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Inception Capital

Description

Inception Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm with a distinct focus on the burgeoning Web3 ecosystem, specifically targeting projects at the intersection of blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the metaverse. The firm positions itself as a crucial bridge between Western and Eastern markets, leveraging deep insights and extensive networks in both regions to identify and support promising founders and protocols. This unique geographical and cultural arbitrage is a core component of their investment thesis, aiming to facilitate global growth for their portfolio companies.

The firm's investment strategy is centered on pre-seed and seed-stage opportunities, indicating a preference for engaging with projects at their foundational phases. Inception Capital seeks to back innovative technologies and visionary teams that are building the next generation of decentralized applications and infrastructure. Their value proposition extends beyond capital, offering strategic guidance, market access, and operational support to help early-stage Web3 ventures navigate complex regulatory landscapes and expand their global footprint. Their emphasis on foundational protocols suggests a long-term view on the development of the decentralized internet.

Inception Capital has built a notable portfolio, demonstrating its commitment to high-potential Web3 infrastructure. As of early 2024, Crunchbase data indicates the firm has made approximately 15 investments, participating in rounds for prominent projects such as Manta Network, Linea, Scroll, and Taiko. These investments underscore their focus on scalable and impactful blockchain solutions. While specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, based on typical early-stage Web3 funding rounds and the caliber of their portfolio, Inception Capital generally writes initial checks ranging from an estimated $100,000 for pre-seed rounds up to $1,500,000 for seed-stage investments, depending on the project's maturity and capital requirements.

By concentrating on the critical early stages of Web3 development and fostering connections between key global markets, Inception Capital aims to be a foundational partner for the next wave of decentralized innovation. Their strategic emphasis on cross-cultural collaboration and deep sector expertise positions them as a significant player in the evolving landscape of Web3 venture capital, actively shaping the future of decentralized technologies.

Investor Profile

Inception Capital has backed more than 40 startups, with 3 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 5 rounds, about 13% of its total and boasts 0 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Pre Seed, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland.
  • Strong thematic focus on Blockchain, Software, Artificial Intelligence (AI).
  • Typical check size: $100K – $1.5M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (70%)
  • Pre Seed (13%)
  • Series Unknown (10%)
  • Series A (8%)

Country Focus

  • United States (57%)
  • United Kingdom (8%)
  • Switzerland (5%)
  • Singapore (5%)
  • Cayman Islands (3%)
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis (3%)
  • Brazil (3%)
  • Hong Kong (3%)

Industry Focus

  • Blockchain
  • Software
  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • Web3
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Financial Services
  • Gaming
  • Information Technology
  • Computer
  • Fintech
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Who does Inception Capital frequently co-invest with?

Polymorphic Capital
North America, North Carolina, United States, Clayton
Co-Investments: 4
OKX Ventures
Africa, Beau Vallon, Seychelles, Mahé
Co-Investments: 4
LongHash Ventures
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 4
GSR
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 4
Maven 11 Capital
Europe, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands, Amsterdam
Co-Investments: 4
Redbeard Ventures
North America, New York, United States, Brooklyn
Co-Investments: 4
Digital Currency Group
North America, Connecticut, United States, Stamford
Co-Investments: 4
Animoca Brands
Asia, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong, Cyberport
Co-Investments: 5
BB
North America, Florida, United States, Weston
Co-Investments: 4
Foresight Ventures
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 3

Which angels does Inception Capital often collaborate with?

Gabby Dizon
Asia, Rizal, Philippines, Pasig
Shared Deals: 2
Shared Deals: 1
GL
Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
SB
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
Shared Deals: 1
Arthur Hayes
Asia, Hong Kong
Shared Deals: 3

What are some of recent deals done by Inception Capital?

Cytonic is a multi-virtual-machine blockchain.

Blockchain
SeedNov 7, 2024
Amount Raised: $8,300,000
Nillion

Zug, Zug, Switzerland

Nillion is a computer and network security company that provides node operation that signifies implications for data, security, and privacy.

ComputerCryptocurrencyNetwork SecuritySecurity
Series UnknownOct 30, 2024
Amount Raised: $25,000,000
Skyfire Systems

San Francisco, California, United States

Skyfire Systems is a provider of a payment network for AI.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Financial ServicesPayments
SeedAug 21, 2024
Amount Raised: $8,500,000
Term Labs

San Diego, California, United States

Term Labs is a blockchain research and development business, is to provide scalable, transparent fixed-rate lending on blockchains.

BlockchainFinanceService Industry
Series UnknownJul 9, 2024
Amount Raised: $5,500,000
onaji

Dover, Delaware, United States

Onaji is a Machine Learning Platform for Smart Contract Blockchains.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Blockchain
Pre SeedJul 3, 2024
Amount Raised: $2,500,000

MultiVM is a Layer 2 zk-rollup that allows to write smart contracts in several languages.

Infrastructure
SeedMay 23, 2024
Amount Raised: $6,900,000

Theoriq is a platform for unbounded AI innovation with a modular AI agent base layer.

Information ServicesSoftware
SeedMay 14, 2024
Amount Raised: $6,200,000
ChainML

San Francisco, California, United States

a comprehensive solution to integrate customizable generative AI into applications using production-grade AI agents.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)BlockchainInformation TechnologyMachine LearningWeb3
SeedMay 13, 2024
Amount Raised: $6,200,000

The first AI-powered dynamic map supercharged by the DePIN and driver community.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)BlockchainComputer VisionInfrastructureInternet of ThingsSmart CitiesSoftware
Series UnknownApr 25, 2024
Amount Raised: $4,600,000
Puffer Finance

George Town, Midland, Cayman Islands

Puffer offers a platform for liquid restaking of Ethereum, enabling users increase their staking power without traditional lock-up periods.

BlockchainFinance
Series AApr 16, 2024
Amount Raised: $18,000,000