Obvious Ventures

Obvious Ventures is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm established in 2014, known for its "World Positive" investment thesis. The firm is dedicated to backing entrepreneurs who are reimagining trillion-dollar industries across critical sectors of planetary health, human health, and economic health. Their mission is rooted in the belief that the most impactful and profitable companies of the future will be those that address significant global challenges while generating substantial returns. This dual focus on purpose and profit guides their investment decisions, aiming to foster innovation that creates a better future.

The firm primarily invests in early-stage companies, typically participating in Seed, Series A, and Series B rounds. Obvious Ventures has demonstrated a consistent ability to raise substantial capital, reflecting investor confidence in their impact-driven strategy. Their latest fund, Fund IV, closed in 2022 with $271 million, bringing their total assets under management across four funds to approximately $659 million. This significant capital base allows them to provide robust support to their portfolio companies, enabling them to scale and achieve their ambitious goals.

Obvious Ventures typically deploys initial checks ranging from $3 million to $15 million, depending on the stage and specific needs of the company. While they occasionally participate in Seed rounds, their sweet spot for new investments often lies in leading or co-leading Series A and Series B rounds where they can provide substantial capital and strategic guidance. Their portfolio includes companies like Beyond Meat, Arcadia, and Recursion Pharmaceuticals, showcasing their commitment to disruptive technologies and business models that align with their "World Positive" ethos. The firm's hands-on approach and deep network aim to accelerate the growth of ventures poised to create lasting positive change.