First Star

www.firststar.vc

First Star focuses on frontier computing technology including AI/ML, decentralization, edge computing, and techbio. They partner with hard computing tech startups to help them think big and grow fast, with particular strength in supporting companies from pre-seed onwards.

Check Size

Not specified

Stages

Pre Seed, Seed

Focus Areas

Ai Ml, Blockchain Crypto, Biotech

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Investment Thesis

First Star Ventures believes in investing with conviction in visionary, technical founders who are inventing the future through frontier computing technology. They take a long-term view on technology and are willing to lead with conviction rather than follow. The firm emphasizes deep technical understanding and operational support, particularly for early-stage companies tackling hard computing problems.

What Sets Them Apart

Team combines deep technical expertise with operating experience: Drew Volpe has background in AI/ML, search, sensors, and computational biology; Millie Liu focuses on turning deep technology into global businesses; Teddy Blank specializes in early customer acquisition
Willing to make quick decisions and lead pre-seed rounds 'back when it was just a slidedeck'
Strategic network of partners across industries and regions
Technical founders understand and speak the language of their portfolio companies
Focus on earliest-stage companies with deep technology (pre-seed through seed)