1. Home
  2. Companies
  3. Dropbox Ventures
DV

Dropbox Ventures

About

We’re investing up to $50 million across startups that are building the next generation of AI-powered apps and tools.

Supporting the next generation of tech entrepreneurs

Not too long ago, Dropbox was an early-stage startup with a simple idea: make it easier for people to access files and collaborate from anywhere. That idea grew into a service used by hundreds of millions of people around the world.

As a founder-led company, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities of early-stage development. And we’re here to help startups around the world reshape modern work with innovative AI experiences.

Accelerating innovation through AI funding

Dropbox Ventures is more than just a funding program - it’s a strategic partnership. We’ll work closely with our portfolio companies, providing mentorship and potential exposure to over 700 million registered Dropbox users who can benefit from their product.

What we’re looking for:

  • The biggest ideas: That can transform how we work
  • The best new tech: Unique, AI-powered apps and experiences
  • The most talented teams: With a track record of success and innovation

Similar companies

BC

Bold Cap

We back AI native B2B startups founded by Indian origin entrepreneurs. We’re not here for tweaks - we’re here for takedowns. $250K–$1M checks at pre-seed or seed, with follow-ons as you scale. If you're rebuilding from first principles, we’re in.

1 job
GG

Golden Gate Ventures

We are a global venture capital team powering tech & innovation from Southeast Asia. About us Golden Gate Ventures is a South-East Asian venture capital firm founded in 2011 that brings together knowledge and experience from Silicon Valley with passion and ambition for Southeast Asia. For over a decade we’ve proudly backed some of the region’s most audacious founders and companies behind Southeast Asia’s incredible growth story. Headquartered in Singapore with offices in Indonesia and Vietnam, we’ve launched 4 funds, have US$250M AUM, and invested in 70+ companies with 9 unicorns across our portfolio. Our Mission is to Empower the Audacious, through Human and Financial Capital. We believe in empowering founders who are risk-takers, who dare to challenge the norms, and who leverage technology to change the way the world works. 70+ companies funded $250m in AUM $1 billion+ portfolio financing Top 5 of SEA funds by KPMG What we do We fund and learn from the audacious. From product development, to technical strategy and growth hacking techniques, we’ve helped and learned from over 60 startups in our portfolio. We practise diversity to breed innovation. Our team and networks hail from different cultures, disciplines and experiences. We are a mix of former founders, marketers, heavy metal drummers, yoga instructors, martial artists, and financiers. We put founders first. We have a solid track record of identifying opportunities before their times, and work with founders on their long-term vision and strategy. How we investWhere do we invest? We focus on Southeast Asia - and have invested deeply across Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. We have also invested in startups around the world expanding to Southeast Asia. What do we invest in? Startups addressing technological opportunities that arise out of the growing consumer class in Southeast Asia, which includes everything from consumer apps to B2B SaaS services. We invest heavily in machine learning tools to explore markets, uncover trends and gather market intelligence to identify next big bets. How do I pitch? Preferably through an introduction - from a founder in our portfolio to an investor in our network. Or find us at an event and give us your best 60-second pitch. We’ve been pitched in elevators, escalators, and even taxi queues! How we helpFounder Community: We’re very selective on the founders we invest in (we have a lower acceptance rate than Harvard). As a founder in the portfolio, you’ll be plugged into a network of other founders across different stages through chat groups, online webinars, portfolio dinners, yearly summits, and business development trips to other countries. Regional Expansion: With investments across more than seven countries, we have local partners in each country, from fellow CEOs to LPs to corporate investors. We co-invest with local investors to tap local expertise and help open new networks. Network and Fundraising: We’ve built a deep global network from Southeast Asia to Silicon Valley with corporates, governments and conglomerates. Our Partners hail from across three continents with a rich global network open to our portfolio. Strategy and Coaching: Many of the firm’s partners have founded their own startups, including in Silicon Valley. Our advice comes from decades of experience and data-driven insights. We’re constantly learning from our portfolio and share learnings and best practices with all our founders. Recruiting: We know you’re raising money to hire great talent and we help source that talent for you. Our events plug us into great communities, our brand helps senior executives confide in us that they’re looking to make a jump, and our newsletters help us promote your needs to thousands of potential hires.

AS

AIP Seed

We invest in early seed and pre-seed stages, offering tickets of up to €200k alongside co-investors. Our sector focus is broad, encompassing any industry, with a geographic emphasis on Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). FAQ At what stage do you invest? What do you mean by pre-seed? Ideally, we want to lead the first investment round in your company. Sometimes this is also referred to as an angel round. As for product development, we will generally want to see the MVP and some go to market story or traction. It is great if you can get those first five clients or sell the very first batch of your product prior to our investment. If getting traction is impossible, you still should have a story of progress and achieving goals in your startup. I feel like my company is too early/too late for you. Can we still talk? Sure, you’re welcome to reach out at any point. A lot of startups that we’ve invested in came to us too early, but because we could start those relationships and develop a mutual understanding, it was a lot easier to make the investment decisions later on. If you are too far down the road for us, but you believe we could add some value, feel free to reach out to us as well. We’ll definitely look into what we can do together. What is your USP?Pre-seed investment focus – we are the biggest pre-seed VC fund in Poland and in the CEE region. Competence Hubs – we provide our portfolio companies an unique model of support in the way of 8 Competence Hubs, which are focusing on the following areas: Marketing, PR & Growth; AI & Technology; Finances & CFO on Demand; Legal; Next Rounds & Co-investors; People & Culture; Grants; Exits. Co-Investors – to every investment round in a seamless, efficient process we add co-investors – business angels with a unique background specifically matched with your needs. 120+ investments – we have the unique experience with the largest amount of investments in the CEE region. 100% private capital – we are fully private VC fund, which gives us and our portfolio companies a lot of flexibility. How are you unique?Timing: we are likely the earliest possible institutional investor due to our focus on pre-seed. Acceleration model, built on four pillars: the in-house team ready to help founders all hands in if needed adding co-investors to every investment round in a seamless, efficient process 8 Competence Hubs unique experience from 120+ investments. You mention co-investors. Are they absolutely necessary? Do we have to bring them, or do you help us connect with prospective investors? We believe that adding co-investors at this stage is super helpful for the startup, and we have got a number of cases to prove it. Co-investors will most often be experienced business angels, and we make sure to find the best possible fit. If you bring someone to the table, that’s great. We are also happy to dig through our network. How do you work with portfolio startups? We believe that adding co-investors at this stage is super helpful for the startup, and we have got a number of cases to prove it. Co-investors will most often be experienced business angels, and we make sure to find the best possible fit. If you bring someone to the table, that’s great. We are also happy to dig through our network. Where do you stand on diversity and inclusion We welcome teams and founders from all backgrounds. AIP Seed has also enjoyed great success with a number of female-led startups like GLOV, SiDLY or EduCat.

SV

Swift Ventures

Our passion is to help entrepreneurs grow, win and stay in the game to achieve their own dreams. FOUNDERS BACKING FOUNDERS Swift Ventures is the fund that we wish existed when we were starting out -- a low-ego, sincerely helpful firm led by former founders who get it. With decades of company-building experience, Swift provides relevant and practical “garage-to-IPO” building and scaling expertise. While our firm is new, our team has been having fun going for it together as co-founders since 2006. We have “in the trenches” experience at building companies through every stage including IPO and acquisitions. We know what it’s like to be on top of the world one day and dealing with an existential crisis the next. We have rung the bell and know that getting there can be absolutely brutal on our bodies and relationships. Our mission and passion are to help entrepreneurs grow, win and stay in the game to achieve their own dreams. We are guided by the belief that there is no higher calling than creating something of value to the world from scratch. But overcoming the haters, incumbents and the status quo isn’t for everyone. The name “Swift” comes from our shared experience that while there are many paths to build great companies – the best entrepreneurs have the ability to build, learn and iterate faster than others think is possible. INVESTMENT FOCUS We invest in AI and Automation companies with B2B business models. Typically, we are looking for companies that have an early compelling product with positive revenue and retention signals. More than any focus or pedigree we value Founders that are bold and that have a high Do:Say ratio (and expect the same of ourselves)

LC

Launchbay Capital

With headquarters in London, UK, and Tel Aviv, Israel, Launchbay has built a global presence with strong connections in the local ecosystems in which the team operates and an active investment and portfolio construction approach. Launchbay supports technology companies across three main pillars: a flagship access fund for early-stage investments, a growth fund for selected later-stage opportunities, and a proprietary digital investment platform that facilitates primary and secondary deals across various stages Data-driven decision-making is a key aspect, where we utilize algorithms and scoring within the platform to address industry-wide challenges related to access and liquidity. Launchbay takes a particular interest in founders with an immigrant background because we recognize the distinct perspective, drive, and ambition that often accompany building successful businesses outside of one's home country. We believe in the success stories of the vision, capabilities, and growth potential demonstrated by founders with this type of experience.

SB

SBVA

Established in 2000 as an early-stage venture capital arm of SoftBank Group, SBVA has a storied history of empowering extraordinary entrepreneurs across the globe. In 2023, we joined forces with The Edgeof, a global startup ecosystem builder founded by Taizo Son, JP Lee, and Atsushi Taira and began our new chapter as an independent entity with a renewed commitment to fostering innovation and technological advancement. Where we investEarly to Growth: We invest in early to growth stage startups. Go Global: We invest and support startups who seek to expand globally. Constant Innovation: We prioritize startups with technology that can transform people’s lives. WHY SBVATechnology Pioneer: Leveraging our expertise and network in the ICT sector, we have invested over $2billion in over 300 startups in the past 20 years. SBVA is committed to working with startups to ensure their innovative technologies are valued greatly in the market. Growth Partner: Our investment team includes a CEO, who is a serial entrepreneur, and technical experts from major IT companies and startups. We support our portfolio companies throughout their growth stages with our expertise and network. Global Partner: We actively support our founders with our global network of experts across various industries. Moreover, we offer networking events and educational sessions, such as Fireside Chat with OpenAI and Portfolio Night.