Episode 1
www.episode1.comEpisode 1 focuses exclusively on B2B software companies at the pre-seed and seed stages, targeting defensible software solutions solving big problems in large markets. Their goal is getting pre-seed and seed companies to a successful Series A.
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See If You're a MatchInvestment Thesis
Episode 1 invests in the ‘hard-to-do’ category of early-stage companies - focusing on founders who are willing to take significant personal risk to build category-defining businesses. Their philosophy centers on the 0-1 journey (pre-seed to Series A), backing founders they describe as ‘the go-all-in type of people’ and ‘crazy-enough-to-quit-your-job-to-chase-a-dream type of people.’ They emphasize building relationships early, making decisions quickly, and engaging with founders for the long-term, viewing their role as helping ‘remove obstacles along the way.’
What Sets Them Apart
- Data-driven investment approach through proprietary AI platform 'Athena' that ingests digital footprints of startups to identify high-potential founders
- Founder-first perspective - the team has 10 startups collectively founded and deep operational experience
- Hands-on support across GTM strategy, fundraising, customer introductions, investor introductions, and hiring
- Specialist focus on seed-to-Series A journey with 73% of portfolio companies raising Series A
- Human-machine hybrid approach combining AI sourcing with world-class founder network and access
- Strong ecosystem connections including Focal (leading open-access demo day) and Riding Unicorns podcast
- Whole-firm involvement in supporting portfolio companies, not siloed investment teams
Portfolio Highlights
Adsum
Fintech
Sano Genetics
Biotech
CloudNC
Deeptech
Raft
Logistics
Carwow
Marketplace
Robin AI
Legaltech
Unison
Biotech
FATMAP
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+ 74 more companies in their portfolio
Investment Team
13 Partners at Episode 1
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