Lightning Ventures
Description
Lightning Ventures is a New York City-based venture capital firm with a highly specialized investment focus: companies building on Bitcoin and the Lightning Network. Established with a clear thesis, the firm exclusively backs startups that leverage the foundational Bitcoin protocol and its scaling layer, the Lightning Network, across various stages from Pre-Seed to Series A. This singular focus underscores their deep conviction in Bitcoin as a transformative technology and positions them as a key capital provider within the burgeoning Bitcoin economy.
The firm's investment philosophy extends beyond mere capital injection. Lightning Ventures aims to be a strategic partner, providing founders with not only funding but also critical connections, operational expertise, and guidance within the complex and rapidly evolving Bitcoin ecosystem. They invest across the entire "Bitcoin stack," supporting innovations ranging from core infrastructure and development tools to consumer-facing applications and financial services built on Bitcoin. Their team comprises experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and operators who are deeply passionate about accelerating Bitcoin's global adoption.
Lightning Ventures typically writes initial checks ranging from $250,000 for early-stage ventures up to $5,000,000 for more developed Series A companies. Their portfolio showcases a strong commitment to leading companies in the Bitcoin space, including prominent names such as Unchained Capital, a provider of Bitcoin financial services; River Financial, a Bitcoin-only financial institution; and Strike, a global Bitcoin payments company. Their strategic investments reflect a dedication to fostering the growth of a robust and decentralized Bitcoin-native economy, supporting the infrastructure and applications that will drive its future.
Investor Profile
Lightning Ventures has backed more than 52 startups, with 1 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 4 rounds, about 8% of its total and boasts 0 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Seed, Pre Seed, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, Seychelles, Israel.
- Strong thematic focus on Bitcoin, FinTech, Cryptocurrency.
- Typical check size: $250K – $5M.
Stage Focus
- Seed (50%)
- Pre Seed (38%)
- Series A (8%)
- Series Unknown (2%)
- Series B (2%)
Country Focus
- United States (65%)
- Seychelles (4%)
- Israel (4%)
- Germany (4%)
- Poland (4%)
- United Kingdom (4%)
- Nigeria (2%)
- France (2%)
- Switzerland (2%)
- Puerto Rico (2%)
Industry Focus
- Bitcoin
- Fintech
- Cryptocurrency
- Financial Services
- Blockchain
- E-commerce
- Payments
- Software
- Information Technology
- Finance
Frequently Asked Questions
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