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Vattan PS]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 02 Aug 2023 16:03:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>NATO, the defense alliance, has officially closed its first fund, committing &#x20AC;1 billion (around $1 billion) to the <a href="https://www.nif.fund/home?ref=the-vc">NATO Innovation Fund</a> (NIF). This fund is designed to support startups that are developing technologies in line with NATO&apos;s defense and security objectives, emphasizing &quot;safety, freedom, and human empowerment.&quot;</p><p>The NIF aims to invest in startups focusing on emerging and disruptive technologies, including AI, biotechnology, quantum computing, space technology, hypersonic systems, energy, new manufacturing and materials, and next-gen communications. </p><p>The fund will make both direct investments in startups and indirect investments in other funds that support similar startups. Initial investments will be up to &#x20AC;15 million, with the first set of investments to be announced in September. The fund is modeled after In-Q-Tel in the U.S., aiming to keep investments strategic, potentially leading to services that NATO or its member states might utilize.</p><p>David van Weel, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, commented, &#x201C;In venture capital, the senior management team are the brains behind investment decisions. I am confident that the NATO Innovation Fund&#x2019;s Founding Team has the experience, drive, and capability necessary to deliver the NIF&#x2019;s mission.&#x201D;</p><p>NATO&apos;s establishment of the Innovation Fund underscores the alliance&apos;s commitment to leveraging the innovation economy to bolster its defense and security posture. As the fund begins its investment activities, it will be interesting to see how it navigates the startup ecosystem and the broader geopolitical landscape.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Public Ventures Launches $100M Impact Fund]]></title><description><![CDATA[Public Ventures launches a $100M impact fund, aiming to support early-stage life science and clean tech startups that focus on health equity and climate preparedness in underserved communities.]]></description><link>https://the.vc/public-ventures-launches-100m-impact-fund/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">64d26597d696ed8415eb1542</guid><category><![CDATA[Venture Capital]]></category><category><![CDATA[Impact]]></category><category><![CDATA[Briefing]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Vattan PS]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 07 Jul 2023 15:57:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Zoey Dash McKenzie, founder of <a href="https://publicventures.com/?ref=the-vc">Public Ventures</a>, has announced the launch of a $100 million impact fund. The fund is aimed at supporting early-stage life science and clean tech startups that are dedicated to improving health equity and climate preparedness in underserved communities.</p><p>The fund, which was recently launched, seeks to break away from conventional venture capital structures. Instead, it employs a waterfall structuring, making assessments on a deal-by-deal basis and returning funds back to Limited Partners (LPs) earlier on. The goal is to accelerate capital velocity at the early stage, a critical period for startups.</p><p>The launch of this fund comes at a time when the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent. Underserved communities, in particular, are expected to be disproportionately impacted. McKenzie&apos;s fund aims to address these disparities by investing in startups that can make a real-world impact.</p><p>In a statement, McKenzie said, &#x201C;Beyond just being an impact fund, we are really breaking away from conventional structures and venture capital submitted in alignment with the needs of accelerating early-stage science... We&#x2019;re accelerating capital velocity at the early stage, when it&#x2019;s needed most, so we really sit right in the middle of government grants and traditional venture capital.&#x201D;</p><p>The launch of Public Ventures&apos; new impact fund underscores the growing recognition of the role startups can play in addressing climate change and health equity. With its unconventional approach to venture capital, the fund could provide a much-needed boost to startups in the life science and clean tech sectors.<br><br></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ashton Kutcher's Sound Ventures Raises $240M For AI Startups]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ashton Kutcher's Sound Ventures has raised $240M for a new fund focused on investing in early-stage AI startups.]]></description><link>https://the.vc/ashton-kutchers-sound-ventures-raises-240m-for-ai-startups/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">64550e24d696ed8415eb14e5</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Vattan PS]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 03 May 2023 14:09:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.soundventures.com/?ref=the-vc">Sound Ventures</a> will focus on backing early-stage companies that are using artificial intelligence to create innovative solutions across a range of industries.</p><p>The fund, which is the third for Sound Ventures, was oversubscribed and exceeded its initial target of $150 million. It will be led by Kutcher and Guy Oseary, with a team of experienced investors and operators. The fund is already invested in companies such as Mammoth Biosciences, Flex Logix, and Pipe.</p><p>With the increasing adoption of AI across industries, the fund&apos;s focus on AI startups could help bolster innovation and growth in the sector. The oversubscription of the fund also suggests a strong interest from investors in backing AI-driven solutions.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[TechChill: Connecting the Baltics' Innovation Ecosystem]]></title><description><![CDATA[TechChill, one of the largest Baltic Tech events, brought together investors, founders and ecosystem players to bridge gaps in knowledge, skills and network.]]></description><link>https://the.vc/techchill-connecting-the-baltics-innovation-ecosystem/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">644f812ad696ed8415eb149d</guid><category><![CDATA[Briefing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Conference]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Vattan PS]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 01 May 2023 09:20:37 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://the.vc/content/images/2023/05/52855985719_b62d14434f.jpg" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://the.vc/content/images/2023/05/52855985719_b62d14434f.jpg" alt="TechChill: Connecting the Baltics&apos; Innovation Ecosystem"><p><a href="https://www.techchill.co/?ref=the-vc">TechChill</a> is a two-day conference in the Baltics focused on fostering relationships between entrepreneurs and investors, both locally and abroad. TechChill was founded in Riga, Latvia in 2012 and has since grown into one of the largest tech events in the Baltic region.<br><br>The founders of TechHub&#x2014;the first co-working space in Riga exclusively for startups&#x2014;organized the first edition of TechChill. This was originally named &#x201C;TechCrunch Baltics&#x201D; but later renamed simply &#x201C;TechChill.&#x201D;</p><p>The TechChill conference started as a community gathering, and over the years it has grown into an event with more than 3,000 attendees. In 2018&#x2014;for its sixth consecutive year in Latvia&#x2014;the conference expanded beyond Latvian borders for the first time: Techchill Milano took place on June 6-8th 2022.</p><h3 id="techchill-2023-the-essential-facts">Techchill 2023: The Essential Facts</h3><ul><li>225 investors representing 95 VC funds from 25 countries</li><li>500 startup representatives from 300 startups</li><li>2500+ participants attending TechChill main event and side events</li><li>130+ speakers</li><li>50+ media representatives</li><li>15+ side events</li></ul><p></p><p>The next TechChill event is scheduled for February 2024 in Riga, Latvia. More information about the event, including past speakers and partners, can be found on the TechChill website.</p><p></p><blockquote>&#x201C;From a party 12 years ago to over 3000+ participants attending TechChill&apos;s main event and 15+ side events &#x2013; we&apos;ve come a long way. Today, TechChill is the place to come to explore the Baltic startup ecosystem, meet international investors, and, above all, it&apos;s about building a global community.&#x201D; &#x2013; Annija Me&#x17E;gaile, CEO at TechChill</blockquote>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Greycroft Partners Raises over $1B Across Two Funds]]></title><description><![CDATA[Greycroft has raised nearly $1B across two new funds aimed at investing in startups in sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, and healthcare.]]></description><link>https://the.vc/greycroft-partners-raises-over-1b/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">644d8d6fd696ed8415eb1465</guid><category><![CDATA[Venture Capital]]></category><category><![CDATA[Briefing]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Vattan PS]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 26 Apr 2023 21:34:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Venture capital firm <a href="https://www.greycroft.com/?ref=the-vc">Greycroft</a> has raised nearly $1B across two new funds aimed at investing in startups in sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, and healthcare.</p><p>The funds include $450M for Greycroft Growth III, which will focus on later-stage investments, and $500M for Greycroft IX, which will focus on early-stage investments. Greycroft&apos;s portfolio includes companies such as food delivery platform Postmates and cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase.</p><blockquote>&#x201C;Greycroft&#x2019;s bicoastal foundation in Los Angeles and New York has given us unique access and insights to the technological advancements that drive emerging themes and reshape industries at the intersection of culture and business,&#x201D; said Dana Settle, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Greycroft.</blockquote>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kaszek Raises $1B For LatAm Startups]]></title><description><![CDATA[Kaszek Ventures has raised nearly $1B across two new funds aimed at investing in Latin American startups in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, and e-commerce.]]></description><link>https://the.vc/kaszek-raises-1b-for-latam-startups/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">644d8bd2d696ed8415eb144e</guid><category><![CDATA[Briefing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Venture Capital]]></category><category><![CDATA[LatAm]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Vattan PS]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 04 Apr 2023 21:29:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Latin American venture capital firm <a href="https://www.kaszek.com/?ref=the-vc">Kaszek Ventures</a> has raised nearly $1B across two new funds aimed at investing in startups in the region.</p><p>The funds include $475M for Kaszek Ventures V, which will focus on early-stage investments in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, and e-commerce. The remaining $525M will go towards Kaszek Ventures Opportunity I, which will primarily focus on later-stage investments. Kaszek Ventures&apos; portfolio includes companies such as Brazilian neobank Nubank and Colombian delivery app Rappi.</p><p>The sizable new funds could help spur innovation and growth in the Latin American startup ecosystem, particularly in sectors that have yet to be fully developed. The success of Kaszek Ventures&apos; fundraising efforts could also attract more attention and investment to the region.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Torch Capital Raises $200M]]></title><description><![CDATA[New York-based venture capital firm Torch Capital has raised $200M for its second fund, aimed at investing in early-stage consumer and software startups.]]></description><link>https://the.vc/torch-capital-raises-200m/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">644d8ac0d696ed8415eb143b</guid><category><![CDATA[Briefing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Venture Capital]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Vattan PS]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 28 Mar 2023 21:23:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The fund was raised in just three months and includes investments from notable limited partners such as Tony Xu, CEO of DoorDash, and Laurene Powell Jobs, founder of Emerson Collective. Torch Capital&apos;s portfolio includes companies such as fitness app Tempo, skincare brand Versed, and sneaker marketplace GOAT.</p><p>The success of Torch Capital&apos;s fundraising efforts highlights the continued interest in early-stage startups, particularly in the consumer and software sectors. The involvement of high-profile investors could also attract more attention to Torch Capital and its portfolio companies.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[La Famiglia Raises €250M]]></title><description><![CDATA[La Famiglia has raised €250M for a new fund aimed at investing in European seed and growth-stage B2B startups.]]></description><link>https://the.vc/la-famiglia-raises-eu250m/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">644d87c5d696ed8415eb1422</guid><category><![CDATA[Briefing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Venture Capital]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Vattan PS]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 09 Mar 2023 21:10:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Berlin-based venture capital firm <a href="https://www.lafamiglia.vc/?ref=the-vc">La Famiglia</a> has raised &#x20AC;250M for a new fund aimed at investing in both seed and growth-stage B2B startups.</p><p>The fund will focus on European startups in sectors such as software and SaaS, e-commerce infrastructure, and industry-specific digital solutions. La Famiglia has previously invested in companies such as fintech startup Taxfix and e-commerce enabler Spryker. The new funds will also be used to support portfolio companies beyond the initial investment.</p><p>The firm&apos;s portfolio includes more than 70 startups, including Deel, Personio, Forto, Y42, Sweep and Buynomics.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Salesforce Ventures Launches $250M Fund Targeting Generative AI Startups]]></title><description><![CDATA[Salesforce Ventures has launched a $250M fund aimed at generative AI startups.]]></description><link>https://the.vc/salesforce-ventures-launches-250m-fund-targeting-generative-ai-startups/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">644d8502d696ed8415eb1403</guid><category><![CDATA[Briefing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Venture Capital]]></category><category><![CDATA[AI]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Vattan PS]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 07 Mar 2023 21:03:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://salesforceventures.com/?ref=the-vc">Salesforce Ventures</a> has announced a new $250 million fund that will invest in startups working on generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The fund will focus on companies working on natural language processing, computer vision, and machine learning.</p><p>The fund will invest in AI platforms and tools that can be used by other businesses. Salesforce Ventures plans to partner with the startups in the fund to help accelerate their growth and bring their products to market. The launch of this new fund highlights the growing interest in generative AI and its potential to transform various industries.</p><blockquote>This fund will accelerate our commitment to fostering the next generation of innovation and we&#x2019;re excited to see how these companies reinvent how the world works. &#x2014; the company wrote in its announcement.</blockquote>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cowboy Ventures Raises $260M Across Two New Funds]]></title><description><![CDATA[Cowboy Ventures announced it has raised $260 million across two new funds.]]></description><link>https://the.vc/cowboy-ventures-raises-260m-across-two-new-funds/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">644d8373d696ed8415eb13e9</guid><category><![CDATA[Briefing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Venture Capital]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Vattan PS]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2023 20:52:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://cowboy.vc/?ref=the-vc">Cowboy Ventures</a>, a Bay Area-based seed-stage focused fund founded by Aileen Lee and now in its 10th year, has announced the close of two new funds totaling $260 million. The funds will focus on investing in startups in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, and e-commerce.</p><p>Cowboy Ventures IV, the firm&apos;s fourth flagship fund, raised $175 million, while Mustang I, the firm&apos;s first Opportunity Fund, raised $85 million. Cowboy Ventures IV will focus on seed and Series A investments, while Mustang I will focus on growth-stage investments. The funds will target startups in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, and e-commerce, as well as companies developing new technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.</p><blockquote>We&#x2019;ll continue to invest in founders who have a unique insight into solving an important business problem in a potentially large and growing market ($Bns). Their product may replace incumbent software, or replace an existing business process with a measurably better, tech-driven solution (like at <a href="https://www.dollarshaveclub.com/?ref=the-vc" rel="noopener ugc nofollow">Dollar Shave Club</a>, <a href="https://drata.com/?ref=the-vc" rel="noopener ugc nofollow">Drata</a>, <a href="https://honehq.com/?ref=the-vc" rel="noopener ugc nofollow">Hone</a>, or <a href="http://vic.ai/?ref=the-vc" rel="noopener ugc nofollow">Vic.AI</a>). We also get excited to back founders with a vision that will help create a whole new category (like at <a href="https://www.guildeducation.com/?ref=the-vc" rel="noopener ugc nofollow">Guild Education</a>, <a href="https://lightstep.com/?ref=the-vc" rel="noopener ugc nofollow">Lightstep</a>, <a href="https://mutinyhq.com/?ref=the-vc" rel="noopener ugc nofollow">Mutiny</a>, <a href="https://www.meettally.com/?ref=the-vc" rel="noopener ugc nofollow">Tally</a> or <a href="https://www.unohealth.com/?ref=the-vc" rel="noopener ugc nofollow">Uno</a>).<strong>&#x2014; </strong>the firm wrote in a blog post.</blockquote>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>