Stage One Capital

Stage One Capital is an Austin, Texas-based early-stage venture capital firm with a clear focus on supporting ambitious entrepreneurs. Founded with a commitment to fostering innovation, the firm primarily targets Seed and Series A rounds. They actively seek out companies with strong potential for market disruption and significant growth opportunities, often concentrating their investments in sectors such as B2B SaaS, fintech, and consumer technology. Their investment philosophy extends beyond mere capital provision, emphasizing a long-term partnership approach and offering strategic guidance to their portfolio companies.

Stage One Capital typically deploys initial checks ranging from $500,000 to $2 million. This strategic allocation allows them to make meaningful contributions in early funding rounds while also reserving capital for crucial follow-on investments in their most promising portfolio companies. The firm is recognized for its hands-on engagement, leveraging its extensive network and operational expertise to assist founders in scaling their businesses effectively. They frequently co-invest with other prominent venture firms, forming syndicates that provide robust financial and strategic support for their portfolio.

The firm has cultivated a diverse and impactful portfolio of promising startups, many of which have successfully raised substantial follow-on funding and achieved significant valuations. Notable investments include companies like The Zebra, an online insurance marketplace that was acquired by Acrisure, and Aceable, an online education platform that also achieved a successful acquisition. Their portfolio spans over 30 companies, underscoring a consistent commitment to the Austin tech ecosystem and broader innovation landscape. Stage One Capital's strategic involvement has been instrumental in helping several of its portfolio companies navigate growth challenges and achieve successful exits, solidifying its reputation as a value-add investor in the early-stage venture capital space.