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Esther Dyson

North America, New York, United States, New York

Description

Esther Dyson is a highly influential and long-standing figure in the technology and venture capital landscape, known for her prescient early-stage investments and insightful analysis of emerging trends. With a career spanning several decades, she has been an active investor since the 1980s, establishing herself as a prominent angel investor with a keen eye for disruptive technologies and impactful ventures. Her investment philosophy often centers on companies that leverage data, promote health and well-being, and address societal challenges, reflecting her broader commitment to improving human experience.

Dyson's diverse portfolio includes early stakes in numerous groundbreaking companies. She was notably an early supporter and investor in internet pioneers such as Flickr and del.icio.us, demonstrating her foresight in the nascent stages of the web. Her investment activities are often characterized by a hands-on approach, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and network access to founders. She is particularly interested in the intersection of technology, health, and space, often backing ventures that align with her "Way to Wellville" initiative, which focuses on community-led health improvements.

As an angel investor, Esther Dyson typically participates in early funding rounds, providing crucial seed capital to promising startups. While specific check sizes can vary based on the opportunity and her level of involvement, her initial investments generally range from approximately $50,000 to $300,000. Her extensive network and deep understanding of market dynamics make her a highly sought-after investor for entrepreneurs seeking more than just financial backing. She has invested in over 100 companies, according to public records, underscoring her prolific activity and enduring influence in the startup ecosystem.

Investor Profile

Esther Dyson has backed more than 124 startups, with 1 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 6 rounds, about 5% of its total and boasts 29 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Angel rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, United Kingdom, Russian Federation.
  • Strong thematic focus on Health Care, Software, Internet.
  • Typical check size: $50K – $300K.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (46%)
  • Series A (19%)
  • Angel (14%)
  • Pre Seed (6%)
  • Series B (5%)
  • Series Unknown (5%)
  • Series C (3%)
  • Debt Financing (1%)
  • Undisclosed (1%)
  • Post Ipo Equity (1%)

Country Focus

  • United States (77%)
  • United Kingdom (6%)
  • Russian Federation (3%)
  • Hungary (2%)
  • Canada (2%)
  • United Arab Emirates (2%)
  • Kenya (1%)
  • Ireland (1%)
  • The Netherlands (1%)
  • Finland (1%)

Industry Focus

  • Health Care
  • Software
  • Internet
  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • Medical
  • Social Media
  • Information Technology
  • Saas
  • Mobile
  • Mhealth
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Esther Dyson frequently co-invest with?

Seedcamp
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 4
Techstars
North America, Colorado, United States, Boulder
Co-Investments: 6
Founder Collective
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Cambridge
Co-Investments: 4
Anthemis
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 3
Quotidian Ventures
North America, New York, United States, Brooklyn
Co-Investments: 4
Union Square Ventures
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 5
Credo Ventures
Europe, Hlavni mesto Praha, Czech Republic, Prague
Co-Investments: 4
RRE Ventures
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 4
New York Angels
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 7
Khosla Ventures
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 4

Which angels does Esther Dyson often collaborate with?

AP
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
MA
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 3
David S. Rose
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 3
AS
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 3
WW
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Shared Deals: 3
TH
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 3
ML
North America, California, United States, Portola Valley
Shared Deals: 2
KU
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 3
JS
North America, California, United States
Shared Deals: 7
Dave McClure
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 3

What are some of recent deals done by Esther Dyson?

Openwater

San Francisco, California, United States

Openwater is a startup developing a medical technology system focused on treating diseases at the cellular level.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)ManufacturingMedical DeviceSoftware
Series UnknownAug 22, 2024
Amount Raised: $54,000,000
Ezra AI

New York, New York, United States

Ezra AI provides early cancer detection by combining advanced medical imaging technology and AI technology.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Health CareHealth DiagnosticsMedical
Series BFeb 7, 2024
Amount Raised: $21,000,000
Way

Santa Monica, California, United States

Way is a mindful eating app that replaces restrictive diets.

FitnessMobile AppsNutritionWellness
UndisclosedMay 30, 2023
Boxhub

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Leading online platform on a mission to revolutionize the way intermodal shipping containers are traded, transported, and used.

E-CommerceIndustrialInternetLast Mile TransportationLogisticsShippingSupply Chain Management
SeedApr 11, 2022
Amount Raised: $2,650,000
Humanity

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Humanity is a healthcare company that aims to extend the healthspan of humanity.

Health CareMedicalmHealthPersonal HealthWellness
SeedAug 4, 2021
Amount Raised: $2,500,000
NeuroGeneces

Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States

NeuroGeneces measures and improves Brain Health

Consumer ElectronicsHealth Care
Pre SeedJun 9, 2021
Amount Raised: $220,000
Medesk

London, England, United Kingdom

Medesk is a software company that offers online medical software for clinics, offices, IPS, and hospitals.

ComputerHealth CareInformation TechnologymHealthSaaSSoftware
SeedJun 1, 2021
Amount Raised: $600,000
Epistemic AI

Westport, Connecticut, United States

Knowledge discovery platform for the life sciences,

Artificial Intelligence (AI)BioinformaticsBiotechnologyLife ScienceMachine LearningNatural Language ProcessingPharmaceutical
SeedApr 6, 2021
Amount Raised: $5,500,000
Localized

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Localized is a talent tech company that connects emerging talent with global employers.

College RecruitingEdTechEducationHuman ResourcesRecruiting
SeedApr 2, 2021
Amount Raised: $2,200,000
Praava Health

Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Praava Health is a patient-driven company disrupting the healthcare standard for Bangladesh’s 170 million citizens.

Health CareHealth DiagnosticsWellness
Series AMar 8, 2021
Amount Raised: $10,600,000