Playground Global

Playground Global is a Palo Alto-based early-stage venture capital firm renowned for its focus on deep technology, particularly at the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation. Established by a team of seasoned entrepreneurs and engineers, the firm distinguishes itself through its hands-on approach and a unique 25,000-square-foot lab facility designed to help portfolio companies develop and prototype their innovations. Playground Global primarily targets companies from the Seed to Series B stages, seeking to back ambitious founders building foundational technologies that can reshape industries.

The firm's investment strategy centers on identifying disruptive science companies that leverage advanced computing and engineering to solve complex real-world problems. They look for ventures with strong technical teams and proprietary intellectual property in areas such as advanced manufacturing, AI infrastructure, enterprise software, and next-generation hardware. Playground Global not only provides capital but also offers significant operational support, mentorship, and access to a network of industry experts, helping startups navigate the challenges of scaling deep tech businesses.

Playground Global has demonstrated a strong commitment to its investment thesis, having successfully raised multiple funds. For instance, they closed their third fund, Playground Global III, at $400 million in 2021, following a $300 million Fund II in 2018. While specific initial check sizes can vary based on the stage and needs of the company, Playground Global typically deploys first checks ranging from approximately $1 million for seed-stage companies up to $10 million or more for leading Series A rounds. Their portfolio includes notable companies like Relativity Space, a leader in 3D-printed rockets, and MosaicML, an AI infrastructure company acquired by Databricks, showcasing their ability to identify and support high-potential ventures in the deep tech landscape.