Underscore VC

Underscore VC is a Boston-based venture capital firm established in 2016, primarily focused on backing early-stage entrepreneurs in the B2B SaaS, infrastructure, and open-source sectors. The firm distinguishes itself through its "Community-Powered" model, which aims to provide startups with tailored support by connecting them with a network of experienced operators, founders, and domain experts. This approach is designed to foster growth and mitigate common startup challenges beyond just capital infusion, emphasizing a collaborative ecosystem for its portfolio companies.

The firm typically invests at the Seed and Series A stages, writing initial checks ranging from $1 million to $5 million. Underscore VC is known for its commitment to its portfolio companies, often reserving 2-3 times their initial investment for follow-on rounds, demonstrating a long-term partnership approach. Their investment thesis centers on identifying bold entrepreneurs building foundational technologies that can scale within the enterprise software landscape.

To date, Underscore VC has successfully raised over $300 million across four distinct funds, enabling them to support a growing number of innovative startups. Their most recent fund, Underscore VC Fund IV, closed in March 2023 with $100 million, further solidifying their capacity to deploy capital into promising early-stage ventures. This consistent fundraising success underscores their established presence and confidence in their community-driven investment strategy within the competitive venture capital landscape.