Celesta Capital

Celesta Capital is a prominent venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, specializing in investments in disruptive deep technology companies. The firm targets early-stage ventures, primarily from Seed to Series B, that are developing breakthrough innovations across critical sectors. Their investment thesis centers on identifying category-defining companies leveraging advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, semiconductors, cloud infrastructure, advanced materials, and photonics. Celesta Capital distinguishes itself by partnering with entrepreneurs who are building foundational technologies with the potential for significant market impact.

The firm's investment strategy is characterized by a hands-on approach, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a vast network of industry experts and potential customers. Celesta Capital often takes a lead investor role in funding rounds, demonstrating a strong commitment to its portfolio companies. Their team comprises seasoned venture capitalists and technology veterans with deep domain expertise, enabling them to thoroughly evaluate complex technologies and support their growth. This expertise is crucial for navigating the long development cycles and capital intensity often associated with deep tech ventures.

Celesta Capital manages significant capital, with its Celesta Capital Fund III, L.P. closing at $250 million in 2021, contributing to an overall reported assets under management (AUM) of approximately $1 billion across its various funds. This substantial capital base allows them to make meaningful initial investments and provide follow-on funding as their portfolio companies scale. Typically, Celesta Capital's first checks range from $5 million for early-stage Seed or Series A rounds, extending up to $20 million for leading Series B investments. They have made over 100 investments according to public data, demonstrating a broad and active portfolio.

With a strong focus on the foundational technologies that underpin future industries, Celesta Capital has established itself as a key player in the deep tech venture landscape. Their portfolio includes companies that are pushing the boundaries in areas critical to national security, economic competitiveness, and global innovation. By backing ventures that develop complex, often hardware-centric or highly specialized software solutions, Celesta Capital plays a vital role in bringing cutting-edge research from the lab to commercialization, driving technological progress and creating new market opportunities.