A venture fund with founders at heart
Investing in market-defining companies at Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A
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What is PSL Ventures?
Our purpose
We invest in founders with passion and heart, building tech-driven, industry-shaping businesses all over the Pacific Northwest. Most of us are founders who have built market-defining companies ourselves. We are addicted to helping other exceptional founders do the same.
Support
We’ve got your back
Every entrepreneur possesses a distinct set of qualities. Our passion as investors is to understand your superpowers and help you assemble the perfect puzzle pieces around you to create a world-changing company.
Experience
We’ve been in your shoes
As founders, investors, and operators, we've been fortunate to be a part of some of the most meaningful company successes in the Pacific Northwest over the last 20 years. We’ve lived the full journey over and over, from audacious start to triumphant exit.
Community
We’re all in this together
The PSL ecosystem is a passionate and powerful network of CEOs, entrepreneurs, technologists, designers, data scientists, marketing thought-leaders, seasoned operators, and growth experts. We rally around you and your team like you’re family.
FAQ
What does PSL Ventures invest in?
We’re generalist tech investors. We invest in early-stage, technology-driven companies, with a focus on startups based in the Pacific Northwest. We love to lead, co-lead and/or participate in pre-seed, seed, and Series A investment rounds.
Do I need to have some connection to PSL Studio for PSL Ventures to invest?
Nope. PSL Ventures operates as a totally separate VC fund. We invest in companies that have nothing to do with PSL Studio. But as a portfolio company, you are welcome to use the resources of PSL Studio for support. We are flexible and are thrilled to lead, co-lead, and participate in external company financing rounds. PSL Ventures also invests in PSL Studio companies but does not lead those investments.
Does PSL Ventures lead financing rounds in PSL Studio companies?
No. PSL Ventures invests alongside outside investors who fund PSL Studio spin-outs, but we do not lead those investments.
What don’t you invest in?
We love technology, but we won’t invest in categories like pure biotech, energy, or pharma. We know what we’re good at. Those aren’t it.
What is the relationship between PSL Ventures and PSL Studio?
They are separate entities with separate operations, but overlapping leadership and support teams. If you are a Studio or Ventures investment, you can take advantage of the unique and broad skill set of the full PSL team to support your company.
What is too early-stage for PSL Ventures to consider?
Nothing is too early for us to consider. Really. We have written term sheets for entrepreneurs before they even have a deck.
Do you ever invest outside of the Pacific Northwest region?
Rarely. When we invest out-of-region, we do so because we know the entrepreneur, team, or board well, or the company is building in an area which we feel we are able to provide distinct support. We are most actively looking for investments in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia.
Is there something special I can expect from PSL Ventures vs. other funds, given its connection PSL Studio?
You bet. In addition to the entire Managing Director team rallying behind your company, our insanely talented team of engineers, data scientists, marketers, designers, recruiters, operations resources, and product people are ready to support you with assistance as you need it.
I’d love to get in contact with your investment team, but don’t have mutual connections who can introduce me. How can I connect with PSL Ventures?
While warm introductions are always most meaningful, if you don’t have any mutual acquaintances in common with our team, that’s okay! You can reach out to any of us directly. Usually, it’s firstname@psl.com, or you can email the team at hello@psl.com
Who are YOUR investors at PSL Ventures?
We’re fortunate to have a highly strategic and diverse set of Limited Partners (LPs), including not-for-profit foundations, family offices, funds of funds, and individuals that, in turn, all lead impactful, inspiring work globally. Success in the PSL Ventures portfolio accrues directly to that work, which makes us proud every day. Our investors also represent an intentionally diverse array of backgrounds, geographies, demographics, and investor profiles. Many of them also are a part of PSL’s nationwide community of VCs and direct investors.
