OSS Capital L.P.

OSS Capital L.P. is a highly specialized venture capital firm based in San Francisco, uniquely dedicated to investing in early-stage Commercial Open Source Software (COSS) companies globally. Founded by Joseph Jacks, a prominent figure in the open-source community, the firm has carved out a distinct niche by exclusively backing startups leveraging open-source principles for commercial success. This singular focus allows OSS Capital to provide unparalleled domain expertise and strategic guidance to its portfolio companies, distinguishing it from generalist VC firms.

The firm's investment thesis centers on identifying and nurturing the next generation of open-source giants. They typically engage with companies at the Seed and Series A stages, often acting as a lead or co-lead investor. Beyond capital, OSS Capital offers deep operational support, leveraging its extensive network and understanding of the open-source ecosystem to help founders navigate product-market fit, community building, and monetization strategies. Their hands-on approach aims to accelerate growth and mitigate the unique challenges associated with building a successful COSS business.

OSS Capital has demonstrated a strong commitment to its specialized mandate, evidenced by its fundraising efforts and portfolio construction. For instance, the firm announced a $100 million Fund II in 2021, reinforcing its capacity to support a growing number of promising COSS ventures. Typical initial check sizes for OSS Capital range from approximately $1 million to $5 million, though they have the flexibility to invest up to $10 million in larger Seed or Series A rounds, particularly when leading. Their portfolio includes high-profile companies such as Supabase, Airbyte, and Temporal, showcasing their ability to identify and back impactful projects within the open-source landscape. Their strategic focus and deep industry knowledge make them a preferred partner for COSS founders seeking more than just capital.