RC

Richard Chen

North America, California, United States

Description

Richard Chen is a General Partner at 1confirmation, a prominent venture capital firm specializing in the cryptocurrency and Web3 space. Before co-founding 1confirmation, Chen gained valuable experience at Google Ventures (GV), where he focused on early-stage investments. This background provided him with a strong foundation in venture capital and a keen eye for disruptive technologies, which he later applied to the nascent blockchain industry, positioning him as a key figure in the evolving digital economy.

1confirmation, under Chen's leadership, has established itself as a dedicated early-stage investor in the crypto ecosystem. The firm primarily targets seed and Series A rounds, backing projects that are building foundational infrastructure, decentralized applications, and innovative protocols. Their investment thesis centers on identifying teams with strong technical expertise and a clear vision for advancing the decentralized web, aiming to support companies that can drive significant adoption and innovation within the Web3 paradigm.

Richard Chen and 1confirmation are known for their hands-on approach, often providing strategic guidance and network support to their portfolio companies. The firm typically deploys initial checks ranging from $1 million to $10 million, aiming to be a significant early partner to promising crypto startups. This range allows them to participate meaningfully in both seed and Series A rounds, reflecting their commitment to supporting projects from their nascent stages and helping them scale.

1confirmation has successfully raised multiple funds, demonstrating strong investor confidence in their strategy and market expertise. Their third fund, for instance, closed at $125 million in 2022, underscoring their substantial capital base for new investments. Their portfolio includes several high-profile companies within the crypto space, such as OpenSea, Coinbase, and Dapper Labs, showcasing their ability to identify and back future industry leaders. Chen's deep understanding of the crypto landscape and his proactive investment style have solidified his reputation as a pivotal investor in Web3 venture capital.

Investor Profile

Richard Chen has backed more than 22 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 0 rounds, about 0% of its total and boasts 12 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, Japan, Singapore.
  • Strong thematic focus on Mobile, Software, SaaS.
  • Typical check size: $1M – $10M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (59%)
  • Angel (14%)
  • Series A (9%)
  • Pre Seed (9%)
  • Convertible Note (5%)
  • Series Unknown (5%)

Country Focus

  • United States (86%)
  • Japan (9%)
  • Singapore (5%)

Industry Focus

  • Mobile
  • Software
  • Saas
  • Advertising
  • E-commerce
  • Social Media
  • Apps
  • Messaging
  • Information Technology
  • B2b
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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 Richard Chen frequently co-invest with?

TriplePoint Capital
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 3
First Round Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
CRV
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 4
Transmedia Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2
XG Ventures
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 3
500 Global
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 6
Y Combinator
North America, California, United States, Mountain View
Co-Investments: 3
SV Angel
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2
Streamlined Ventures
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 2
AngelPad
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2

Which angels does Richard Chen often collaborate with?

MA
North America, California, United States, Mountain View
Shared Deals: 2
PB
North America, California, United States, Mountain View
Shared Deals: 2
SB
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
AP
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
GH
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Shared Deals: 2
BL
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Shared Deals: 2
KD
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
NR
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 6
PN
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Shared Deals: 2
Dave McClure
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2

What are some of recent deals done by Richard Chen?

Farel

San Francisco, California, United States

The Operating system for next-generation airlines

Air TransportationSoftwareTourismTravel
Pre SeedAug 28, 2020
Amount Raised: $1,500,000
Maslo

Los Angeles, California, United States

We make companions that care about people.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)AudioDeveloper APIsInformation TechnologyPersonal HealthSoftware
Pre SeedNov 19, 2019
Amount Raised: $1,900,000
Kinnek

New York, New York, United States

Kinnek is a single platform for small businesses that makes discovering and transacting with suppliers easier than ever before.

B2BProcurementSmall and Medium Businesses
Series ASep 15, 2014
Amount Raised: $10,000,000
MakeLeaps

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

MakeLeaps is online invoicing software

AccountingE-Commerce PlatformsInformation TechnologySoftwareTask Management
AngelAug 28, 2014
Amount Raised: $600,000
MobileAction

San Francisco, California, United States

Growth partner of apps and games with intelligence, automation and expertise.

AdvertisingAnalyticsApp DiscoveryApp MarketingBusiness Intelligence
SeedJul 23, 2014
Amount Raised: $805,000
Stitch

San Francisco, California, United States

Stitch is a CRM platform.

CRMInformation TechnologyMobileSaaSSoftware
SeedApr 24, 2014
Amount Raised: $3,250,000
BriteHub

Oakland, California, United States

Cloud tools to streamline your supply chain.

B2BIndustrial AutomationSaaSSoftware
Convertible NoteJan 15, 2014
Amount Raised: $640,000
AdEspresso

San Francisco, California, United States

AdEspresso offers services for advertisers and media agencies to create, analyze, and optimize their Facebook advertisements.

AdvertisingFacebookSaaSSmall and Medium BusinessesSocial Media AdvertisingSoftware
SeedDec 25, 2013
Amount Raised: $500,000
Pogoseat

Venice, California, United States

Pogoseat is an enterprise solution for sports teams & concert venues that enhances the fan experience and provides greater flexibility.

ConcertsE-CommerceEnterprise SoftwareEventsMessagingMobileSportsTicketing
SeedSep 1, 2013
Amount Raised: $800,000
RolePoint

San Francisco, California, United States

Re-imagining talent acquisition for the enterprise. RolePoint are building software that is changing the way talent is sourced.

ComputerRecruitingSaaSSocial RecruitingSoftware
SeedJan 1, 2013
Amount Raised: $5,000,000