Tom Stafford

Tom Stafford is a co-founder and managing partner at DST Global, a prominent global investment firm renowned for its focus on late-stage internet companies. Based out of Hong Kong, DST Global has established itself as a significant player in the venture capital and growth equity landscape, known for its strategic, founder-friendly approach. Stafford, alongside Yuri Milner, has been instrumental in shaping the firm's distinctive investment philosophy, which prioritizes providing substantial capital to market leaders without typically demanding board seats or extensive operational involvement.

The firm's investment strategy centers on identifying and backing high-growth internet businesses across various sectors, including social media, e-commerce, fintech, and artificial intelligence. DST Global boasts a truly global footprint, with a robust portfolio spanning the United States, Europe, and particularly Asia, where it has made significant inroads into markets like China and India. Their typical investment size is substantial, reflecting their focus on mature, rapidly scaling companies.

DST Global's impressive track record includes early investments in some of the world's most valuable technology companies. For instance, the firm famously participated in Facebook's $200 million funding round in 2009, a pivotal moment that underscored their foresight. Other notable investments include Twitter, Spotify, Alibaba, JD.com, WhatsApp, Airbnb, Revolut, and ByteDance. While specific figures can vary, DST Global is known to deploy significant capital, with typical first checks ranging from $50 million to $500 million, and occasionally exceeding $1 billion for mega-rounds in highly promising ventures. This substantial capital, combined with a hands-off approach, makes DST Global an attractive partner for founders seeking significant growth funding.