Fundraising FoxChicago · Pre-Seed–Seed · 6 people tracked
Also known as THE STARTING LINE MANAGEMENT, LLC
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Investment thesis
Chicago-first seed investor focused on cheaper and better consumer services, offering an open-source Operating Manual on GitHub, hands-on data/KPI support, and an operator-backed local ecosystem.
Source: firm website, verified Sep 29, 2026.
Team · 6 people
from the firm's website & curated
What they invest in
from 56 of 72 portfolio companiesConsumer ×19SaaS ×18E-commerce ×14AI & Machine Learning ×13Direct to Consumer ×10Fintech ×10Creator Economy ×9Marketplaces ×8
HQs:United States×43Spain×1
Who they back
founder profiles across 34 portfolio companiesFounding team size:solo founder×112 founders×123 founders×84+ founders×3
Where their founders studiedfrom 38 founders with education data
Duke University ×4The University of Texas at Austin ×3Indiana University Bloomington ×2Northwestern University ×2Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management ×2Princeton University ×2Texas McCombs School of Business ×2Vanderbilt University ×2
What their founders studiedfrom 39 founders with field-of-study data
Computer Science ×7Engineering ×7Business & Management ×6Economics ×4Finance & Accounting ×4Humanities ×3Mathematics & Statistics ×2Physics ×2
Where their founders worked beforefrom 42 founders with career history
Microsoft ×4FJ Labs ×2Intel ×2LinkedIn ×2Motorola ×2Princeton in Asia ×2RBC Capital Markets ×2
Accelerator rootsportfolio companies that came through a program
2 founders hold a PhD · 5 hold an MBA (of 45 with degree data)
Investments · 72 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathBy year:2025 · 22024 · 32023 · 12022 · 32021 · 22020 · 12019 · 32018 · 32016 · 119 dated
Buncha is a social commerce platform that delivers groceries and products from favorite stores on a neighborhood-based schedule.
CleantechConsumerE-commerceLogistics & Supply ChainHopkins, US
Co-investorsMatchstick VenturesTechstarsUnusual VenturesAssembly VenturesFoundryMu Ventures+3 more
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Unchained provides bitcoin financial services including loans and custody solutions built on collaborative custody structures.
Crypto & Web3FintechAustin, US
Joe Kelly(Founder)inDhruv Bansal(Founder)inMichael Komaransky(Director)Mike Erwin(Director)Joseph Kelly(Founder)
Board seatEzra Galston· per SEC Form D
Co-investorsKube VCLightning VenturesTen31Trammell Venture Partners (TVP)Valor Equity PartnersVisary Capital+9 more
Aavia is a mobile app that helps people with ovaries track and understand how their hormones impact their health, mood, and productivity.
ConsumerDigital HealthFemTechHealthtechWellness & Fitness
Aagya Mathur(Founder)inAya Suzuki(Founder)inAlexis Wong(Founder)
Co-investors37 AngelsAsset Management CompanyBantam GroupDorm RoomPopstar VenturesSeven Seven Six+5 more
Agentio is an AI infrastructure platform that enables brands to buy creator media at scale.
AdTechAI & Machine LearningCreator EconomyMarketing TechNew York, US
Arthur Leopold(Founder)inJonathan Meyers(Founder)in
BoardSarah Tavel(Benchmark director)inEurie Kim(Forerunner managing partner / Series B investor)
Co-investorsAlleyCorpAntlerAntler AustraliaBackwards CapitalCraft VenturesForerunner Ventures+3 more
Beverly Hills, US
Brandon Werber(Founder)inEliyahu Ben-Ezra(Executive Officer)Roy Rubin(Director)Asher Leids(Director)
BoardWilliam Su(Director)David Shadpour(Director)
Co-investorsCanvas VenturesHawke VenturesHeadlineMountain Group CapitalPath VenturesTrueSight Ventures+5 more
AnyCreek is an online marketplace for booking outdoor guided experiences, such as fishing charters, connecting customers with professional guides.
MarketplacesSaaSSports TechTravel & HospitalityMemphis, US
Benjamin Lazarov(Founder)inNick Larson(Founder)in
Athena Security builds entryway and physical security solutions, including AI-driven safety tools such as weapons detection, for organizations including healthcare environments.
AI & Machine LearningCybersecurityHardwareIoTAustin, US
Michael G.(Founder)inLisa Falzone(Founder)inChris Ciabarra(Founder)inMichael Green(Founder)
Co-investorsCleo CapitalHinge CapitalMaC Venture CapitalRivet VenturesSINEWAVE VENTURES
Attain is a consumer-data platform built on direct, permissioned relationships that turns live purchase activity into audience targeting, measurement, and market insights.
AdTechData & InfrastructureMarketing TechChicago, US
Co-investorsCore Venture CapitalLightbankMercato PartnersMotivate Venture Capital
Birdwatch is a home maintenance and management service that handles upkeep tasks such as cleaning gutters and fixing toilets for homeowners.
ConsumerMarketplacesPropTech
Ryan Troll(Founder)in
Co-investorsFJ LabsPath VenturesSocial Leverage
Pinch provides in-home aesthetic and cosmetic treatments delivered by clinically trained Nurse Practitioners, offering personalized care that comes to the client's location.
ConsumerHealthtechWellness & Fitness
Co-investorsFJ LabsHyde Park Venture Partners
Boom operates a leasing platform connecting property managers and renters through the full leasing process, from inquiry to approved resident.
FintechPropTechSaaSAustin, US
Rob Whiting(Co-founder & CEO)in
Co-investorsBungalow CapitalClocktower VenturesFox VenturesMana VenturesMischiefSiesta Ventures+5 more
Marketplace enabling users to request personalized video messages or live chats with celebrities and influencers.
Steven Galanis(Founder)inMartin Blencowe(Founder)inDevon Spinnler Townsend(Founder)inArthur Leopold(Founder)Devon Townsend(Founder)
Co-investorsChaifetz GroupChicago VenturesCleo CapitalConnect VenturesDigi VenturesDuke Capital Partners+26 more
Cargado operates a digital marketplace connecting freight brokers and carriers for cross-border freight movements between Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
B2B MarketplacesLogistics & Supply ChainSaaSChicago, US
Matt Silver(Founder)inRylan Hawkins(Founder)inMatt Silver Rylan Hawkins(Founder)
BoardBrad Svrluga(Director)in
Co-investorsLGVPAssembly VenturesConversion CapitalIronspring VenturePrimary Venture PartnersProeza Ventures+3 more
Chowbus provides technology solutions designed for restaurants, with current focus on U.S.-based establishments.
FoodTechSaaSChicago, US
Suyu Zhang(Founder)inLinxin Wen(Founder)inHoward Bhyun(Executive Officer)Qi Zhao(Executive Officer)Pu Chen(Executive Officer)
BoardHarley Miller(Director)in
Co-investorsCeltic House Asia PartnersFikaFJ LabsLeft Lane CapitalPrysm CapitalAltos Ventures+2 more
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Classet offers Joy, an AI voice recruiter that automatically contacts, screens, and interviews job candidates via phone, SMS, and email, then delivers structured summaries, transcripts, and recommendations to hiring teams.
AI & Machine LearningHR TechSaaSChicago, US
Nick Jones(Executive Officer, Director)inGino Rooney(Executive Officer)inCooper Newby(Executive Officer, Director)in
Co-investorsCity LightWayfinder VenturesSV Angel
Classet builds Joy, an AI voice recruiter that automatically calls, screens, and interviews job applicants, then delivers structured summaries, recordings, and transcripts to a company's inbox or ATS.
AI & Machine LearningHR TechSaaS
Co-investorsMute VenturesSV AngelWayfinder Ventures
Clyde provides an ownership enrichment platform that helps merchants manage product warranties, registrations, and customer issue resolutions to build long-lasting customer relationships.
E-commerceInsurTechRetail TechSaaSNew York City, US
Brandon Gell(Founder)inJereme Holiman(Founder)Josh Scaglione(Founder)Nick Scaglione(Founder)
Co-investorsHeadlineCrosslink CapitalExpaNat TurnerRainfall VenturesRRE Ventures+2 more
Coverstar is a social media app for young people featuring creator-focused features like daily challenges, livestreaming, and avatar gaming, with AI-assisted and human-moderated content to prioritize user safety.
ConsumerCreator EconomySocial
Ryan So(Founder)in
Co-investorsDraper AssociatesMyAsiaVCStrategxy Ventures LLCTriptyq Capital
Curbside SOS is an online marketplace that matches stranded motorists with local, insured roadside assistance and towing providers in real time, returning quotes and ETAs within minutes.
Logistics & Supply ChainMarketplacesMobility & Transportation
Co-investorsOrigin VenturesReal Tech CapitalValor Equity Partners
Dressd operates a peer-to-peer clothing rental marketplace where individuals can lend items from their wardrobes to others, targeting users who need different outfits frequently, such as for recurring social events.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerE-commerceMarketplacesLos Angeles, US
Capri Wheaton(Founder)inSam Yang(Founder)in
Co-investorsY CombinatorHarvard Management CompanyKube VCPrecursor Ventures
Every.io is a financial technology company that enables businesses to invest in U.S.
Enterprise SoftwareFintechFuture of WorkSaaSSan Francisco, US
Rajeev Behera(Founder)inBarry Peterson(Founder)inMichael Edwards(Head of Sales)Yasmin Acevedo(Recruiter)
Co-investorsRedpoint VenturesY CombinatorFormus CapitalMaiora Rebel VenturesOlive Tree CapitalPioneer+15 more
Plotdrive is an AI-powered writing tool designed for authors to draft novels and books faster with editorial guidance that preserves their unique voice.
AI & Machine LearningCreator EconomyEnterprise SoftwareSaaSLos Angeles, US
Jay Rosenkrantz(Founder)inScott Rosenkrantz(Co-founder \u0026 Head of Product)in
Co-investorsTRANSCENDY CombinatorAscensive AssetsBDMIDNA CapitalI2BF Global Ventures+6 more
Flyhomes provides a wholesale lending platform offering "Buy Before You Sell" financial products that allow homebuyers to purchase a home before selling their current one.
B2B MarketplacesFintechPropTechSeattle, US
Tushar Garg(Founder)inStephen Lane(Founder)inAdam Hopson(Executive Officer)inRyan Dibble(Executive Officer)in
BoardAlex Rampell(Director)inMike Ghaffary(Director)in
Co-investorsCanvas VenturesNorwest Venture PartnersAndreessen HorowitzBattery VenturesCamber CreekLeo Capital Ventures+4 more
Fondue offers CashBack, a customer incentive tool that lets shoppers choose rewards (store credit or prepaid cards) after purchase to drive conversions and email/SMS opt-ins while protecting merchant margins.
E-commerceMarketing TechSaaS
Co-investorsGround Up VenturesHanaco Venture CapitalSamsung NextJam FundQuiet Capital
Forum operates an exchange for trading attention-based assets, measuring engagement across search, social, and streaming to create indices that track cultural popularity and allow users to go long or short on attention signals for films, artists, games, brands, and topics.
B2B MarketplacesFintechSan Francisco, US
Owen Botkin(CEO)inJoseph Thomas(Founder)in
Co-investorsf7 VenturesNeer Venture PartnersPioneerY CombinatorAbstract VenturesBlast.Club+14 more
FreeTelly operates a TV platform designed to serve as a central hub for home entertainment, information, and connectivity.
ConsumerHardwareMedia & Entertainment
Ilya Pozin(Co-Founder, CEO)inShervin Pishevar(Co-Founder, Chairman)in
Hitch is a long-distance rideshare service that connects riders with drivers for car travel between cities, offering ride options such as standby, shared, private, XL, and pet-friendly rides.
MarketplacesMobility & TransportationTravel & Hospitality
Sean Cleland(Founder)inKush S.(Founder)inTanuj Girish(Founder)inJay Manickam(Founder)Kush Singh(Founder)Matt Chasen(Founder)
Co-investorsAlumni VenturesAugust CapitalBow CapitalTrue VenturesEvergreen Mountain Equity PartnersHow Women Invest+2 more
HotMic provides tools that let companies build and run interactive, creator-led experiences inside their own apps rather than relying on third-party social platforms.
Creator EconomyMedia & EntertainmentSaaSSocial
Sean Longworth(Founder)in
Co-investorsIU Ventures
Hungryroot is a personalized meal and grocery service that combines the convenience of meal kits with the variety of a grocery store, allowing customers to set their own budget and receive curated meals and ingredients matched to their dietary preferences.
Direct to ConsumerE-commerceFoodTechNew York, US
Benjamin McKean(President and Chief Executive Officer)Ben McKean(Founder)
Co-investorsAdvection Growth CapitalConnect VenturesCrosslink CapitalGreat Oaks Venture CapitalKarpReillyLerer Hippeau+5 more
Hunt Club is an executive search firm that uses its network and technology platform to place leadership and other hires for high-growth venture- and private-equity-backed companies.
AI & Machine LearningFuture of WorkHR TechSaaSChicago, US
Nikolas Cromydas(Executive Officer, Director)Sami Ahmed(Founder)inScott Kacyn(Founder)in
BoardStephen Schmalhofer(Director)inDave Knox(Director)Brian Reinken(Director)
Co-investorsFJ LabsKnoll VenturesTBD AngelsTeamworthy VenturesNetwork Ventures
Kapwing is a web-based video creation and editing platform designed for marketing teams to produce, repurpose, and scale video content across multiple channels.
AI & Machine LearningCreator EconomyMarketing TechMedia & EntertainmentSaaSSan Francisco, US
Eric Lu(Founder)inJulia Enthoven(Founder)inJulia Enthoven Eric Lu(Founder)
Co-investorsCRV (Charles River Ventures)Elliptic VenturesShrug CapitalStartXVillage GlobalAndreessen Horowitz+2 more
Klover provides early access to earnings, budgeting tools, and rewards to help users manage debt and improve credit without interest charges, credit checks, or hidden fees.
FintechHighland Park, US
Brian S Mandelbaum(Executive Officer, Director)
Co-investorsCore Venture CapitalLightbankUpper90Core Innovation CapitalMotivate Venture Capital
M1 offers online brokerage and investing accounts, including joint brokerage accounts for couples, partners, and family members with shared financial goals.
ConsumerFintechSaaSChicago, US
Brian Barnes(Founder)in
Co-investorsAMK Investment OfficeChaifetz GroupChicago VenturesClocktower VenturesCoatue ManagementLeft Lane Capital+5 more
Made In manufactures high-quality stainless clad cookware designed by and used in professional kitchens, sold directly to home cooks.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerE-commerceHardwareBoston, US
Jake Kalick(Co-founder)Chip Kalick(Co-founder)
Co-investorsEscalate Capital Partners
Malomo provides order tracking and post-purchase experience software for Shopify and Shopify Plus ecommerce brands.
Direct to ConsumerE-commerceMarketing TechSaaSIndianapolis, US
Yaw Aning(Founder & CEO)inAnthony Smith(Founder & CTO)in
BoardRandy Stocklin(Appointed as of 09/10/2018)
Co-investorsHigh AlphaHyde Park Venture PartnersIrishAngels
Equilibria is a woman-owned wellness brand offering plant-based, science-backed supplements—centered on full-spectrum hemp, CBD, and low-dose THC—to address women's stress, sleep, and hormone health.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerE-commerceFemTechWellness & Fitness
Marcy Capron(Co-founder)inCoco(Co-founder)
Co-investorsJosephine CollectiveSalveo CapitalThe Players' ImpactHyde Park Angels
Mystery Tackle Box sells fishing gear and lure kits for anglers, including the Pond Prowler cross-body sling bag pre-stocked with curated lures for pond, creek, and shoreline fishing.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerE-commerceSports TechChicago, US
Ross Gordon(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Jeremy Gwynne(Executive Officer, Promoter)
Co-investorsTrue Ventures
NorthStar is a fully virtual, year-long medical program treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) and substance use disorder (SUD), using genomic-guided prescribing, nutrient repletion, and psychiatric care with a nine-person care team.
Digital HealthHealthtechMental Health
Lisa Chiodo(Co-founder & Chief Scientific Officer)inAmanda Wilson(Founder)in
Path provides young adults with personal finance management tools including educational funding assistance, credit-building features, high-yield savings accounts, and income guidance, all available through a subscription service.
Crypto & Web3FintechNew York City, US
Femi Adebogun(CEO)inEvan Farrell(CTO)inCaleb Cross(Founder)inDave Morin(Founder)Dustin Mierau(Founder)Shawn Fanning(Founder)
Co-investorsY CombinatorBDMICambiar EducationCRCM VenturesDorm RoomFoundersX+12 more
Path is a registered investment advisor offering asset management technology, automated tools, and investment guidance for cryptocurrency investing.
Crypto & Web3Fintech
Co-investorsAlumni VenturesCTC VenturesHyde Park AngelsMotivate Venture Capital
Pinch develops AI translation technology that preserves the original speaker's voice and timing across audio and video content.
AI & Machine LearningCreator EconomyEnterprise SoftwareFuture of WorkMedia & EntertainmentVC, ES
Christian Safka(CEO)inMaia Bittner(Founder)Michael Ducker(Founder)Keyu Chen
Co-investorsY CombinatorAfore CapitalDynamo VenturesLlama venturesPayPal Ventures
Poplin operates an app-based, nationwide laundry service platform in the US that connects customers with independent "Laundry Pros" who wash, dry, and fold laundry from home.
ConsumerFuture of WorkLogistics & Supply ChainMarketplaces
Co-investorsOrigin Ventures
PrettyLitter makes veterinarian-developed cat litter using non-toxic amorphous silica gel that changes color to help cat owners monitor their pet's health and detect potential illness early.
ConsumerDigital HealthDirect to ConsumerE-commerceHealthtechWellness & FitnessLos Angeles, US
Daniel Rotman(Founder & CEO)inJennifer Cookson(Director, R&D Innovation)in
Co-investorsBAM VenturesCorazon CapitalCSA Partners LLCDraper AssociatesGener8tor
Daniel Fruhman(Founder)inJosh Fruhman(Founder)in
Co-investorsAbstract VenturesBackwards CapitalUpside VenturesRed Sea Ventures
Rise Science develops RISE, a mobile app that tracks sleep and energy levels while providing personalized recommendations based on sleep debt and circadian rhythm science.
ConsumerHealthtechWellness & FitnessChicago, US
Jeff Kahn(Founder)inLeon Sasson(Founder)
Co-investorsHigh AlphaTrue VenturesFreestyle CapitalChicago VenturesFelicis VenturesHyde Park Venture Partners+1 more
RSTLSS is a Charli Cohen-founded platform for next-generation wearables spanning web3, gaming and physical fashion.
Charli Cohen(Founder)in
Co-investorsNarcissus VenturesBitkraft Esports VenturesMakers FundRed Dao
Soona provides on-demand custom content creation services for brands, using technology to connect creatives with clients seeking high-quality video and visual content at scale.
AI & Machine LearningCreator EconomyDirect to ConsumerE-commerceMarketing TechMedia & EntertainmentRetail TechDenver, US
Elizabeth Giorgi(Founder)Hayley Anderson(Founder)inLiz Giorgi(Founder)Thad Reeves(Director)
Co-investors2048 VenturesBain Capital VenturesBarrel VenturesCommunity Access FundFOG VenturesGreen Meadow Ventures+7 more
Upcraft (meetwithspot.com) builds customizable AI agents that engage sales prospects via text and calls to respond to inbound leads, follow up on proposals, and rebook missed meetings directly into a connected calendar and CRM.
AI & Machine LearningSaaSSales Tech
Co-investorsGreat Oaks Venture CapitalVibe CapitalBridge LatamDAEDALUSFEMSA VenturesKuiper
SpotHero is a parking reservation app that helps drivers find and book affordable parking at garages, lots, and valet services across North American cities.
ConsumerLogistics & Supply ChainMarketplacesMobility & TransportationChicago, US
Mark Lawrence(Founder)inLarry Kiss(Founder)inJeremy Smith(Founder)Sam Guren(Director)
BoardSam Yagan(Director)inMichael Gamson(Director)
Co-investors500 GlobalAutotech VenturesBlossom Street VenturesBullpen CapitalChicago VenturesCorazon Capital+18 more
Sunbit provides point-of-sale financing and a fee-free co-branded credit card that let consumers pay over time for in-person services such as auto repair, dental, and optical care, as well as retail purchases.
FintechRetail TechLos Angeles, US
Arad Levertov(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)in
Co-investorsAltaclub VCAltaIR CapitalAlumni VenturesChicago VenturesG SquaredGroup 11+3 more
SuperCircle is a technology and reverse logistics platform that helps retail brands launch trade-in programs and manage excess inventory to reduce textile waste.
Circular EconomyLogistics & Supply ChainSaaS
Chloe Marie Songer(Founder)inStuart Ahlum(Founder)in
Co-investorsFab Co-Creation Studio VenturesFoundryRadicle ImpactRareBreed VenturesRenewal FundsUlu Ventures+4 more
Superpower offers personalized health testing and monitoring for consumers, analyzing 100+ biomarkers across multiple body systems.
AI & Machine LearningDigital HealthWellness & Fitness
Jacob Peters(Founder)inDr Anant VinjamooriKevin Unkrich(Founder)inMax Marchione(Founder)in
Co-investorsAirTree VenturesAOKI LABSARA NEA Ventures (Brand: Dmz.Xyz)AurumBackwards CapitalBlack Flag+21 more
The Players Trunk is a platform enabling former college athletes to monetize game-worn uniforms and other gear earned during their NCAA careers.
ConsumerCreator EconomyE-commerceMarketplacesRetail TechSports Tech
Charles Matthews(athlete-founder)Zavier Simpson(athlete-founder)Jason LansingAustin PomerantzHunter Pomerantz
Troveo sources, curates, and licenses training-ready video, audio, gaming, and robotics datasets for companies building AI and world models.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureMedia & Entertainment
Marty Pesis(Founder)Trent Krupp(Founder)
Co-investorsSeven Seven SixSpacecadet Ventures
Corporate site for Henkel's Adhesive Technologies and Consumer Brands business units, presenting branded products and technologies for consumer and industrial markets.
Advanced ManufacturingConsumerNew MaterialsLouisville, US
Alex Reed(Executive Officer, Director)inJonathan Bostock(Executive Officer, Director)
Co-investorsUNCOMMON DENOMINATORBFG Partners
Ubiquitous is an influencer marketing agency that connects brands with creators on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
AdTechCreator EconomyMarketing Tech
Jess Flack(CEO & Cofounder)Andrew Bankson(VP of Growth)Candice Cleveland(VP of Human Resources)
Co-investorsDuke Capital Partners
UmamiCart is an Asian home-cooking content site publishing tested recipes, ingredient guides, and technique deep-dives across Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, Filipino, Malaysian, and Indonesian cuisines.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerE-commerceFoodTechMedia & EntertainmentNew York, US
Andrea Xu(Founder)inWill Nichols(Founder)inMei Lin Chen(Founder)
Co-investorsFJ LabsGold House VenturesM13PICUS CAPITALReshape
Xena Workwear designs and manufactures safety work boots built specifically for women's foot anatomy, incorporating ASTM-certified protective features.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerE-commerceNorthville, US
Anastasia Kraft(Founder)Ana Kraft(Founder)inDmitry Krivochenitser(Executive Officer, Director)
Co-investorsIrishAngels
Other
Tracked investments with no reachable website or further public details — typically companies that wound down, renamed, or were absorbed.
Baron App, Inc.GO, Inc.Pinch Med, Inc.BoomPayEquilibriaGosubscriptionMavelyOutfitlabsProtégéStillwaterTellyWum
Rows marked “SEC filing” are inferred from directors named on the company's SEC Form D — public regulatory data, not a portfolio list published by the firm.
Exits · 1
1 acquisitionsUmamicartacq. by Shef
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companiesAgentio · prnewswire.com · Jul 13, 2026
Every · ycombinator.com · Jul 10, 2026
Chowbus · prnewswire.com · Mar 11, 2026
Forum · ycombinator.com · Feb 18, 2026
Athena Security · athena-security.com · Dec 25, 2025
Pinch · ycombinator.com · Aug 20, 2025
Cargado · finance.yahoo.com · Apr 7, 2025
Frequently asked questions
- How many investments has Starting Line made?
- Starting Line has 72 tracked investments, 1 of which have exited, including 2 dated in the last 24 months.
- What stage does Starting Line invest at?
- Starting Line invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed stages.
- What is Starting Line's typical check size?
- Starting Line typically writes checks of $750K – $2M.
- What sectors does Starting Line focus on?
- Starting Line focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Consumer, Healthtech.
- Where is Starting Line located?
- Starting Line is headquartered in Chicago, US.
- Does Starting Line lead rounds?
- Yes, Starting Line leads investment rounds.
- Who does Starting Line co-invest with?
- Starting Line most often shares deals with Chicago Ventures, FJ Labs, Left Lane Capital, among 189 tracked co-investors.
Media · Podcasts & interviews
featuring the teamEzra Galston (S2/ E5): How Starting Line Helps Founders Address Their Mental Health
Visible · Ezra Galston
Starting Line VC - Ezra Galston - Bootstrapping In America | tastylive
Ezra Galston · tastylive.com
Rethinking Supply Selling Your Own Product - Ezra Galston, Starting Line
Marketplace Conference · Ezra Galston
"Building Managed vs Non-Managed Marketplaces" - Ezra Galston, The Starting Line
Marketplace Conference · Ezra Galston
Haley Kwait Zollo - Starting Line Fund II
Haley Kwait Zollo · vimeo.com
Ezra Galston - Starting Line Fund II
Ezra Galston · vimeo.com
Co-investors · 17
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.
Origin Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm backing founders building companies in the artificial intelligence economy, focusing on infrastructure, software, applications, services, and marketplaces that transform productivity and automation.
Lightspeed Venture Partners is a global venture capital firm that backs founders from Seed through Series F and beyond, emphasizing deep, immersive partnerships with the companies it invests in.
Social Leverage is a venture capital firm that has invested in over 150 startups since 2009, backing founders across finance, commerce, and other sectors.
Next Play Ventures is a venture capital firm founded by former LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner that invests in and coaches entrepreneurial leaders building purpose-driven organizations.
Dreamers VC is an early-stage venture firm co-founded by Will Smith and Japanese soccer star Keisuke Honda that partners with founders building companies across consumer, enterprise, entertainment, fintech and health/biotech, positioning itself around community, access and speed.
Mischief is a San Francisco-based venture firm investing $1-5M in early-stage software companies, run by a small partnership of former operators.
G20 Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that backs new businesses with capital, storytelling support, and connections, with a focus on enterprise SaaS companies.
Ironspring Ventures is an early-stage venture firm investing in technology innovators across the industrial supply chain, including manufacturing, construction, alternative energy, and transport & logistics.
Proeza Ventures is a venture capital firm investing exclusively in early-stage startups in the mobility space, describing itself as the largest mobility fund in Latin America.
Sequoia Capital is a venture capital firm that partners with founders to build technology companies.
Footwork is a San Francisco-based venture firm that leads and co-leads Seed and Series A rounds in companies showing early product-market fit, focusing on consumer technology and the consumerization of enterprise technology.
▶5 more co-investors
Brand Foundry VenturesProximity VenturesSolana VenturesVU Venture PartnersBehind Genius Ventures
Firms observed investing alongside Starting Line, from public investor directories. Shared companies are the overlap with Starting Line's recorded portfolio.
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Cherubic Ventures is known for investing before a startup even launches or reaches product-market fit, often as the first institutional investor, while also setting aside half of its latest fund for follow-on support all the way through pre-IPO; it was also one of the first venture firms to operate as a solo general partner and has grown into one of the largest funds run that way. Founded by Matt Cheng, who previously built two companies that each reached over $1 billion in public market value, the firm was designed from the start to invest across both the U.S. and Asia, backing early breakout companies in places like Croatia, Bangladesh, Japan, and Taiwan in addition to the U.S., with its Taipei roots still central to its identity alongside its Silicon Valley presence.