J Cheng
UnclaimedCurrent Firm
Gen 1 Capital
Investments
6+ companies
Focus
AI, Robotics
About J Cheng
J Cheng is Founder and Managing Partner of Gen 1 Capital, a Chicago-based early-stage deep tech venture firm backing founders in artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics, quantum and edge computing, sensor fusion, autonomous vehicles, cybersecurity, computational biology and education technology. Before launching Gen 1, Cheng was a Vice President at Promus Ventures, a venture firm with investments in more than 60 private technology companies, where he backed software and hardware founders in AI, space, robotics, computer vision, health tech and fintech. Prior-firm investments highlighted by Gen 1 Capital include Nervana Systems, acquired by Intel for $400 million, Cobalt Robotics, Skyryse, Orbital Insight, Cape Analytics and 1QBit. Cheng holds a Master of Engineering Management from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Focus Areas
Investment Stage
Notable Investments
Previous Firms
Investment Profile
J Cheng is a Founder and Managing Partner, Gen 1 Capital at Gen 1 Capital, based in San Francisco, CA.
J's investment focus spans AI, Robotics, Deeptech, Digital Health, Space, primarily investing at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B+ stages. This specialization allows for deep domain knowledge and strong network effects that benefit portfolio companies.
Notable investments in J's portfolio include Cobalt Robotics. These companies reflect a pattern of backing high-potential startups across their focus sectors.
Before Gen 1 Capital, J worked at Promus Ventures. This breadth of experience across multiple firms provides a well-rounded perspective on the venture capital landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is J Cheng?
J Cheng is a Founder and Managing Partner, Gen 1 Capital at Gen 1 Capital, based in San Francisco, CA. Their investment focus includes AI, Robotics, Deeptech.
What does J Cheng invest in?
J Cheng focuses on investments in AI, Robotics, Deeptech, Digital Health, Space through Gen 1 Capital. These focus areas reflect their domain expertise and the types of startups they actively seek to back.
What are J Cheng's most notable investments?
J Cheng's notable portfolio investments include Nervana Systems, Cobalt Robotics, Skyryse, Orbital Insight, Cape Analytics. These companies span multiple sectors and stages, reflecting a track record of identifying high-potential startups.
What firm is J Cheng at?
J Cheng is currently at Gen 1 Capital, headquartered in San Francisco, CA, serving as Founder and Managing Partner, Gen 1 Capital. Previously, they worked at Promus Ventures.
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