General Catalyst

General Catalyst is a prominent venture capital firm established in 2000, with its roots in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a significant presence in San Francisco, New York, London, and Paris. The firm is recognized for its comprehensive investment approach, spanning from early-stage seed rounds to substantial growth equity investments. General Catalyst has built a reputation for identifying and nurturing disruptive technologies across diverse sectors, including enterprise software, fintech, healthcare, consumer, and artificial intelligence, consistently backing companies poised for significant market transformation.

The firm operates with a philosophy centered on "responsible innovation," seeking to invest in ventures that not only demonstrate strong commercial viability but also aim to create positive societal impact. General Catalyst is known for its deep engagement with founders, offering extensive operational support, strategic guidance, and leveraging its expansive network to accelerate portfolio company growth. This hands-on approach is a cornerstone of their value proposition, helping startups navigate complex challenges and scale effectively.

General Catalyst deploys substantial capital across its investment mandates. While their typical first check size can range significantly depending on the stage, they are known to invest anywhere from $1 million for early-stage opportunities up to $100 million or more for growth-stage companies. The firm has raised over $20 billion in capital across various funds throughout its history, including a significant $4.63 billion for its flagship fund and $670 million for an early-stage fund in 2023 alone, underscoring their capacity for large-scale investments. Their impressive portfolio includes industry leaders such as Airbnb, Stripe, HubSpot, and Grammarly, reflecting their consistent success in backing transformative businesses.