Hustle Fund

Hustle Fund is a United States-based venture capital firm, headquartered in San Carlos, California, renowned for its distinctive focus on "hilariously early" founders. Co-founded by Elizabeth Yin, Eric Bahn, and Shiyan Koh, the firm primarily invests at the pre-seed and seed stages, often serving as the very first institutional capital for startups. Their investment thesis prioritizes identifying founders with exceptional drive and potential, even before a clear product-market fit or significant traction has been established.

The firm employs a high-volume investment strategy, typically deploying initial checks ranging from $25,000 to $250,000. This approach allows Hustle Fund to support a broad portfolio of nascent ventures across various sectors. As of 2024, the firm has backed over 500 companies, demonstrating their commitment to casting a wide net in the early-stage ecosystem.

Hustle Fund has progressively expanded its capital base, reflecting its growing influence in the early-stage VC landscape. Their most recent vehicle, Fund IV, closed at $45 million in 2024, a substantial increase from their initial Fund I, which was $11.5 million. Beyond capital, Hustle Fund provides its portfolio companies with a robust support system, including a vibrant community, mentorship, and practical resources designed to help founders navigate the complexities of building and scaling a startup from the ground up.