At Upfront, we like to come in at the earliest stages and stick with you as you grow. In today's world, that means we're your first check in at the seed (or even pre-seed) stage. And as you build and raise subsequent rounds, we can support that with our growth fund as well. Bottom line - we want to get to know you as early as possible and work together for a long time. With investment professionals in both LA and the Bay, we invest nationally and even globally for the right deal.
Working With Upfront
Some VCs have great networks. Some have great megaphones. Some VCs offer great counsel. We value all of those but most strongly believe in rolling up our sleeves and doing the hard work alongside you in your moments of need. When your company goes immediately up-and-to-the-right, everybody is your friend. When your company hits a bump in the road we’re there - even if that means telling you the tough messages others may not.
The LA Advantage
We invest nationally (sometimes internationally) but our entire team is in LA, giving our portfolio valuable leverage. How? Los Angeles is at the crossroads of Asia, Latin America, and North America, providing global perspective and a diverse talent pool to compete with any city in the world. As the country’s second largest city, LA graduates the most engineers of any US market, so we have the talent and resources to build world-changing companies. Of course, LA is also the world’s creative soul, home to the film, music, art and fashion industries as well as the influencers who set the trends and put companies on the map.
Upfront Summit
Every year, the Upfront Summit hosts more than 1,000 top investors, entrepreneurs, and thought-leaders for an invitation-only event in Los Angeles. With two days of compelling content and conversation, our Summit showcases the best of technology, innovation, and creativity – from established global brands to bleeding edge disruptors. We take on issues like race, gender, freedom of the press, and bullying, and we tackle the conflicts and contradictions of technology industry successes. And, of course, Upfront portfolio companies are center stage, helping you build your reputation and network.
Diversity & Inclusion
Upfront Ventures is dedicated to increasing equality, both on our own team and with the companies and founders that we fund. It’s the right thing to do - and diverse teams make better businesses.