DeepTech Ventures

What they fund

DeepTech Ventures invests in equity, tokens, SAFE, and SAFT instruments [1]. They back infrastructure, industry disruption, and applications creating new markets or disrupting business models. Their investments span the entire Web3 tech stack, from backend to frontend decentralized functionality.

Investment thesis

DeepTech Ventures aims to realize a future where users regain control of their data and can call the internet 'ours to own' [1]. They take a hands-on approach to backing companies whose capabilities bring the Web3 vision closer to reality. The firm invests in infrastructure, industry disruption, and the creation of protocols for backend and frontend decentralized functionality. They have been active in this space since 2017 [1].

• Core Vision — Aims to realize a future where users regain control of their data and can call the internet 'ours to own' [1].
• Strategic Approach — Takes a hands-on approach to backing companies whose capabilities bring the Web3 vision closer to reality.
• Scope of Backing — Invests in infrastructure, industry disruption, and the creation of protocols for backend and frontend decentralized functionality.
• Timeline — Has been active in this space since 2017 [1].

Credibility: The firm's homepage outlines its mission, investment scope, and history [1].

Value add

DeepTech Ventures takes a hands-on approach, participating through governance voting, providing liquidity, keeper operations, and securing networks by operating their own nodes [1].

Fit verdict: Ideal for Web3 founders seeking active operational support and strategic governance involvement beyond capital.

Founder diligence script:

• How does the firm's node operation experience translate to technical support for my protocol?
• What is the typical timeline for governance voting participation post-investment?
• How do you structure liquidity provision for portfolio companies in volatile markets?
• Can you share examples of how your hands-on approach has accelerated a portfolio company's growth?
• What is your process for identifying and supporting industry disruption opportunities?

Portfolio focus

The firm's portfolio includes companies in decentralized storage, NFT gaming, and crypto regulation insights. They have featured investments in protocols and networks, though specific company names are not detailed in the provided documents [1].

Notable investments & exits

• Infrastructure Investments — Portfolio includes L0 networks (Cosmos, Polkadot, SupraOracles, Ren), L1 networks (Ethereum, Avalanche, Fantom, Solana), and information layers (TheGraph, Arweave, Filecoin, Siacoin, Pocket Network, API3, Infura, Alchemy, Ceramic Network) —
• Processing Layer Investments — Backs Polygon, Theta, zkSync, KeeperDAO, 0x, Dfinity, Hardhat, Truffle, Foundry, Brownie, Zapper, MetaMask, and WalletConnect —
• Application Investments — Includes DeFi protocols (Uniswap, SushiSwap, Convex Finance, Yearn Finance, Curve Finance, Frax Finance, Olympus), NFT platforms (LimeWire, Decentraland, LooksRare, PROOF Collective, SuperRare, Audius, Moonbirds, BAYC, CryptoPunks, Axie, Treeverse, The Sandbox), and DAOs (BlackPool, Flamingo DAO, FriendsWithBenefits, BitDAO, Lido, Rocket Pool, Gnosis, Snapshot) —
• Exits — Unknown — not covered in the available sources.

Strategic implications

DeepTech Ventures' blend of traditional finance and technical expertise positions them as a unique player in the Web3 space, capable of bridging the gap between legacy systems and decentralized innovation. Their hands-on approach, including node operation and governance participation, suggests a deep commitment to the technical and operational success of their portfolio companies. This could be a significant advantage for founders seeking not just capital but also strategic and technical support. However, the lack of disclosed fund size and check range may indicate a smaller, more focused fund, which could limit their ability to lead large rounds. The firm's mission-driven approach may also attract founders who are aligned with their vision of a user-owned internet, but it could also mean a higher expectation for portfolio companies to adhere to their strategic goals.

Where they could go further

DeepTech Ventures could enhance their value proposition by more explicitly detailing their portfolio companies and their successes, which would help attract more founders and co-investors. They could also consider publishing more insights on specific Web3 technologies and market trends, leveraging their technical expertise to establish thought leadership. Additionally, they could explore partnerships with traditional finance institutions to bridge the gap between Web3 and legacy systems, further solidifying their position as a bridge between the two worlds. Finally, they could consider diversifying their investment instruments beyond equity, tokens, SAFE, and SAFT to include more structured products or debt instruments, which could appeal to a broader range of founders and investors.