Aspect Ventures

Aspect Ventures was a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, United States, co-founded in 2014 by Theresia Gouw and Jennifer Fonstad. The firm quickly distinguished itself as one of the few VC firms led entirely by women, aiming to back promising early-stage technology companies. Their investment thesis primarily focused on the emerging mobile marketplace, encompassing enterprise software, cybersecurity, and consumer applications. Aspect Ventures sought to identify and support disruptive technologies and innovative business models, often emphasizing companies with diverse founding teams.

The firm raised two significant funds during its independent operation. Its inaugural fund, launched in 2014, secured $150 million, signaling its intent to be a serious player in the early-stage investment landscape. Aspect Ventures typically invested in seed and Series A rounds, with initial check sizes ranging from $1 million to $5 million. This approach allowed them to provide crucial early capital to startups, helping them scale from initial product development to market expansion. Notable companies in their portfolio included cloud security firm Exabeam, fintech innovator Chime, and luxury consignment platform The RealReal, demonstrating their broad reach across various tech sectors.

In a significant development in 2019, Aspect Ventures was acquired by Wing Venture Capital. This strategic merger resulted in the formation of a combined entity managing approximately $1.3 billion across five funds, effectively integrating Aspect Ventures' team and portfolio into Wing's operations. While the Aspect Ventures brand ceased to operate independently, its legacy of backing diverse founders and innovative technologies continued under the Wing umbrella.

The acquisition marked the end of Aspect Ventures as a standalone investment firm, meaning it no longer makes new independent investments. However, its historical contributions to the venture capital ecosystem, particularly in championing women in leadership and investing in underrepresented founders, remain significant. The firm's success in identifying and nurturing early-stage companies ultimately contributed to the broader growth of the technology sector.