Thrive Capital

Thrive Capital, a prominent New York-based venture capital firm, was founded in 2009 by Joshua Kushner with a clear mandate to invest in and build internet, software, and technology-enabled companies. Over the past decade and a half, Thrive has established itself as a leading investor known for its prescient early bets on disruptive technologies and its continued support through growth stages. The firm's investment philosophy centers on partnering with visionary founders who are building category-defining businesses, often focusing on sectors such as fintech, healthcare technology, consumer internet, and enterprise software.

Thrive Capital boasts an impressive portfolio of companies that have achieved significant market impact and valuations. Notable investments include early stakes in now-household names like Instagram, Spotify, Slack, and Warby Parker. The firm has also been a key backer of major technology players such as Stripe, OpenAI, and Oscar Health, demonstrating its capacity to identify and nurture companies from their nascent stages through to global scale. Thrive's approach often involves a hands-on partnership with founders, leveraging its deep industry insights and network to accelerate growth and navigate complex market landscapes.

The firm's growth trajectory is indicative of its success and expanding influence within the venture capital landscape. Thrive Capital's initial fund in 2009 was a modest $10 million, a stark contrast to its most recent Fund VIII, which closed in 2022 with a substantial $3 billion in committed capital. This significant increase in fund size underscores Thrive's ability to deploy substantial capital across various investment stages, from early-stage seed and Series A rounds to large growth equity investments. The firm's strategic allocation of capital, including a reported $2 billion for early-stage investments and $1 billion for growth equity in its latest fund, allows it to maintain flexibility and impact across the startup lifecycle.

Thrive Capital typically writes first checks ranging from approximately $5 million for early-stage opportunities, particularly in Series A rounds, up to $200 million for later-stage growth equity investments. This broad check size range reflects their multi-stage investment strategy and their capacity to lead or co-lead significant funding rounds for high-potential companies. As a result, Thrive Capital remains a highly sought-after partner for entrepreneurs seeking not just capital, but also strategic guidance and a powerful network to scale their ventures.