Defy.vc
UnclaimedAt a Glance
- Check Size
- $100K – $10M
- Stage
- Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B+
- Sectors
- Consumer, Enterprise, Fintech +1
- Founded
- 2017
- HQ
- Woodside, CA
About Defy.vc
Defy.vc is a venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, CA founded in 2018. Defy Partners – Early stage venture capital firm supporting authentic founders in building enduring companies. We help entrepreneurs defy expectations. The firm focuses on Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B+ investments across sectors including Aerospace & Defense, Other, Consumer, Fintech, Climate. Notable portfolio companies include Overtime, Whatnot, Loom, Hinge Health and Cameo. Backs founders building category-defining companies across consumer, enterprise, fintech, and climate sectors.
Investment Thesis
“Backs founders building category-defining companies across consumer, enterprise, fintech, and climate sectors.”
Sector Focus
Investment Stage
Notable Portfolio Companies
Fund History
Defy Partners was formed in 2017 by Neil Sequeira and Trae Vassallo and announced its debut fund that November at $151 million, raised from endowments, family offices, foundations and nonprofits. The pitch was an early-stage firm sized to lead seed and Series A rounds with partner-level attention rather than a large platform.
Fund II closed in April 2019 at $262 million, explicitly positioned to close what the partners called the Series A gap, giving the firm room to lead larger rounds and follow on. Defy Partners III carries a 2023 vintage and raised $300 million, deploying into seed-plus and A-minus rounds with checks of roughly $3 million to $10 million across a target of about 33 companies. That brings disclosed commitments across the three funds to roughly $713 million, well above the $400 million figure on this record. The firm is based in Woodside, California, on the San Francisco Peninsula.
Team (2)
Frequently Asked Questions
What stage does Defy.vc invest at?
Defy.vc primarily invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B+ stages. This means they focus on companies that are at the earliest idea or prototype phase.
Where is Defy.vc located?
Defy.vc is headquartered in Woodside, CA. Many of their portfolio companies are also based in this region, though they invest across geographies.
What sectors does Defy.vc focus on?
Defy.vc focuses on investments in Consumer, Enterprise, Fintech, Digital Health. Their portfolio reflects deep expertise and networks within these sectors.
What is Defy.vc's typical check size?
Defy.vc's typical investment check size ranges from $100K to $10M. Actual amounts may vary based on the stage, sector, and specific opportunity.
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