At a Glance
Visible Hands represents a new generation of venture capital firms that emerged during the industry's broader reckoning with diversity and inclusion following 2020's social justice movements. The Boston-based firm operates as both a pre-seed fund and accelerator, positioning itself to address what founders Aislyn Benjamin and William Lowe Jr. identified as systemic gaps in early-stage venture funding for underrepresented entrepreneurs. The firm's dual structure combines capital deployment with structured mentorship and operational support, targeting founders who often struggle to access traditional venture networks despite having compelling business propositions. With over $50 million in assets under management, Visible Hands has carved out a distinctive position in the crowded early-stage market by focusing on BIPOC, women, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs across enterprise software, consumer technology, artificial intelligence, and fintech sectors. The firm's approach reflects a thesis that traditional venture capital systematically overlooks high-potential founders due to network effects and unconscious bias, creating opportunities for specialized investors willing to build alternative sourcing and evaluation mechanisms. Beyond capital, Visible Hands provides portfolio companies access to a structured accelerator program that includes mentorship from industry veterans, customer development support, and connections to follow-on investors. This operational intensity distinguishes the firm from pure-play financial investors and aligns with the higher touch requirements of founders who may lack existing venture capital relationships. The firm's Boston headquarters positions it strategically within the Northeast corridor's venture ecosystem while maintaining focus on founders regardless of geography. Since inception, Visible Hands has deployed capital across dozens of early-stage companies, with notable emphasis on B2B software and fintech applications that can scale rapidly with proper execution and market timing. The firm's investment pace and portfolio construction reflect the realities of pre-seed investing, where check sizes typically range from tens of thousands to low hundreds of thousands of dollars, enabling broad diversification across vintage years. Visible Hands has garnered attention within venture capital circles for its systematic approach to inclusive investing, moving beyond aspirational diversity statements toward measurable outcomes in founder demographics and portfolio composition.
“Invests in exceptional overlooked founders building the future of technology.”
Visible Hands was co-founded by managing partners Aislyn Benjamin and William Lowe Jr., who bring complementary backgrounds in venture capital, entrepreneurship, and corporate development. Benjamin previously worked in venture capital and brings experience in early-stage company evaluation and portfolio management. Lowe contributes operational expertise from his background in technology and business development. The founding team's shared commitment to addressing systemic inequities in venture capital drives the firm's investment approach and portfolio company support model. Their combined networks span traditional venture capital, corporate innovation, and diverse founder communities, enabling deal sourcing that extends beyond conventional channels.
Visible Hands launched its inaugural fund in 2020, capitalizing on increased institutional interest in diversity-focused venture strategies. The firm has successfully deployed capital from its initial vehicle while building track record and portfolio company outcomes necessary for subsequent fundraising. As a relatively young firm, Visible Hands continues developing its investment approach and refining its accelerator program based on portfolio company feedback and market evolution.
Visible Hands primarily invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed stages. This means they focus on companies that are at the earliest idea or prototype phase.
Visible Hands is headquartered in Boston, MA. Many of their portfolio companies are also based in this region, though they invest across geographies.
Visible Hands focuses on investments in Enterprise, Consumer, AI, Fintech. Their portfolio reflects deep expertise and networks within these sectors.
Visible Hands's typical investment check size ranges from $100K to $1M. Actual amounts may vary based on the stage, sector, and specific opportunity.
Visible Hands manages approximately $50M+ in assets under management (AUM) across their funds.