2048 Ventures: Investor Profile, Funding Strategy & Investment Thesis

Introduction to 2048 Ventures

Have you ever wondered what it takes to get a VC to back you when your idea is just starting to take shape?

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That’s where 2048 Ventures steps in. They specialize in backing founders at the earliest stages of their companies—pre-seed and seed rounds. If you're lucky enough to make the cut, you're looking at funding anywhere between $500K to $2M. But more than just writing checks, they’re about conviction, speed, and being the kind of partner you can rely on when things get tough.

They don’t just hand out money and step away. They help founders build the right foundations for long-term success.

Founding Story and Leadership Team

2048 Ventures was founded in 2018, but what’s really cool about their origin story is that it’s built on a team of passionate ex-founders, engineers, scientists, and operators. These are the kinds of folks who’ve been there, built something from nothing, and know exactly what you're going through.

Meet the team:

• Alex Iskold: The Managing Director, a former Techstars MD with deep roots in tech and a track record of supporting early-stage ventures.
• Zann Ali and Julie Wolf: A powerhouse duo with diverse backgrounds, helping guide portfolio companies toward success.

They’ve been in the trenches and they know that starting up isn’t just about the idea—it’s about the team, the execution, and how fast you can pivot when things go sideways.

Investment Focus: Sectors and Technologies

So, what’s 2048 Ventures looking for? They’re not just looking for any startup. They’re after companies that are building something defensible—something that’s not easy to replicate.

Here’s what they’re most interested in:

• Vertical AI: AI that’s tailored for specific industries. It’s not one-size-fits-all.
• Deep Tech Infrastructure: Foundational technologies that can scale and empower the next wave of innovation.
• Healthcare & Biotech: They have a serious focus on improving healthcare through cutting-edge technology.

For example, Bridge—one of their portfolio companies—created a platform that facilitates introductions between founders and CEOs of other companies in their space. It’s a tool built to drive serious networking in the startup world. 2048 Ventures saw the potential early and got on board.

Funding Strategy: Pre-Seed and Seed Rounds

2048 Ventures doesn’t just throw money at any startup. They’re strategic about it.

• They specialize in leading pre-seed and seed rounds, which means they come in when things are still in the early stages.
• They write checks between $500K to $2M, ensuring that founders have the runway they need to scale and grow.

They like to move fast. If they like your company, they’ll make a decision to lead within 10-15 business days. No endless rounds of back-and-forth—just quick, decisive action to get you the funding you need.

Geographic Reach: North America and Beyond

Although 2048 Ventures is based in New York City and Boston, their portfolio spans across North America and beyond. They’re location-agnostic when it comes to great ideas.

If you have a great team, a compelling vision, and a plan that’s rock-solid, they’ll invest in you—even if you're based halfway across the world.

Investment Thesis: Building Platforms with Data Moats

What makes 2048 Ventures so unique is their investment thesis. They believe in building platforms with data moats. This means they prefer startups that are:

• Data-driven: They want companies that are collecting and leveraging proprietary data.
• Defensible: They look for businesses that have built-in barriers to entry, especially those that can defend their position with strong technology.

This data-driven approach allows companies to create products and services that aren’t easy to replicate, giving them a strong competitive advantage for years to come.

Portfolio Highlights: Success Stories

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Let’s get into some real stories of success, because that’s what it’s all about, right?

1. Nomic Bio: A biotech company that’s using cutting-edge technology to solve real-world problems in health. They’ve already made waves in the industry and are growing fast. 2048 Ventures jumped on board early, helping them scale and navigate the complex regulatory world of biotech.
2. Gloss Genius: This company is revolutionizing the beauty industry with a platform that helps beauty professionals manage their businesses more efficiently. Since 2048 Ventures invested, Gloss Genius has grown significantly and is now considered a go-to tool for beauty professionals everywhere.
3. Persist AI: A true innovator in the AI space, Persist AI is transforming how companies approach data management. 2048 Ventures backed them early, and today, they’re making an impact across multiple industries.

These companies didn’t just take funding and run—they partnered with 2048 Ventures to grow and scale faster than they could on their own.

Fund II Overview: $67M Raised for Early-Stage Investments

In 2023, 2048 Ventures closed Fund II, raising a cool $67 million to continue backing early-stage ventures. This fund is going to focus on the same areas as the first: Vertical AI, Deep Tech Infrastructure, Healthcare, and Biotech.

With this second fund, 2048 Ventures will continue its aggressive strategy to get in early and help founders lay the groundwork for massive growth.

AI Investment Strategy: Unique Data Capture and Workflow Reinvention

One of the key areas of focus for 2048 Ventures is AI, and they’ve developed a very specific strategy when it comes to AI investments.

They look for:

• Unique Data Capture: They want companies that are collecting proprietary data that can be used to create a moat.
• Workflow Reinvention: They’re all about companies that use AI to totally rethink traditional workflows and processes.

For instance, Bridge, mentioned earlier, is changing the way startups network with their peers. The company’s ability to tap into proprietary data and create new workflows for connecting people in the startup ecosystem is exactly the kind of innovation that gets 2048 Ventures excited.

Biotech and Digital Health Studio Initiatives

The Biotech and Digital Health Studios from 2048 Ventures are prime examples of how they support founders.

What do they offer?

• $250K for 8% equity in exchange for funding on a post-money SAFE.
• A 1-on-1 personalized experience with the 2048 Ventures team, helping you refine your business and tech.

It’s not just money—they give you access to their deep network and years of experience in building companies from the ground up.

Approach to Vertical AI and Deep Tech Infrastructure

Vertical AI and deep tech infrastructure are at the heart of 2048 Ventures' strategy. They believe that the future is in building platforms and technologies that are designed to serve very specific industries.

They’re not looking for generic solutions; they’re looking for companies that can provide vertical-specific solutions that create real, lasting value.

Thesis-Driven Investing: Systems of Record and APIs

One thing that sets 2048 Ventures apart is their approach to thesis-driven investing. They focus on two key areas:

• Systems of Record: Core systems that manage the critical data of a business or industry.
• APIs: They love companies that are building APIs that provide essential infrastructure.

These investments aren’t just about the technology—they’re about creating long-term value through products that solve fundamental, vertical-specific problems.

Founder Support: Building Relationships and Networks

For 2048 Ventures, it's not just about writing a check and walking away. They focus on founder support in ways that go beyond the standard investor approach.

They offer:

• Quick decision-making: No endless rounds of back-and-forth. If they like what they see, they’re in.
• Transparent processes: No games, no ghosting. You always know where you stand.
• Access to their network: Their portfolio companies are part of an exclusive network of startups and founders who support one another.

Their goal is simple: Help you grow fast, scale effectively, and avoid the common mistakes most founders make along the way.

How to Pitch to 2048 Ventures

Got an idea that fits the bill? Here’s how to pitch to 2048 Ventures:

1. Be Data-Driven: They love startups that can leverage data as a competitive advantage.
2. Build for a Specific Vertical: If you're creating a general solution, it's not for them. They want you to serve a specific industry.
3. Move Fast: 2048 Ventures is about speed. If you're not ready to move quickly, you’ll miss the opportunity.

Final Thoughts

2048 Ventures isn't your average VC. They focus on early-stage startups with potential for massive scale, and they bring more than just funding—they bring expertise, networks, and a commitment to your success.

If you're building something that’s unique, defensible, and ready for the next step, 2048 Ventures could be the partner you need to make it happen.

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