137 Ventures

# 137 Ventures: Accelerating Generational Tech Through Flexible Capital

High-Level Overview

137 Ventures is a multi-stage venture capital firm headquartered in San Francisco, dedicated to partnering with generational technology companies and their founders. The firm’s mission centers on providing strategic, flexible capital solutions that empower founders, executives, and early employees to unlock liquidity while maintaining long-term growth trajectories. Its investment philosophy emphasizes structured transactions—often secondary investments—that support companies with validated business models, enabling them to scale without the pressure of traditional fundraising timelines.

137 Ventures invests across a broad spectrum of high-impact sectors, including fintech, artificial intelligence, blockchain, data science, enterprise SaaS, digital health, and even space exploration. By focusing on companies at pivotal growth stages, particularly Series B and beyond, the firm has played a catalytic role in shaping the startup ecosystem, helping founders retain control and access capital on their own terms. Its portfolio includes some of the most transformative tech companies of the past decade, such as SpaceX, Airbnb, Palantir, and Flexport.

Origin Story

Founded in 2011, 137 Ventures emerged during a period of rapid innovation and maturation in the venture capital landscape. The firm was built by a team of seasoned investors and operators who recognized a growing need for more flexible, founder-friendly capital solutions as startups scaled beyond early-stage funding. Key partners such as Justin FisherWolfson, Andrew Hansen, Alexander Jacobson, Kathy Chan, and others brought deep experience in technology, healthcare, and financial services, having collectively participated in over 30 deals across North America and Europe, many of which culminated in high-profile IPOs or acquisitions.

Over time, 137 Ventures evolved from a niche player into a leading multi-stage investor, expanding its fund offerings and geographic reach. The firm’s early focus on structured liquidity solutions—such as secondary transactions and customized buyouts—set it apart from traditional VCs, allowing it to support founders at critical junctures in their company’s lifecycle. This operator-led, collaborative approach has become a hallmark of the firm’s identity.

Core Differentiators

• Unique Investment Model: 137 Ventures specializes in structured, secondary, and flexible capital solutions, enabling founders and early stakeholders to access liquidity without diluting control or disrupting growth.
• Network Strength: With deep ties to Silicon Valley and global tech hubs, the firm leverages an extensive network of founders, executives, and institutional investors to source and support high-potential companies.
• Track Record: The firm has backed iconic companies like SpaceX, Airbnb, Wish, Palantir, Flexport, and Postmates, demonstrating a consistent ability to identify and nurture generational tech leaders.
• Operating Support: 137 Ventures takes an active, hands-on approach, offering strategic guidance and operational expertise to help portfolio companies navigate scaling challenges and market transitions.
• Multi-Stage Flexibility: Unlike many firms that focus solely on early or late-stage deals, 137 Ventures operates across the spectrum, adapting its capital and support to the specific needs of each company.

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

137 Ventures is riding the wave of a maturing tech ecosystem, where founders increasingly seek alternatives to traditional venture capital. As startups grow larger and stay private longer, the demand for flexible, non-dilutive capital has surged. 137 Ventures is at the forefront of this trend, helping companies bridge the gap between private growth and public markets.

The firm’s focus on sectors like AI, fintech, and space exploration aligns with some of the most transformative technological shifts of our time. By supporting companies at pivotal moments—often when they are scaling rapidly or preparing for IPO—the firm plays a crucial role in shaping the future of innovation. Its influence extends beyond capital, as it helps set new standards for founder-friendly investing and liquidity solutions in the venture ecosystem.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, 137 Ventures is well-positioned to continue shaping the next generation of tech giants. As the lines between private and public markets blur, and as founders demand more control and flexibility, the firm’s structured capital model will likely become even more relevant. The rise of secondary markets, SPACs, and alternative exit strategies will further amplify the need for firms like 137 Ventures that can navigate complex transactions and provide tailored solutions.

The firm’s expansion into new geographies and sectors—such as South Korea and Singapore—signals a broader ambition to capture global innovation. As technology continues to evolve, 137 Ventures will likely remain a key enabler of founder-led growth, helping to unlock the potential of the world’s most ambitious startups.

In a world where capital is abundant but flexibility is rare, 137 Ventures stands out as a partner that truly understands the needs of generational founders—empowering them to build the future on their own terms.