FAST — by GETTYLAB

FAST, a venture firm operating under the umbrella of GETTYLAB, was established in 2022 with a distinct mission to back engineers who are building technologies that evoke "awe, wonder, and speed." Based in San Francisco, California, FAST positions itself as an early-stage investor, primarily targeting companies from pre-seed through Series A rounds. Their investment philosophy is deeply rooted in supporting groundbreaking engineering endeavors, particularly evident in their portfolio's strong concentration in advanced AI and machine learning startups.

The firm's strategic focus is clearly demonstrated by its impressive roster of portfolio companies, which includes high-profile names such as Perplexity AI, Luma AI, Runway, Pika, and Suno. These investments underscore FAST's commitment to disruptive innovation and its ability to identify nascent companies poised for significant impact in the tech landscape. Since its inception, FAST has been notably active, having made approximately 34 investments, according to Crunchbase data, showcasing a rapid deployment of capital into promising ventures.

FAST distinguishes itself not only by its investment thesis but also by its operational structure. The firm explicitly states it is "not a fund," suggesting a more flexible or proprietary capital deployment model, possibly leveraging resources directly from GETTYLAB. This unique setup may allow for a more agile and founder-centric approach. The team at FAST comprises experienced engineers, founders, and operators, providing portfolio companies with valuable insights beyond just capital. When it comes to financial commitment, FAST typically writes first checks ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000, aligning with their focus on providing crucial early-stage capital to help innovative teams scale.

Overall, FAST by GETTYLAB has quickly carved out a niche as a significant early-stage investor in the frontier technology space. Their blend of strategic focus on advanced engineering, a founder-friendly approach, and a willingness to deploy substantial early capital makes them a compelling partner for startups aiming to push the boundaries of what's possible in areas like artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.