Defy.vc

Defy.vc is a prominent seed and Series A venture capital firm based in San Mateo, California, established in 2016 by co-founders Neil Sequeira and Pete Flint. The firm positions itself as a partner for emerging, high-potential opportunities, focusing on early-stage companies across various sectors. Defy.vc aims to provide more than just capital, offering strategic guidance and operational support to its portfolio companies as they scale from initial concept through significant growth milestones. Their investment philosophy emphasizes backing visionary founders who are building disruptive technologies and business models.

Since its inception, Defy.vc has demonstrated substantial growth in its capital base, reflecting strong investor confidence. The firm successfully closed its first fund at $150 million in 2017, followed by a $262 million Fund II in 2020, and a $300 million Fund III in 2022. Most recently, in 2024, Defy.vc announced the closing of its fourth fund, Defy IV, with $350 million in committed capital. This brings their total assets under management to well over $1 billion, solidifying their position as a significant player in the early-stage venture landscape.

Defy.vc typically targets initial investments in seed and Series A rounds. Their first checks generally range from $1 million to $10 million, depending on the stage and specific needs of the company. The firm is known for its hands-on approach, leveraging the extensive experience of its partners, who have backgrounds as founders, operators, and investors in successful technology companies. They seek to build long-term relationships with entrepreneurs, providing follow-on capital and resources as companies mature.

The firm's portfolio spans a diverse range of industries, including enterprise software, fintech, consumer technology, and healthcare tech. Defy.vc's strategic location in Silicon Valley allows it to tap into a rich ecosystem of innovation and talent, further enhancing its ability to identify and support groundbreaking ventures. Their consistent fundraising success and clear investment mandate underscore their commitment to fostering the next generation of market-leading companies.