Stage 1 Ventures

What is Stage 1 Ventures?

Stage 1 Ventures is a Waltham, Massachusetts-based venture capital firm that focuses on investing in disruptive Deep Tech and Science companies aiming to transform global industries. They primarily target the sectors of mobile, executable internet, software as a service (SaaS), IPTV, internet video, pay-for-performance marketing, advertising, security, IT, TMT, BioTech, and more.

Their investment philosophy underscores the importance of bridging the capital gap for early-stage entrepreneurs through capital efficient fund models benefiting Limited Partners. The firm is structured to maximize partner engagement with portfolio companies, applying their extensive operational experience to foster company growth both smarter and faster.

By leveraging a broad skills set, contacts, and resources, they assist startups in achieving their goals. Stage 1 Ventures employs a collaborative approach with global leaders and co-investment partners to pool resources for larger investments and greater involvement in the companies' success. They also offer market insight, access to banking relationships, and industry intelligence through partners like Cowen, Canaccord Genuity, and Flagship Pioneering.

Their SSVSS framework guides startups through idea to market success with a stage-gated, research-driven process, emphasizing strategic innovation, small selective investments, business and intellectual property development, preemptive leadership in growth equity investment, and a milestone-based approach to ensure long-term success and value creation.

Stage 1 Ventures boasts an extensive network, a 30-year investing history, a portfolio of over 100 companies, and investment proceeds of $2 billion. They are committed to working closely with entrepreneurs, assisting with strategic knowledge, general advice, and scaling businesses effectively.

Stage 1 Ventures positions itself as a vital resource for companies seeking expertise in founding and scaling iconic brands in software, data, analytics, and beyond, aiming to achieve visibility, liquidity, returns, and higher investment returns through strategic co-investing relationships and a focus on bringing partners to liquidity within 3-5 years.

What they say:

We are an early-stage venture capital firm.

What we look for: We invest in early-stage companies, building partnerships with entrepreneurs in automotive, mobile, and SaaS sectors.