Karlin Ventures

Karlin Ventures is a Los Angeles-based early-stage venture capital fund established in 2011. The firm strategically focuses its investments on innovative companies within the software, e-commerce, and advertising technology sectors. With a clear mandate to support startups building disruptive solutions for significant market opportunities, Karlin Ventures has positioned itself as a key player in the Southern California venture ecosystem. Its investment philosophy centers on identifying promising ventures at their nascent stages, providing crucial capital and guidance to help them scale.

Upon its launch, Karlin Ventures debuted with a $20 million fund, Karlin Ventures I, specifically earmarked for early-stage investments. The fund typically targets companies at the seed and Series A stages of their development. Their initial investment checks generally range from $250,000 to $1 million, reflecting their commitment to providing foundational capital to promising startups. This strategic approach allows them to engage with companies early in their lifecycle, fostering growth from the ground up.

Over its operational history, Karlin Ventures has amassed a diverse portfolio, having made over 30 investments in various high-growth companies. The firm has demonstrated a keen eye for identifying future market leaders, with several of its early investments achieving significant success. Notable examples include their participation in the seed rounds of Ring, which was later acquired by Amazon, and Dollar Shave Club, acquired by Unilever. Their early support for companies like Scopely and Thrive Market further underscores their ability to back ventures that go on to raise substantial follow-on funding and achieve considerable market traction. Karlin Ventures' track record highlights its role in nurturing innovative businesses from their foundational stages to successful exits or sustained growth.