Q&A

What do you invest in?

Intelligence-native companies where AI is the core production engine, not just a feature. AI law firms that practice law, AI M&A advisors that structure deals, AI energy traders that execute trades. If you're building tools that help others work, we pass. If you're using AI to do the work itself, let's talk.

What stage and check size?

Pre-seed and seed. Initial checks of $50K-$100K with reserves for follow-ons. We move fast with 3-day diligence when we have conviction.

How fast do you move?

Three days from first meeting to decision when we have conviction. If we're passing, you'll know within 48 hours with clear reasons why.

What makes you different?

We're embedded in Berkeley's entrepreneurship ecosystem (SkyDeck, House Fund, Founders Network) where the next generation of technical founders are building. We give institutional LPs early access to deals before they hit the broader market, which means we can move faster and be more helpful on your timeline. Plus, I've been an operator—I know what it's like to pitch, iterate, and close deals from the founder side.

What support do you provide?

Tactical help on GTM iteration, design partner intros through our network, hiring for early technical roles, and narrative development for your next round. We're hands-on when useful but respect that you run the company.

How do follow-ons work?

Earned, not automatic. We double down when you hit milestones around traction (revenue, usage, retention) and show clear momentum toward product-market fit. If things aren't working, we'll have honest conversations early.

What do you look for in founders?

Domain expertise first—deep understanding of the industry's pain points and credibility with buyers. Then technical execution capability to build production AI systems, velocity on shipping product, and honesty about what's working and what's not.

Why do you pass?

Horizontal AI tools, features masquerading as companies, founders without domain expertise in the vertical they're targeting, unclear path to defensibility, or businesses that need AI to work perfectly at launch rather than iterating toward production quality.

How do we connect?

Warm intro from Berkeley ecosystem founders, operators in our network, or investors we know. Cold outreach works if you clearly fit our thesis—just send a quick note explaining what you're building and why AI is your production engine. We respond within 48 hours.