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Luminari Capital

North America, California, United States, Palo Alto

Description

Luminari Capital is a Palo Alto-based venture capital firm strategically positioned at the nexus of technology and media. The firm's core mission is to identify and invest in companies that are fundamentally transforming how content is created, distributed, and consumed in the digital age. With a keen eye on emerging technological themes, Luminari Capital partners with visionary entrepreneurs who are building the next generation of digital media platforms and experiences, ranging from innovative streaming services to interactive entertainment and creator economy tools.

The firm's investment strategy is highly focused on early-stage opportunities, primarily targeting Seed and Series A rounds. Luminari Capital seeks out companies that demonstrate strong product-market fit, scalable business models, and a clear path to disrupting traditional media paradigms or establishing new ones. Their portfolio showcases a diverse array of companies that are not merely adapting to digital shifts but are actively shaping the future landscape of content, reflecting a deep understanding of consumer behavior and technological advancements in the media sector.

Financially robust, Luminari Capital launched its inaugural vehicle, Luminari Capital Fund I, with a substantial $100 million in committed capital, providing significant resources to deploy into promising ventures. Since its inception, the firm has been an active investor, having made at least 16 investments into a variety of digital media and entertainment startups. Their typical initial investment size ranges from $1 million to $10 million, allowing them to be a flexible and impactful partner across different early funding stages. This strategic deployment of capital, combined with a hands-on approach, aims to accelerate the growth of their portfolio companies, helping them navigate the complexities of the rapidly evolving digital media ecosystem and achieve market leadership.

Investor Profile

Luminari Capital has backed more than 30 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 0 rounds, about 0% of its total and boasts 10 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Canada.
  • Strong thematic focus on Video, Sports, Advertising.
  • Typical check size: $1M – $10M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (27%)
  • Series A (27%)
  • Series Unknown (13%)
  • Series E (10%)
  • Series C (7%)
  • Series B (7%)
  • Series D (7%)
  • Convertible Note (3%)

Country Focus

  • United States (90%)
  • Canada (10%)

Industry Focus

  • Video
  • Sports
  • Advertising
  • Software
  • News
  • Digital Entertainment
  • Internet
  • Video Streaming
  • Journalism
  • Information Technology
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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 Luminari Capital frequently co-invest with?

Courtside Ventures
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 4
Advancit Capital
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Norwood
Co-Investments: 4
DCM Ventures
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 3
Great Oaks Venture Capital
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 4
Amasia
North America, California, United States, Burlingame
Co-Investments: 3
BDMI
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 6
Sky UK
Europe, Hounslow, United Kingdom, Isleworth
Co-Investments: 4
Evolution Media
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Co-Investments: 3
LionTree
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 3
TCG
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Co-Investments: 3

Which angels does Luminari Capital often collaborate with?

MA
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
ZC
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
BB
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
David Hou
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
FE
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
AR
North America, California, United States, Mountain View
Shared Deals: 1
CS
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Shared Deals: 2
ML
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 2
Neeraj Bhargava
Asia, Maharashtra, India, Mumbai
Shared Deals: 1
AR
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Luminari Capital?

MikMak

Brooklyn, New York, United States

MikMak is a platform that enables traditional brick-and-mortar brands to gain insights & view the activity of major online retailers.

AdvertisingAppsBrand MarketingDigital MarketingInternetRetailShoppingSoftwareVideo
Series AAug 3, 2020
Amount Raised: $10,000,000
Einhorn's Epic Productions

New York, New York, United States

Einhorn's Epic Productions is an entertainment firm that provides audio dramas, graphic novels, Web3, and webcomics.

AdvertisingGamingMedia and EntertainmentMusicNewsWeb3
Series UnknownJan 1, 2019
The Athletic

San Francisco, California, United States

The Athletic is an online media company that specializes in online news publishing for the sports industry.

JournalismNewsSports
Series COct 30, 2018
Amount Raised: $40,000,000
fuboTV

New York, New York, United States

fuboTV is the sports-focused live TV streaming service with top leagues and teams, plus popular shows, movies and news for the whole family.

Digital EntertainmentSportsSubscription Service
Series DApr 18, 2018
Amount Raised: $75,000,000
The Athletic

San Francisco, California, United States

The Athletic is an online media company that specializes in online news publishing for the sports industry.

JournalismNewsSports
Series BMar 5, 2018
Amount Raised: $20,000,000
Art19

San Francisco, California, United States

Art19 provides tools for hosting, distribution, and monetization of podcasts.

Ad TargetingAdvertisingBroadcastingInternetPodcastSoftware
Series AAug 23, 2017
Amount Raised: $7,500,000
The Athletic

San Francisco, California, United States

The Athletic is an online media company that specializes in online news publishing for the sports industry.

JournalismNewsSports
Series AJul 25, 2017
Amount Raised: $5,400,000
Streamable

Wilmington, Delaware, United States

Streamable is an internet video streaming company that powers innovative video experiences for bloggers and publishers around the world.

InternetVideoVideo Streaming
SeedMar 10, 2017
The Athletic

San Francisco, California, United States

The Athletic is an online media company that specializes in online news publishing for the sports industry.

JournalismNewsSports
SeedJan 9, 2017
Amount Raised: $2,300,000
Pluto TV

Los Angeles, California, United States

Pluto TV is the leading free streaming television service in America.

AppsInternetMedia and EntertainmentVideoVideo Streaming
Series BOct 12, 2016
Amount Raised: $30,000,000