MJ

Michael Jones

North America, California, United States, Los Angeles

Description

Michael Jones is a highly influential internet executive and investor, widely recognized as the co-founder and CEO of Science Inc., a prominent Los Angeles-based venture studio and fund. Before co-founding Science Inc., Jones served as the CEO of MySpace, where he led its turnaround and eventual sale. His extensive background as an entrepreneur and strategic advisor has positioned him as a key figure in the Southern California tech ecosystem, with a focus on identifying and nurturing disruptive consumer technology and e-commerce businesses.

Science Inc. operates with a unique hybrid model, functioning both as a venture studio that builds companies from the ground up and as a venture fund that invests in external early-stage startups. This dual approach allows Jones and his team to be deeply involved in the operational aspects of their portfolio companies, providing hands-on support and strategic guidance. The firm has an impressive track record, having incubated or invested in over 100 companies, including notable successes like Dollar Shave Club, which was acquired by Unilever for a reported $1 billion, and the rapidly growing beverage brand Liquid Death.

As an investor, Michael Jones, through Science Inc., typically targets pre-seed, seed, and early Series A rounds. Their initial capital injections can range significantly, reflecting their diverse investment strategies. For companies they incubate within their studio model, initial commitments might start around $250,000, often combined with extensive operational support. For direct equity investments in external startups, Science Inc.'s first cheques generally fall within the range of $500,000 to $3,000,000, depending on the stage and specific needs of the company. Jones and Science Inc. are known for their long-term view and willingness to provide follow-on funding to support portfolio companies through subsequent growth stages.

Investor Profile

Michael Jones has backed more than 21 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 0 rounds, about 0% of its total and boasts 8 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Angel, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States.
  • Strong thematic focus on E-Commerce, Internet, Mobile.
  • Typical check size: $250K – $3M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (52%)
  • Angel (33%)
  • Series A (10%)
  • Pre Seed (5%)

Country Focus

  • United States (100%)

Industry Focus

  • E-commerce
  • Internet
  • Mobile
  • Social Media
  • Digital Media
  • Software
  • Photography
  • Marketing Automation
  • Photo Sharing
  • Fashion
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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 Michael Jones frequently co-invest with?

First Round Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2
Bullpen Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2
Canaan Partners
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 1
Mucker Capital
North America, California, United States, Santa Monica
Co-Investments: 2
Velos Partners
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Co-Investments: 2
Newbury Ventures
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 1
Version One Ventures
North America, British Columbia, Canada, Vancouver
Co-Investments: 2
Castor Ventures
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 1
Alumni Ventures
North America, New Hampshire, United States, Manchester
Co-Investments: 1
Founders Fund
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2

Which angels does Michael Jones often collaborate with?

MM
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
RG
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
TD
North America, California, United States, Santa Monica
Shared Deals: 2
JN
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Shared Deals: 2
SB
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
NJ
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Shared Deals: 2
MB
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Shared Deals: 2
Bob. Wertz
North America, British Columbia, Canada, Vancouver
Shared Deals: 1
AU
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Shared Deals: 2
ML
North America, California, United States, San Mateo
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Michael Jones?

Twenty20

Marina Del Rey, California, United States

Twenty20 provides a modern, real-world alternative to traditional stock photography.

E-CommerceInternetMarketing AutomationMobilePhoto SharingPhotography
Series AJun 18, 2018
Amount Raised: $22,307,027
Boom Entertainment

New York, New York, United States

Boom Entertainment is a technology company developing a sports gaming application focusing on casual games for the sports betting industry.

CasinoDigital EntertainmenteSportsFantasy SportsGaming
SeedMay 31, 2017
Amount Raised: $2,000,000
Anagram

San Francisco, California, United States

Anagram is a unified revenue cycle management SaaS for eye care providers

B2BEnterprise SoftwareEyewearHealth CareInsuranceInsurTechInternetSoftware
SeedDec 1, 2016
Amount Raised: $2,850,000
Koji

New York, New York, United States

Koji is the world's most powerful link in bio platform, building the app store for the Creator Economy.

App DiscoveryContent CreatorsDeveloper PlatformDeveloper ToolsSocial Media
Pre SeedOct 31, 2016
Amount Raised: $3,000,000
Fresco News

New York, New York, United States

Fresco combines the incredible powers of their mobile devices with the content needs of global news outlets.

CrowdsourcingEventsNews
SeedSep 8, 2015
Amount Raised: $1,200,000
French Girls

San Francisco, California, United States

Silicon Valley's cool uncle who drives a Camaro

Digital MediaMarketplaceMobilePhotography
AngelFeb 10, 2015
Amount Raised: $850,000
Pluto TV

Los Angeles, California, United States

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

AppsInternetMedia and EntertainmentVideoVideo Streaming
SeedOct 13, 2014
Amount Raised: $500,000
RadPad

Los Angeles, California, United States

RadPad is a developer of a property searching mobile application used to find new apartments, condos, or homes.

AppsiOSMobileReal Estate
SeedAug 12, 2014
Amount Raised: $2,000,000
CurbStand

West Hollywood, California, United States

Seamless, cashless valet parking in Los Angeles. Pay & tip right from your phone.

AutomotiveFinTechMobileMobile PaymentsParkingPublic TransportationTransportationTravel
AngelMar 1, 2014
Amount Raised: $1,000,000
MeUndies

Culver City, California, United States

MeUndies brings together sustainable fabric and innovative design to make soft underwear and loungewear for its customers.

E-CommerceFashionRetailSubscription Service
AngelNov 13, 2013
Amount Raised: $1,000,000