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Learn which startups Base10 Partners invests in, what size check sizes they write, and who their partners are (e.g. Adeyemi Ajao).
Base10 Partners operates as a venture capital firm, investing in early-stage companies focused on automating the real economy. The firm's core strategy involves deploying capital into ventures that leverage technology to streamline and enhance traditional industries. Their approach aims to generate returns by supporting innovation and efficiency in foundational economic sectors.
Founded in 2017 by Adeyemi Ajao and TJ Nahigian, Base10 Partners originated from an insight into the vast potential of automation within real-world sectors. Ajao and Nahigian, both Managing Partners, established the firm to bridge technological advancement with practical industry implementation, fostering economic progress.
The firm’s portfolio companies develop and deploy automation solutions, benefiting various real economy sectors. Base10 Partners’ long-term vision seeks to align the success of these technology ventures with broader wealth creation, by supporting initiatives that grow Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) endowments.
Key people at Base10 Partners.
Key people at Base10 Partners.
Base10 Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in San Francisco, California, with a mission to invest in founders who are bringing automation to traditional sectors of the economy—what they call the “automation of the real economy.” Their investment philosophy centers on backing mission-aligned entrepreneurs who solve real-world problems for the 99%, not just the privileged few. The firm is known for its strong focus on positive social impact, committing to donate 50% of the carried interest from its largest funds to create scholarships for underrepresented students at underfunded colleges, thereby supporting the next generation of technology founders.
Base10 Partners primarily invests in sectors such as food & agriculture, logistics, fintech, health, business services, and consumer products, with a particular emphasis on automation and technology-driven transformation. Their approach has helped shape a startup ecosystem that values both financial returns and authentic impact, making them a distinctive force in the venture capital landscape.
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Founded in 2016, Base10 Partners was established by a team of investors and operators with deep roots in technology and finance. The firm’s founding partners recognized a gap in the venture capital market: while much attention was paid to digital and consumer tech, traditional industries—such as manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics—were ripe for automation and innovation but often overlooked by mainstream investors.
Base10’s early years were marked by a deliberate focus on building relationships with founders who were tackling hard problems in these sectors. Over time, the firm evolved its strategy to emphasize not just automation, but also mission-driven entrepreneurship and social impact. This evolution was crystallized in their public commitment to donate half of their profits to scholarships for underrepresented students, a move that set them apart in the VC world and attracted attention from both founders and limited partners.
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Base10 Partners is riding the wave of digital transformation in traditional industries, a trend accelerated by advances in AI, robotics, and data analytics. As automation becomes increasingly critical to competitiveness and efficiency, Base10’s focus on the “real economy” positions them at the forefront of a major shift in how value is created across sectors. Their emphasis on impact and inclusion also reflects a broader movement in venture capital toward more responsible and equitable investing.
By supporting founders who are building solutions for underserved markets and by investing in the next generation of diverse talent, Base10 is helping to shape a more inclusive and innovative tech ecosystem. Their work is particularly relevant as the world grapples with challenges like climate change, economic inequality, and the need for resilient supply chains.
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Looking ahead, Base10 Partners is well-positioned to continue leading in the automation and impact investing space. As traditional industries increasingly embrace technology, the firm’s sector expertise and mission-driven approach will likely attract top founders and strong returns. Their commitment to social impact may also inspire other VC firms to adopt similar models, further amplifying their influence.
The future of Base10 will likely be shaped by the ongoing convergence of automation, sustainability, and equity. As they expand their portfolio and deepen their impact, Base10 Partners stands as a compelling example of how venture capital can be a force for both profit and positive change. Their journey reflects a broader shift in the tech world: the belief that the most successful companies are those that solve real problems for real people.