IDEO CoLab Ventures

IDEO CoLab Ventures is the venture capital arm and venture studio of IDEO, the globally renowned design and innovation firm. Based in San Francisco, the entity is dedicated to investing in and co-creating with early-stage startups that are building the future of the distributed web, with a strong emphasis on Web3 technologies. Unlike traditional venture funds, IDEO CoLab Ventures integrates IDEO's deep design expertise and methodologies into its investment approach, offering portfolio companies a unique value proposition that extends beyond capital to include hands-on product development and strategic guidance. This "co-creation" model aims to accelerate the development and adoption of new protocols and products within the decentralized ecosystem.

The firm primarily targets companies at the seed to Series A stages, focusing on the intersection of design, technology, and business. Their investment thesis centers on identifying foundational projects that can shape the user experience and bring mass adoption to decentralized applications. IDEO CoLab Ventures has raised two dedicated funds, with its first fund closing at $15 million and a subsequent fund, Fund II, raising $21 million, bringing their total capital raised to approximately $36 million. This capital is strategically deployed to support innovative teams building across various Web3 verticals, including DeFi, NFTs, DAOs, and infrastructure.

IDEO CoLab Ventures boasts an impressive portfolio of companies that have become leaders in the Web3 space. Notable investments include foundational projects like Uniswap, a leading decentralized exchange, and OpenSea, a prominent NFT marketplace, alongside other significant players such as Compound, Arbitrum, and Optimism. Their ability to identify and nurture such impactful ventures underscores their deep understanding of the Web3 landscape and their commitment to fostering innovation. The firm's unique blend of capital, design acumen, and hands-on support positions it as a distinctive and influential player in the early-stage distributed web investment ecosystem.