super{set}

super{set} is a San Francisco-based startup studio, co-founded in 2019 by seasoned entrepreneurs Tom Chavez and Vivek Vaidya. Operating with a unique model that distinguishes it from traditional venture capital firms, super{set} focuses on ideating, validating, building, and scaling data-driven software companies from the ground up. Their expertise lies in developing B2B SaaS solutions, particularly those leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robust data infrastructure. Rather than investing in pre-existing startups, super{set} acts as a co-founder, providing the initial concept, team, and operational support to transform ideas into viable businesses.

In July 2021, super{set} announced a significant milestone, securing a $30 million fund dedicated to fueling its ambitious company-building initiatives. This capital is deployed to support the studio's operations and provide the crucial initial funding for the ventures it launches. With this fund, super{set} has set a strategic goal to launch approximately 20 new companies over a ten-year period, demonstrating a long-term commitment to fostering innovation in the data and AI space. Their approach involves a hands-on incubation process, guiding each new company through its foundational stages, from product development to market entry.

As a startup studio, super{set}'s "check size" differs from a typical venture capital investment. They do not write external checks to third-party startups. Instead, the "first cheque" represents the initial capital and resources they inject into the companies they found and build internally. This initial capital typically falls within the range of seed-stage funding, providing the necessary runway for product development and early team formation. While specific figures can vary based on the venture's needs, their initial capital injection generally ranges from $500,000 to $3,000,000, enabling their portfolio companies to establish a strong foundation before seeking external follow-on funding rounds from traditional VCs.