SOSV

SOSV is a global venture capital firm that operates early stage startup development programs.

SOSV’s programs are focused on two broad areas. The first is revolutionary technology that promises the betterment of humanity and the planet. The second is cross-border markets, notably in Asia, that are ripe for explosive growth.

The firm’s strategy is to invest in a small number of highly promising startups and use its deeply resourced programs to accelerate product development, acquire customers, and scale. SOSV companies consistently achieve funding led by top tier investors. SOSV joins seed, series A, and later rounds while providing founders with ongoing support and community.

SOSV’s programs include hard tech-oriented HAX and life-science driven IndieBio. Both offer deep technical and regulatory expertise on-site as well as well-equipped lab and fabrication facilities. At Chinaccelerator and MOX, market-entry and product development experts help entrepreneurs win cross-border market opportunities across Asia. SOSV’s latest program, dlab, fosters new players in the blockchain ecosystem.

SOSV programs review applications from all over the world, and any pre-seed or seed-stage company is welcome to apply. For most programs, SOSV provides $150,000 - $250,000 in exchange for equity. Certain biotech startups may receive as much as an additional $250,000 or more from the Genesis Consortium, a partnership between IndieBio and leading VCs and industry partners, including co-founding partner Mayfield.

Founders usually spend 4 to 6 months in a uniquely formative cohort experience marked by intensive coaching from on-staff experts (including successful founders), regular workshops led by mentors and guests, and access to technical resources, including engineers, labs, and other facilities needed for research and product development. No less remarkable than the rapid advances founders make in the programs are the deep and lasting friendships they form with fellow founders and staff.

After a program’s completion, the SOSV partners continue working closely with founders to bring on lead investors for follow-on investment. Unlike most startup programs, SOSV continues to invest as a major syndicate participant—up to 20% of new rounds—in subsequent seed, series A, and later investments. In a typical year, SOSV aims to invest at least twice as much in follow-on rounds as it does in the initial rounds when companies start at programs.

Candidates can apply to five different SOSV’s projects by following this link.

Portfolio: Geltor, Simbe, Nura, Goama.

Last update: May 27, 2022