Formation 8

Formation 8 was a prominent San Francisco-based venture capital firm established in 2011, known for its focus on technology investments across seed, early, and later stages. The firm quickly gained recognition for its strategic investments in high-growth startups, particularly in the enterprise software, big data, and virtual reality sectors. Its portfolio included several notable successes, such as Oculus VR, which was acquired by Facebook for an impressive $2 billion, and RelateIQ, which Salesforce acquired for $390 million. These early wins solidified Formation 8's reputation as a shrewd early-stage investor.

The firm successfully raised significant capital, including a $500 million second fund, Formation 8 Fund II, which closed in 2015. This substantial capital pool allowed them to make impactful investments and support their portfolio companies through various growth phases. Despite its promising trajectory and significant fund size, Formation 8 experienced an internal restructuring that led to its effective dissolution in 2016.

Following its split, the firm's key partners went on to establish new, independent venture capital entities. Joe Lonsdale co-founded 8VC, while Brian Singerman joined Founders Fund, continuing their investment activities under new banners. Due to its dissolution, Formation 8 is no longer an active investment firm making new first cheques. Consequently, it does not have current typical check sizes for new investments. Its legacy, however, continues through the success of its former portfolio companies and the ongoing work of its founding partners in the venture capital ecosystem.