Fabrice Grinda

Fabrice Grinda stands as one of the world's most prominent Internet entrepreneurs and prolific angel investors, based out of New York City. With a distinguished career marked by founding and successfully exiting several companies, including Aucland, Zingy, and OLX, his entrepreneurial ventures alone have generated over $300 million in exits. This deep operational experience provides him with a unique perspective when evaluating new ventures. He transitioned much of his investment activity into co-founding FJ Labs with Jose Marin, a venture capital firm that has become a powerhouse in early-stage investing.

FJ Labs, under Grinda's leadership, has cultivated an expansive portfolio, having invested in over 600 companies across more than 40 countries. The firm's investment thesis is strongly centered on disruptive marketplace models, a sector where Grinda's expertise is particularly acute. Beyond marketplaces, his investment interests extend to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, and opportunities within emerging markets. His portfolio boasts stakes in numerous high-profile companies such as Alibaba, Airbnb, Lending Club, Coupang, and Delivery Hero, showcasing a keen eye for identifying future industry leaders.

As an investor, Grinda is known for his hands-on approach and a preference for early-stage opportunities, typically participating in seed to Series B rounds. His investment philosophy emphasizes strong network effects, scalable business models, and exceptional founding teams. While FJ Labs' typical first checks range from $250,000 to $5 million, Grinda's personal angel investments, particularly in very early stages, can start from $100,000, reflecting his commitment to nurturing nascent ideas. His extensive track record of successful investments and exits underscores his significant influence in the global startup ecosystem.