The United States boasts the largest and most dynamic startup ecosystem in the world, with major hubs like Silicon Valley, New York City, and Boston. This ecosystem is characterized by a strong venture capital presence and a supportive culture for innovation and entrepreneurship. The U.S. continues to lead globally in technological innovation and startup activity, contributing significantly to economic growth and job creation.
Size of the Market
As of 2024, the U.S. is home to approximately 77,927 startups. The startup ecosystem is supported by substantial venture capital investments, which totaled around $162.6 billion in 2022. This robust financial backing highlights the confidence investors have in the U.S. startup market, ensuring ample funding for innovation and growth.
Key Strengths
Key strengths of the U.S. market include a highly skilled workforce, advanced technological infrastructure, and a culture that encourages risk-taking and entrepreneurship. The presence of major tech companies like Google, Apple, and Facebook fosters a collaborative environment and provides ample opportunities for startups. Additionally, the U.S. government offers support through various grants and tax incentives, such as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.
Major Hubs
Silicon Valley remains the epicenter of innovation, driving advancements in AI, biotechnology, fintech, and clean energy. New York City excels in finance and media, while Boston is strong in biotechnology and education-driven startups. These regions are crucial to the U.S. startup ecosystem, offering a wealth of resources, talent, and opportunities.
Emerging Hubs
Cities like Austin, Denver, and Seattle are emerging as significant tech hubs. These cities provide a favorable business climate, quality of life, and are becoming attractive locations for startups and talent. The rise of remote work has further expanded opportunities for startups to access talent from various regions, contributing to the growth of these emerging hubs.
Support Systems
The U.S. startup market benefits from a comprehensive support system of accelerators, incubators, and co-working spaces. Programs like Techstars and Y Combinator have been instrumental in nurturing early-stage startups, providing mentorship, resources, and funding. These support systems help startups at various stages of their journey to scale and succeed.
Challenges
Despite its strengths, the U.S. startup ecosystem faces challenges such as high costs of living, regulatory hurdles, and intense competition for talent. These challenges can create barriers for new startups and require strategic navigation to ensure long-term success.
Opportunities and Future Outlook
The U.S. startup market features a diverse customer base and a culture that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. The rise of remote work has expanded opportunities, allowing startups to access talent from various regions. The future outlook remains positive with continuous growth and innovation, driven by emerging technologies such as blockchain, quantum computing, and green energy.
Resilience and Adaptability
The U.S. startup ecosystem is characterized by its resilience and adaptability. Despite challenges, the ecosystem continues to evolve, driven by a strong culture of entrepreneurship and technological advancements. This ensures the U.S. remains at the forefront of global innovation, contributing significantly to economic growth and job creation.
Case Studies: Successful Funding Rounds with Angel Investors on Angels Partners
Patrick Lor serves as Managing Partner at Panache Ventures. Lor also serves as Partner at 500 Startups Canada. He helped pioneer the microstock industry, as co-founder of iStockphoto, the world's first crowd sourced stock photography community. Upon his departure, the company was selling over 12 million images annually, and was sold to Getty Images for US$50 million in 2006. Most recently, he was head of North American operations for Fotolia, a stock photography community backed by private equity firm KKR. Patrick is also active in the technology startup ecosystem as an advisor, mentor, angel investor, teacher, and community leader. Organizations he contributes to include: thea100.org, thec100.org, democampcalgary.com, University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, Highline, and FounderFuel. He also served as Advisor at iNovia Capital.
Jenny Lefcourt
Investing in Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) &b...
San Francisco Bay Are..., U.S.A.
Previous Investments
• Verse.io:
$4500000 (Seed Round)
• Patreon:
$60000000 (Later stage VC)
• buildingconnected:
$22000000 (Later stage VC)
• ApplePie Capital:
$16500000 (Later stage VC)
• Fi:
$7020000 (Early stage VC)
• Ease Central:
$6500000 (Early stage VC)
• Embark Veterinary:
$4500000 (Seed Round)
• Agentology:
$4500000 (Early stage VC)
• Trizic, Inc.:
$3300000 (Seed Round)
• Nestio:
• HiveWatch (Network Management Software):
• Commercial Real Estate Exchange, Inc.:
(early stage)
• Freestyle Capital:
(mid stage)
• Bella Pictures:
(early stage)
• WeddingChannel.com:
• Deduce:
$9000000 (Undisclosed)
• BurnerPage:
$2000000 (Pre Seed)
• Vital Interaction:
$5000000 (Series A)
• Arkive:
$10000000 (Seed)
• Change:
$5000000 (Seed)
• Inspectiv:
$9000000 (Series A)
• Inspectiv:
$6000000 (Seed)
• Gander:
$4000000 (Seed)
• Idiomatic:
$4000000 (Seed)
• Bravado:
$26000000 (Series B)
• Bravado:
$9000000 (Series A)
• Upside:
$5000000 (Seed)
• Upside:
$2000000 (Pre Seed)
• Grain:
$16000000 (Series A)
• Grain:
(Convertible Note)
• PlusPlus:
$6000000 (Seed)
• Daily.co:
$40000000 (Series B)
• Daily.co:
$15000000 (Series A)
• Daily.co:
$5000000 (Seed)
• HiveWatch:
$20000000 (Series A)
• HiveWatch:
$5000000 (Seed)
• Hopps:
$6000000 (Seed)
• Thatch:
$3000000 (Seed)
• Embark:
$75000000 (Series B)
• Embark:
$12000000 (Series A)
• Embark:
$6000000 (Seed)
• The Luupe:
(Seed)
• Artera:
$45000000 (Series C)
• Artera:
(Series B)
• Artera:
(Series A)
• Artera:
(Seed)
• Crexi:
$30000000 (Series B)
• Crexi:
$11000000 (Series A)
• Crexi:
$4000000 (Seed)
• Ridwell:
(Seed)
• Ridwell:
(Series A)
• Mon Ami:
$3000000 (Seed)
• BetterUp:
$100000000 (Series C)
• BetterUp:
$26000000 (Series B)
• BetterUp:
$13000000 (Series A)
• BetterUp:
$3000000 (Seed)
• RecruitBot:
$3000000 (Pre Seed)
• Quilt:
(Seed)
• TrueFacet:
$7000000 (Series B)
• TrueFacet:
$6000000 (Series A)
• TrueFacet:
$3000000 (Series Unknown)
• Aloft:
$5000000 (Seed)
• Fantasmo.io:
$2000000 (Seed)
• Verse.ai:
$12000000 (Series A)
• Verse.ai:
$5000000 (Seed)
• Freeda Media:
$4000000 (Seed)
• Narvar:
$22000000 (Series B)
• Narvar:
$10000000 (Series A)
• Narvar:
$2000000 (Seed)
• Giftbit:
$2000000 (Seed)
• Funnel:
$8000000 (Series A)
• Funnel:
$2000000 (Seed)
• French Girls:
$5000000 (Seed)
• Tenor:
(Seed)
• Tenor:
$10000000 (Series A)
• Discord:
$1000000 (Seed)
• Main Street Hub:
(Angel)
• Minted:
$3000000 (Seed)
Jenny Lefcourt
San Francisco Bay Area - California, U.S.A.
Investing In
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • Businesses Solutions • Sales (& Marketing) • Future Of Work • Logistics (& Distribution) • Real Estate (& Construction)
Description
Founder turned VC @ Freestyle
Jenny Lefcourt serves as a Partner at Freestyle Capital. She is also an angel investor. She invests in next-gen commerce, marketplaces, real estate technology and SaaS. Freestyle has led investments in companies such as Intercom, Patreon, Apple Pie Capital and Digit. Jenny has personally led the firm's investments in Narvar, BetterUp, Nestio, TrueFacet, Crexi,, Riffsy, and Giftbit. Prior to joining Freestyle, Jenny cofounded WeddingChannel.com in 1998 (sold: KNOT), cofounded Bella Pictures (sold: CPI) and has personally invested and/or advised start-ups such as StyleSeat, Minted, and MainStreetHub. Jenny earned her BSE at Wharton and attended Stanford's Graduate School of Business.
Brandon is a graduate of NYU Steinhardt School of Education. He holds a degree in communications and has been active in multiple industries, working in hospitality, marketing, management, and finance. His expertise in various fields led to Brandon consulting for various start-up companies including Purpella, Preo, and more.
Ian Rountree
Investing in Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) &b...
San Francisco Bay Are..., U.S.A.
Previous Investments
• Ava (Application):
• Mako Aerospace:
$700000 (Pre Seed Round)
• Venus Aerospace:
$20000000 (Series A)
• Venus Aerospace:
(Seed Round)
• Venus Aerospace:
$3200000 (Seed Round)
• Radiant:
$13000000 (Series A)
• Atomos Space:
$5000000 (Venture Round)
• Sixfold Bioscience:
$2200000 (Seed Round)
• Debut:
$23000000 (Series A)
• Debut:
$2600000 (Seed Round)
• Phenomic AI:
$6000000 (Seed Round)
• Phenomic AI:
$2000000 (Seed Round)
• Circularis Biotechnologies:
(Seed Round)
• Character Biosciences:
$6000000 (Seed Round)
• Eridan:
$8000000 (Series A)
• Lively:
$4200000 (Seed Round)
• Rental Beast:
$5000000 (Venture Round)
• EasyPost:
$4000000 (Seed Round)
• EasyPost:
$1200000 (Seed Round)
• Public.com:
$15000000 (Series B)
• Clover Therapeutics:
$3600000 (Seed)
• Astranis:
$40000000 (Series B)
• Debut Biotechnology:
(Seed)
• Eridan Communications, Inc.:
$7500000 (Series A)
Views best described as cosmopolitan-cum-extropian
Most Interested In
Where the intersection of software, hardware, & wetware can create value in over a billion lives this decade––esp. industrial bio, aerospace, industrial robotics, next-gen computing hardware, and drug development.
Not Interested In
CPG, mobile-first, ad/marketing/sales, hiring-tech, anything that could have been built more than 2-3 years ago. Nor cannabis, therapeutics, or medical devices.
Most Interested In
Where the intersection of software, hardware, & wetware can create value in over a billion lives this decade––esp. industrial bio, industrial robotics, next-gen computing hardware, and drug development.
Not Interested In
CPG, mobile-first, ad/marketing/sales, hiring-tech, anything that could have been built more than 2-3 years ago. Nor cannabis, therapeutics, or medical devices.
Ian Rountree is the Founder of Cantos Ventures. He is an Agent and Chief of Staff at Invisible Technologies.
Joshua Baer
Investing in Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) &b...
Austin, U.S.A.
Previous Investments
• Sunroom:
$1500000
• ICON Technology (Homebuilding):
• Popspots:
• Ender:
$6000000 (Seed)
• CollateralEdge:
$4000000 (Seed)
• Wander:
$7000000 (Pre Seed)
• Sunroom Rentals:
$11000000 (Series A)
• Sunroom Rentals:
$250000 (Seed)
• Tabella:
(Pre Seed)
• CounterFind:
$1000000 (Seed)
• OutboundEngine:
$16000000 (Series C)
• OutboundEngine:
$11000000 (Series B)
• OutboundEngine:
$7000000 (Series A)
• PenPal Schools:
(Seed)
• TrendKite:
$4000000 (Series B)
• TrendKite:
$1000000 (Series A)
• Pingboard:
$3000000 (Seed)
• Clay.io:
$550000 (Seed)
• Edgecase (formerly Compare Metrics):
$4000000 (Series B)
Joshua Baer is a Co-Founder and serves as Chief Executive Officer at Capital Factory. He also serves as Advisor at Liveintent. He is the Founder and also serves as Board Member at PostUp. He founded his first startup in 1996 in his college dormitory at Carnegie Mellon University and now teaches a class at the University of Texas for student entrepreneurs. He was recently recognized as a Henry Crown Fellow and Braddock Scholar at the Aspen Institute, a member of the National Committee on US-China Relations Young Leaders Forum and an Eisenhower Fellow. He holds a degree in Computer science from Carnegie Mellon University.
Michael Schatzberg
Investing in Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) &b...
We provide liquidity for founders and investors for their private shares in great companies -usually mature enough to have meaningful revenue traction
Not Interested In
Pre-revenue companies or shares in companies where the investors and founders are not supportive of a secondary transaction
Josh Breinlinger
Investing in Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) &b...
San Diego , New York ..., U.S.A.
Previous Investments
• Rented.com:
(Seed Round)
• Robomart:
$2000000 (Seed)
• Nana:
$18000000 (Series A)
• Curtsy:
$11000000 (Series A)
• Kyte:
$9000000 (Seed)
• Alto Pharmacy:
$250000000 (Series D)
• Alto Pharmacy:
$50000000 (Series C)
• Alto Pharmacy:
$17000000 (Series B)
• Alto Pharmacy:
$6000000 (Series A)
• Kindly Care:
$5400000 (Series A)
• Kindly Care:
$5000000 (Series A)
• Kindly Care:
$3000000 (Series Unknown)
• Kindly Care:
$2000000 (Seed)
• Bus.com:
$5000000 (Series A)
• Contently:
$7000000 (Series C)
• Contently:
$9000000 (Series B)
• Rented:
(Seed)
• OfferUp:
$16000000 (Series B)
• OfferUp:
$3000000 (Series A)
• Omniata:
$5000000 (Series A)
• Omniata:
$2000000 (Seed)
Josh Breinlinger
San Diego - New York - Atlanta - Seattle - San Francisco Bay Area - California, U.S.A.
Investing In
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • Businesses Solutions • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • Future Of Work • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Real Estate (& Construction) • Online Social
Description
Venture Partner at JSV
Most Interested In
I love marketplaces, especially ones that enhance productivity, lower costs, and have big moats.
Founding team at oDesk and Rev. Investor OfferUp, Alto Pharmacy, Crexi, and more.
Not Interested In
I love SaaS too, but better to pitch one of my partners Pete Solvik or Greg Gretsch. I don't do much pre-launch either.
+2,997
