IMO Ventures logo

IMO Ventures

North America, California, United States, San Mateo

Description

IMO Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Mateo, California, established in 2014. The firm primarily focuses on early-stage technology companies, typically investing at the seed and Series A stages. A key aspect of their strategy is a cross-border approach, actively investing in and supporting startups within both the United States and China, aiming to bridge these two significant innovation ecosystems. They seek out disruptive technologies and strong founding teams with global ambitions.

The firm's investment thesis is centered on high-growth potential sectors including artificial intelligence, enterprise software, fintech, consumer technology, and digital health. IMO Ventures aims to provide more than just capital, often acting as a lead or co-lead investor and offering strategic guidance and operational support to its portfolio companies. Their expertise in navigating both the US and Chinese markets provides a unique value proposition for founders looking to scale internationally.

Since its inception, IMO Ventures has built a robust and diverse portfolio, demonstrating a consistent investment pace. According to Crunchbase, the firm has made over 100 investments across various technology sub-sectors, showcasing their broad interest and active participation in the startup ecosystem. They have also seen successful outcomes, with Crunchbase indicating more than 10 exits to date from their portfolio companies. Their typical first check sizes range from approximately $500,000 to $5,000,000, reflecting their commitment to foundational rounds and early growth stages.

Investor Profile

IMO Ventures has backed more than 52 startups, with 5 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 7 rounds, about 13% of its total and boasts 1 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Angel rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, China, Singapore.
  • Strong thematic focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Biotechnology.
  • Typical check size: $500K – $5M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (44%)
  • Series A (15%)
  • Angel (15%)
  • Pre Seed (10%)
  • Series C (10%)
  • Series B (4%)
  • Series Unknown (2%)

Country Focus

  • United States (35%)
  • China (35%)
  • Singapore (15%)
  • Colombia (4%)
  • South Korea (4%)
  • United Kingdom (2%)
  • United Arab Emirates (2%)

Industry Focus

  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • Blockchain
  • Biotechnology
  • Software
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Machine Learning
  • E-commerce
  • Information Technology
  • Saas
  • Transportation
circle-line
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does IMO Ventures frequently co-invest with?

K2VC
Asia, Beijing, China, Beijing
Co-Investments: 4
SoftBank Vision Fund
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 3
GSR Ventures
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 3
NGC Ventures
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 3
5Y Capital
Asia, Shanghai, China, Xuhui
Co-Investments: 5
XtalPi
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Cambridge
Co-Investments: 4
Yael Capital Management Limited
Asia, Guangdong, China, Shenzhen
Co-Investments: 4
HongShan
Asia, Beijing, China, Beijing
Co-Investments: 5
Taihill Venture
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 3
Alumni Ventures
North America, New Hampshire, United States, Manchester
Co-Investments: 3

Which angels does IMO Ventures often collaborate with?

Sandy Peng
Asia, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Shared Deals: 1
SR
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Shared Deals: 2
JK
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Shared Deals: 1
MF
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Shared Deals: 1
PT
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
DZ
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Shared Deals: 1
PD
Europe, United Kingdom
Shared Deals: 1
Ye Zhang
Asia, Shanghai, China, Shanghai
Shared Deals: 1
NA
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
Gang Wang
Asia, Zhejiang, China, Hangzhou
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by IMO Ventures?

FuChe Biotech

Berkeley, California, United States

FuChe Biotech is a biotechnology startup which Empower a clear future and innovative technology.

BiotechnologyMedicalSustainability
SeedFeb 27, 2025
META Pharmaceuticals

Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

META Pharmaceuticals is a cutting-edge drug development company specializing in autoimmune diseases.

MedicalPharmaceutical
Series UnknownFeb 17, 2025
Merda Biopharma

Futian, Guangdong, China

Merda Biopharma is a AI-enabled drug discovery technology platform that produces small molecule drugs that helps immune metabolism.

BiopharmaBiotechnology
Series AFeb 14, 2025
BluWhale

San Francisco, California, United States

BluWhale is an AI for BI SaaS platform to automate LiveOps, optimize revenue, and proactively reduce churn.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Machine Learning
Series AOct 30, 2024

Vessel Finance is a ZK-powered order book exchange.

BlockchainCryptocurrencyDecentralized Finance (DeFi)
SeedAug 8, 2024
Amount Raised: $10,000,000
0G Labs

San Francisco, California, United States

0G Labs is a technology startup that focuses on new solutions, particularly in blockchain technology and decentralization.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)BlockchainCryptocurrencyWeb3
Pre SeedMar 25, 2024
Amount Raised: $35,000,000
Insight Technology

Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

Insight Technology is an instrument manufacturer and seller company.

ManufacturingSales
SeedMar 22, 2024

Mirror L2 is a decentralized proof of stake (POS) BTC L2 that supports EVM and smart contracts while using BTC as GAS.

SeedMar 4, 2024
Hopewell Therapeutics

Woburn, Massachusetts, United States

Hopewell Therapeutics is a Synthetic Lipid-based drug delivery company for gene therapy and gene editing.

BiotechnologyHealth CareLife Science
SeedJun 2, 2023
Amount Raised: $25,000,000
Playbux

California City, California, United States

Playbux is an e-commerce metaverse platform that sets up the shop and earns system.

E-CommerceGamingMetaverseOperating Systems
SeedApr 21, 2023
Amount Raised: $2,000,000