Presence Capital
Venture capitalSan Francisco · Pre-Seed–Series B · 3 people tracked
Investment thesis
Presence Capital invests in early-stage companies leveraging augmented reality and virtual reality technologies. The firm believes AR and VR will fundamentally transform how people communicate, work, and play, and it seeks talented, passionate entrepreneurs bringing exceptional new experiences to market. Beyond capital, the firm emphasizes supporting founders building in these emerging immersive technology areas.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 11, 2026.
Team · 3 people
from the firm's website%20(1).png)
What they invest in
from 25 of 36 portfolio companiesAI & Machine Learning ×9Gaming ×8Consumer ×6Enterprise Software ×5Hardware ×5Healthtech ×4Media & Entertainment ×4Deep Tech ×3
HQs:United States×13Finland×1Sweden×1
Who they back
founder profiles across 14 portfolio companiesFounding team size:solo founder×62 founders×73 founders×1
Accelerator rootsportfolio companies that came through a program
Investments · 36 tracked
founders shown can be your intro path
Lyft is an on-demand ridesharing platform that connects passengers with drivers for various ride types, including standard rides, premium options, and other transportation services.
MarketplacesMobility & TransportationSan Francisco, US
Logan Green(Co-founder & CEO)inJohn Zimmer(Co-founder & President)inDavid Risher(CEO)in
Co-investorsAglae VenturesAllied Venture PartnersAlpha Wave GlobalAndreessen HorowitzBling CapitalCoatue Management+35 more
Proprio develops Paradigm, an implant-agnostic surgical platform that provides intraoperative guidance and structured surgical data without requiring 3D imaging or mobile CT.
AI & Machine LearningHealthtechMedical DevicesSeattle, US
Gabriel Jones(Co-founder & CEO)inSamuel Browd(Co-founder)Joshua Smith(Co-founder)inJames Youngquist(Co-founder)
Co-investorsBold Capital PartnersCota CapitalDCVC (Data Collective)Bird B. AGHTCBOLD Longevity+4 more
Co-investorsAhren Innovation CapitalShasta Ventures
AppliedVR develops immersive therapeutic software using technology to deliver drug-free clinical treatments for patients.
Digital HealthHealthtechMedical DevicesLos Angeles, US
Matthew Stoudt(Co-Founder and CEO)inJosh Sackman(Co-Founder and President)in
BoardDavid Sackman(Chairman)
Co-investorsEntrada VenturesF-Prime CapitalJAZZ Venture PartnersMagnetic VenturesTechstars
Baobab Studios creates animated stories and interactive experiences across multiple formats including premium film and TV series, games, and graphic novels.
GamingMedia & EntertainmentRedwood City, US
Maureen Fan(Founder)
Co-investorsAdvancit CapitalComcast VenturesThe Chernin Group (TCG Crypto)Emerson Collective Investinggumi Cryptos Capital (gCC)Horizons Ventures+1 more
BeyondView provides AI-powered virtual whiteboxing and spec-suite visualization for commercial real estate, generating video walkthroughs, 360º panoramas, 3D maps, and AR tours from a floorplan and photos.
AI & Machine LearningPropTechSaaS
Co-investorsPathbreaker Ventures
Bigscreen is a VR company behind a social viewing/desktop app and the Bigscreen Beyond PC VR headsets.
Darshan Shankar(Founder)in
Co-investorsAndreessen HorowitzColopl NextLudlow Ventures
Escher Reality provides an API platform that handles backend infrastructure and services for augmented reality applications.
ConsumerDeveloper ToolsGamingSan Francisco, US
Co-investorsY CombinatorFounders FundUncork Capital
Co-investorsJAZZ Venture PartnersStorm Ventures
Experiment 7 is a virtual reality games studio that develops tactical strategy games, including tabletop and board game adaptations, for VR players.
ConsumerGamingMedia & EntertainmentNew York, US
Geoffrey Zatkin(Co-founder)Demetri Detsaridis(Co-founder)
Co-investorsColopl Next
Floreo builds a library of immersive VR lessons designed to help develop social and behavioral regulation skills.
Digital HealthEdTechHealthtech
Co-investorsCity LightColopl NextLifeforce Capital
Harmonix Music Systems develops music and rhythm-based video games, with titles including Rock Band, Dance Central, Fuser, Guitar Hero, DropMix, and Audica.
GamingMedia & EntertainmentBoston, US
Alex Rigopulos(Executive Officer, Director)Eran Egozy(Director)Michael Verrette(Executive Officer)Steve Janiak(Executive Officer, Director)Andrew Sung(Executive Officer)Walter Somol(Executive Officer)
Co-investorsSpark Capital
Immersal develops a Visual Positioning System (VPS) and city-scale mapping toolkit that provides accurate device localization and spatial mapping for indoor, outdoor, and underground environments.
AI & Machine LearningDeep TechIoT
Co-investorsBright Pixel CapitalSisu Game Ventures
Lightform made hardware and software for projection mapping, using structured light scanning to align projected augmented-reality visuals onto physical forms for art, experiences, and signage.
AI & Machine LearningDeep TechHardware
Co-investorsComet LabsCrunchFundTuesday CapitalDolby Family Ventures
LoomAi builds real-time personalized 3D avatars from a single selfie for video calls, messaging and games; acquired by Roblox in 2020.
Co-investorsDentsu VenturesGFR Fund
Adobe is a multinational software company that develops creative, design, and business productivity applications.
AI & Machine LearningCreator EconomyEnterprise Software
Phil Fernandez(CEO)
Co-investorsAsia GreenTech FundBattery VenturesCrosslink CapitalEntrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator (ERA)fronttrail Equity Partners GmbHFuel Ventures+15 more
Osso develops virtual reality training scenarios for nurses, nurse leaders and healthcare system administrators, offering self-guided learning, skill assessment, and collaborative training on one platform.
Digital HealthEdTechHealthtechMillbrae, US
Justin Barad(Co-founder & Chief Strategy Officer)Heather Gervais(CEO)
Co-investorsInformed Ventures Advisors, LlcKaiser Permanente VenturesOak HC/FTScrum VenturesSignalFireAnorak Ventures
Resolution Games is a game studio that develops virtual and mixed reality games across platforms from PC to XR, with titles including Demeo, Racket Club, Blaston, and Spatial Ops.
ConsumerGamingStockholm, SE
Carl-Arvid Ewerbring(Founder)Tommy Palm(Founder)
Co-investorsBitkraft Esports VenturesBonnier CapitalColopl NextMizMaa Venturesnode.vcQualcomm Ventures+1 more
Sandbox VR operates location-based virtual reality entertainment centers where groups of up to six people experience immersive multiplayer games using proprietary full-body motion capture and haptic technology.
ConsumerGamingHardware
Steve Zhao(Founder)
Co-investorsAbstract VenturesAEF Greater Bay Area FundAndreessen HorowitzDreamers VCDVCEvolution VC Partners+7 more
Scope AR develops augmented reality software and solutions for enterprise customers in aerospace, aviation, manufacturing, medical device, semiconductor, and CPG industries to help workers visualize and solve complex tasks.
Advanced ManufacturingAI & Machine LearningConsumerDeep TechEnterprise SoftwareHardwareSaaSSan Francisco, US
Scott Montgomerie(Founder)inDavid Nedohin(Founder/President)in
Co-investorsEdmonton UnlimitedHemisphere Ventures LLCMESHNew Stack VenturesREMUS CapitalSignalFire+3 more
Simbe provides retail inventory and monitoring solutions combining computer vision, robotics, RFID, and fixed sensors for retail businesses.
AI & Machine LearningRetail TechRoboticsSouth San Francisco, US
Brad Bogolea(CEO)Mirza Akbar Shah(Executive Officer, Director)Bradley Douglas Bogolea(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)
BoardRyan Gembala(Director)inSubodh Gupta(Director)inJay Douglas Knafel(Director)in
Co-investors7percent VenturesActivant CapitalAnorak VenturesComet LabsEastward Capital PartnersHemisphere Ventures LLC+9 more
SkyLights provides VR headsets and cinematic content to airlines and healthcare facilities, operating as a subscription service that bundles hardware, software, licensed entertainment, and operational support.
ConsumerSan Francisco, US
Laurence Fornari(Founder)in
Co-investorsY Combinator
Strivr provides an AI-powered quality assurance system delivered through smart glasses that lets frontline operators detect and correct operational errors and safety hazards in real time.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareHardware
Co-investorsSignia Venture Partners
Next-generation production studio producing original global entertainment properties at the convergence of film, TV, games, and VR.
Co-investorsColopl NextOutpost Capital
A VR platform for viewing, hosting, and socializing at music shows worldwide.
Co-investorsOutpost Capital
Torch provides a connectivity framework for identity governance and administration (IGA), using AI agents to build and maintain connectors that link any application — from modern SaaS and SCIM APIs to legacy mainframe and undocumented internal tools — to a company's identity governance program.
AI & Machine LearningCybersecurityEnterprise Software
Co-investorsUpWestSeven Peaks VenturesSilicon Valley Data Capital
TRIPP provides immersive meditation and mindfulness experiences available through a mobile app and VR headset platform.
AgTechMental HealthWellness & FitnessVenice, US
Nanea Reeves(Executive Officer, Director)inZachary Norman(Executive Officer, Director)Kevin Keeland(Executive Officer)
BoardTim Chang(Director)
Co-investorsBeni Venture CapitalBitkraft Esports VenturesGrit Capital PartnersHartmann CapitalIter InvestmentsMayfield Fund+3 more
UploadVR is an online media outlet publishing news, reviews, and coverage of virtual reality and augmented reality products, games, and industry developments.
GamingMedia & EntertainmentSan Francisco, US
William Mason(Director)Taylor Freeman(Executive Officer, Director)Nick Ochoa(Executive Officer, Director)
Co-investorsColopl NextOutpost CapitalSparkland CapitalThe Venture Reality Fund
Varjo develops extended reality (XR) simulation technology for military and defense training applications, with products designed to train personnel in operations such as counter-drone tactics.
Defense TechEnterprise SoftwareHardwareHelsinki, FI
Urho Konttori(Founder)in
Co-investorsLifeline VenturesNext47NordicNinjaSisu Game VenturesVillage GlobalAtomico+2 more
Streaming service for 360-degree virtual reality videos.
Co-investorsSparkland CapitalAmino Capital
Exits · 2
IPOs and acquisitions across the tracked portfolioLyftNASDAQ: LYFTEscher Realityacq. by Niantic
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companiesTorch · nairametrics.com · Aug 1, 2026
Marketo · fortuneindia.com · Jul 17, 2026
Sandbox VR · streetinsider.com · Jul 16, 2026
Tripp · armenpress.am · Jul 15, 2026
Scope AR · themiddlemarket.com · Jun 17, 2026
Varjo · caproasia.com · Apr 24, 2026
Baobab Studios · trysignalbase.com · Mar 24, 2026
Frequently asked questions
- How many investments has Presence Capital made?
- Presence Capital has 34 tracked investments, 3 of which have exited via acquisition or IPO.
- What stage does Presence Capital invest at?
- Presence Capital invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B stages.
- What is Presence Capital's typical check size?
- Presence Capital typically writes checks of $25K – $100K.
- What sectors does Presence Capital focus on?
- Presence Capital focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Consumer, Deep Tech, Gaming, Hardware.
- Where is Presence Capital located?
- Presence Capital is headquartered in San Francisco, US.
- Does Presence Capital lead rounds?
- Presence Capital typically participates in rounds rather than leading them.
- Who does Presence Capital co-invest with?
- Presence Capital most often shares deals with Colopl Next, Andreessen Horowitz, Mayfield Fund, among 123 tracked co-investors.
Media · Podcasts & interviews
featuring the teamRise 2017 Phil Chen, Managing Partner, Presence Capital
NexChange · Phil Chen
Images
Co-investors · 58
Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) is a venture capital firm founded in 2009 by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, known for pioneering the platform model with a large team of operators supporting founders across stages.
Anorak Ventures is a seed-stage venture firm founded in 2016 with offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco, backing pre-seed and seed companies building differentiated technology and helping them reach product-market fit and follow-on funding.
Craft Ventures is a venture capital firm run by a team of former founders, operators, and investors who partner closely with founders to help build and scale technology companies.
Techstars is a startup accelerator and early-stage investor that funds ambitious founders and provides capital, mentorship, and access to a global network of investors, operators, and corporate partners.
DCVC (Data Collective) is a deep tech venture capital firm that backs entrepreneurs using computational approaches to solve large-scale real-world problems across many industries.
Spark Capital is a venture capital firm that partners with founders, known for early investments including leading Twitter's Series B in 2008.
Gradient is a seed-stage venture fund focused on backing founders building artificial intelligence companies, providing hands-on support as builders and mentors.
Bling Capital is a seed-stage venture firm that backs entrepreneurs seeking to find and scale product-market fit, supported by its Bling Product Council of over 100 product leaders.
Shasta Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that partners with founders building software, AI, and deep technology companies, providing capital, insight, and operating experience.
Tuesday Capital (formerly CrunchFund) is an early-stage venture capital firm that has backed founders since 2011, with a portfolio spanning hundreds of companies including numerous unicorns, IPOs and acquisitions.
Dolby Family Ventures is an investment firm focused on life sciences, backing companies across precision neuroscience and life sciences platforms.
.png)
General Catalyst is a venture capital firm operating as a partnership focused on company building and accelerating the growth of the businesses it backs.
▶46 more co-investors
GV (Google Ventures)Lightspeed Venture PartnersKhosla VenturesRedpoint VenturesFounder CollectiveKleiner PerkinsFoundation CapitalBoxGroupKrakenSound VenturesBalderton CapitalEniac VenturesQuiet CapitalGoat CapitalACME CapitalSlow VenturesUpHonest CapitalFreestyle CapitalLux CapitalCaffeinated CapitalCanvas VenturesAmplify PartnersResolute VenturesBowery CapitalSouth Park CommonsElectric CapitalBuckley Ventures Management Company LlcDCM VenturesTwo Sigma VenturesKindred VenturesGeneral PartnershipAntlerFootwork2xNGalaxy Digital Assets FundMucker CapitalIVCVitalStage VenturescLabsBINARY CAPITALMiramar Venture PartnersHuman CapitalUnicorn India VenturesSpring CapitalSuper VenturesPalm Tree Crew Investments
Firms observed investing alongside Presence Capital, from public investor directories. Shared companies are the overlap with Presence Capital's recorded portfolio.
Similar investors
Kleiner Perkins is a venture capital firm that backs founders across technology and life sciences, from early stage through growth.
OMERS Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in founders globally, with investment teams based in New York, Palo Alto, and Toronto.
Qualcomm Ventures is the corporate venture investment arm associated with Qualcomm, backing technology companies from early to growth stage across multiple sectors.
Third Earth Capital is a technology investment firm that partners with founders building companies in the crypto economy, providing capital and guidance to crypto-native platforms and services.
Rothenberg Ventures is a venture capital firm that backs early-stage founders building transformative technologies, providing capital, strategic guidance, and access to an industry network.