Hinge Capital

Hinge Capital is an Austin, Texas-based venture capital firm primarily focused on early-stage technology companies. The firm invests across Seed, Series A, and Series B funding rounds, targeting innovative startups with significant growth potential. Notably, Hinge Capital was previously known as Venture 51, indicating a rebranding or strategic evolution in its investment focus and geographic presence. This history underscores their experience in the venture capital landscape, having supported numerous companies through critical early growth phases.

The firm's investment strategy emphasizes partnering with founders who are building transformative technologies. Hinge Capital seeks to provide more than just capital, often engaging actively with its portfolio companies to offer strategic guidance and operational support. Their portfolio spans various sectors within technology, reflecting a broad interest in disruptive innovation. Examples of their investments include companies like Shipwell, a logistics technology platform, and Cart.com, an e-commerce enablement platform, demonstrating their commitment to diverse tech verticals.

Hinge Capital typically deploys capital as a first check ranging from $500,000 to $7,000,000, depending on the stage and specific needs of the startup. While they participate in various rounds, their willingness to lead investments, as seen in a $4 million Seed round for Homeward and a substantial $20 million Seed round for Cart.com, suggests a capacity for significant capital deployment in promising ventures. This flexibility allows them to engage with companies from their initial growth spurt through more mature early-stage development.

Their focus on the Seed to Series B stages positions Hinge Capital as a crucial funding source for startups navigating the often challenging transition from concept to market leader. By providing capital and strategic support during these formative years, Hinge Capital aims to foster the development of the next generation of successful technology companies, solidifying its role within the vibrant Austin tech ecosystem and beyond.