First Star Ventures

First Star Ventures is a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based venture capital firm established in 2015, dedicated to backing visionary, technical founders who are inventing the future. The firm primarily focuses on early-stage investments, specializing in Seed and Series A rounds. Their investment thesis centers on deep tech, frontier tech, and disruptive innovation, seeking out companies that are pushing the boundaries of technology and science.

The firm's investment strategy often involves leading or co-leading initial funding rounds. First Star Ventures typically deploys an initial check ranging from $1 million to $5 million, reflecting their commitment to providing substantial early capital to promising ventures. They actively seek out founders emerging from top-tier research institutions such as MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and Caltech, underscoring their emphasis on scientific and engineering excellence.

In 2021, First Star Ventures successfully closed its second fund, First Star Ventures Fund II, LP, with a total capital commitment of $60 million. This significant fund size enables them to provide robust support to their portfolio companies. As of early 2024, the firm has made over 45 investments, demonstrating a consistent track record of identifying and backing innovative startups across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and advanced materials. Their approach is characterized by conviction and a deep understanding of the technical challenges and opportunities within their target markets.