AI Expected to Spark an Enormous Surge in Startups, Predicts Kindred Ventures
Kindred Ventures Anticipates AI to Fuel a Surge in Startups
chandni
In a recent interview, San Francisco-based venture firm Kindred Ventures discussed its investment strategy and outlook on the startup ecosystem. Despite their diverse portfolio, which includes investments in AI, climate tech, consumer internet, crypto, fintech, health, and mobility startups, Kindred Ventures has experienced significant success in backing early-stage companies. Following their previous fund closings of $56 million in 2019 and $101 million in 2021, the firm secured a $200 million fund last year, along with a $112 million later-stage fund for growth-stage companies within and outside their portfolio.
Kindred Ventures' track record, including successful investments in companies like Uber, Coinbase, and Postmates, has solidified their position as a reliable investor. Notably, they recently made a seed investment in Humane, a secretive startup co-founded by former Apple team members Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, later leading the company's $100 million Series C round in March.
During the interview, Kindred Ventures' managing directors, Steve Jang and Kanyi Maqubela, shared their perspectives on the future of startups, focusing on the impact of AI advancements. Their discussion touched on whether the ongoing progress in AI will lead to a proliferation or reduction in the number of startups. Stay tuned for the upcoming podcast featuring the complete conversation.
