Variant

Variant is a prominent early-stage venture capital firm based in Brooklyn, New York, dedicated to investing in crypto networks and platforms that are foundational to the "Ownership Economy." The firm's investment thesis centers on empowering individuals with greater control and ownership over their digital assets and online experiences, spanning areas such as decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, gaming, and infrastructure. Variant positions itself as a thesis-driven investor, actively contributing to the development and adoption of Web3 technologies.

In December 2022, Variant significantly expanded its capital base by announcing the close of two new funds totaling $450 million. This substantial raise comprises a $150 million seed fund, specifically earmarked for the earliest stages of company development, and a $300 million "opportunity fund" designed for follow-on investments in their most promising portfolio companies as they scale. This dual-fund structure allows Variant to support projects from their nascent pre-seed and seed phases all the way through Series A and beyond, providing continuous capital and strategic guidance.

Variant's typical first check sizes reflect its commitment to early-stage investing, with initial investments generally ranging from $500,000 for pre-seed rounds to as much as $15,000,000 for leading Series A rounds. The firm is known for its hands-on approach, leveraging its deep expertise in the crypto space to help founders navigate the complexities of building decentralized protocols and applications. Their portfolio showcases a diverse array of innovative projects aiming to redefine digital ownership and participation.

This structure enables Variant to be a long-term partner, providing not just capital but also strategic support, network access, and guidance through the volatile yet transformative landscape of Web3. Their focus on the Ownership Economy underscores a belief in a future where digital assets are truly owned by users, fostering new economic models and community-driven platforms.