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The top pre-seed investors globally

For startups and entrepreneurs, securing pre-seed funding is one of the most critical steps in bringing a vision to life and the first investment stage among startup funding. Without this early financial support, even the best ideas may never see the light of day. On the VC mapping, we have listed all global pre-seed investors in one place for you to find your first investor.

Pre-Seed Funding: What it is

Before we jump into the list of top pre-seed investors, let's understand what pre-seed funding is. Pre-seed funding is the initial capital that entrepreneurs raise to get their startups off the ground.

This stage is crucial because it provides the necessary resources to develop a product, conduct market research, and build a business plan. Unlike more advanced funding stages, pre-seed funding typically involves smaller amounts of money but is essential for setting the foundation.

With initial funding, you can create a minimum viable product (MVP) and test it in the market. Second, it allows you to attract talent. Skilled professionals are more likely to join your venture if you have some
financial backing.

The Role of Pre-Seed Investors

Pre-seed investors play a unique role in the startup ecosystem. Unlike later-stage investors, they are willing to take on higher risks for potentially higher rewards. They often invest their own money rather than funds from limited partners, which gives them more freedom in decision-making. They also provide invaluable mentorship and networking opportunities, which can be as crucial as financial support.

Finding the right pre-seed investor is not just about securing money. It's about finding a partner who believes in your vision and can offer more than just financial support. Look for investors with experience in your industry, as they can provide valuable insights and connections. Evaluate their track record—successful exits and previous investments can be good indicators. Finally, ensure that their values align with yours. A healthy investor-founder relationship is built on mutual respect and shared goals.

All Pre-Seed Investors Globally

Elysian Park Ventures
Founded
2014
Investments
52
Exits
3
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Series A
Company profile
See full breakdown
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Elysium Venture Capital
Founded
2017
Investments
45
Exits
5
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Series A
Series B
Series C
Company profile
See full breakdown
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Emagen Investment Group Inc.
Founded
2006
Investments
25
Exits
9
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Series A
Company profile
See full breakdown
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Embedded Ventures
Founded
2020
Investments
5
Exits
0
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Company profile
See full breakdown
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Emblem
Founded
2023
Investments
32
Exits
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Company profile
See full breakdown
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Embryo Ventures
Founded
2019
Investments
10
Exits
0
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Company profile
See full breakdown
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Emerald Development Managers
Founded
1994
Investments
25
Exits
0
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Series A
Company profile
See full breakdown
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Emergence Capital
Founded
2003
Investments
221
Exits
45
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Series A
Series B
Series C
Company profile
See full breakdown
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Emergent Ventures
Founded
2016
Investments
53
Exits
4
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Series A
Company profile
See full breakdown
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EnerTech Capital
Founded
1996
Investments
73
Exits
18
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Series A
Series B
Series C
Company profile
See full breakdown
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Energize Ventures
Founded
2016
Investments
32
Exits
3
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Series A
Company profile
See full breakdown
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Energy Impact Partners
Founded
2015
Investments
88
Exits
15
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Series A
Company profile
See full breakdown
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Engage
Founded
2017
Investments
44
Exits
4
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Series A
Company profile
See full breakdown
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Ensemble VC
Founded
2020
Investments
3
Exits
0
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Company profile
See full breakdown
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Equal Ventures
Founded
2019
Investments
20
Exits
0
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Company profile
See full breakdown
View VC Firm
Essex Woodlands Healthcare Partners
Founded
1985
Investments
100
Exits
43
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Series A
Series B
Series C
Company profile
See full breakdown
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Ethos VC
Founded
2020
Investments
21
Exits
3
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Series A
Series B
Series C
Company profile
See full breakdown
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Evolution Equity Partners
Founded
2008
Investments
50
Exits
10
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Series A
Series B
Series C
Company profile
See full breakdown
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Excelerate Health Ventures
Founded
2014
Investments
24
Exits
5
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Series A
Company profile
See full breakdown
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Expa
Founded
2013
Investments
102
Exits
11
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Series A
Company profile
See full breakdown
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Explorer Equity Group
Founded
2016
Investments
17
Exits
1
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Series A
Series B
Series C
Company profile
See full breakdown
View VC Firm
Exsight Ventures
Founded
2015
Investments
9
Exits
1
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Series A
Series B
Company profile
See full breakdown
View VC Firm
F-Prime Capital
Founded
1946
Investments
366
Exits
78
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Series A
Series B
Series C
Company profile
See full breakdown
View VC Firm
FINTOP Capital
Founded
2016
Investments
44
Exits
5
Investment stage
Pre-Seed
Seed
Series A
Company profile
See full breakdown
View VC Firm
What is the typical investment size for a pre-seed investor?

The typical investment size for a pre-seed investor can vary widely, but it usually ranges from $10,000 to $250,000. The amount often depends on factors such as the investor's risk tolerance, the startup's needs, and the investor's level of conviction in the business idea.

How long does it take to secure pre-seed funding?

Securing pre-seed funding can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The timeline depends on various factors, including the preparedness of your pitch, the due diligence process, and the investor's decision-making speed.

What kind of equity stake do pre-seed investors usually take?

Pre-seed investors typically take an equity stake ranging from 5% to 15%. However, these percentages can differ based on the valuation of the startup and the total amount of funding being raised.

Do pre-seed investors require a product or prototype?

While having a product or prototype can improve your chances of securing pre-seed funding, it is not always a strict requirement. Pre-seed investors are often more interested in the idea, the potential market, and the founding team’s capability.

Can I have multiple pre-seed investors?

Yes, it is common for startups to have multiple pre-seed investors. This can help in spreading the risk, providing a broader network of support, and accumulating a larger pool of funds to kickstart the business.

How do pre-seed investors exit their investments?

Pre-seed investors usually exit their investments through future funding rounds, where new investors buy out their shares, or through the acquisition of the startup by a larger company. They may also eventually exit via an initial public offering (IPO) if the company goes public.