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Learn which startups General Catalyst invests in, what size check sizes they write, and who their partners are (e.g. David Fialkow).
General Catalyst operates as an investment and transformation company, engaging directly with entrepreneurs to develop and scale businesses. It focuses on fostering global resiliency and advancing applied artificial intelligence, providing strategic support and capital to its portfolio companies. The firm’s methodology emphasizes active partnership to build enduring enterprises across various sectors.
The company was founded in 2000 by Joel Cutler and David Fialkow. Their foundational insight centered on actively partnering with ambitious founders, moving beyond traditional venture capital by deeply integrating with teams to help expand what is possible for early-stage companies and established enterprises alike. This proactive approach aimed to co-create sustainable growth and impact.
General Catalyst serves a diverse base of entrepreneurs across multiple industries, supporting them from inception through growth stages. Its long-term vision is to back founders who are driven to venture beyond conventional limits, building companies that contribute to a more resilient and technologically advanced future. The firm is committed to supporting ventures that aim for significant societal and economic influence.
Key people at General Catalyst.
General Catalyst is a global venture capital and transformation firm that partners with founders from seed to growth stages, focusing on building resilience and applied AI across industries. Its mission centers on backing visionary entrepreneurs to expand what’s possible by driving innovation in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, consumer, enterprise software, cryptocurrency, transportation, and big data. The firm positions itself as the “founder’s first call,” providing not only capital but also strategic guidance, connections, and operational support to help startups scale effectively. With over $24 billion in assets under management and investments in more than 800 companies, General Catalyst has a significant impact on the startup ecosystem by fostering transformative technologies and sustainable business models globally[1][2][4].
Founded in 2000 in Massachusetts by Joel Cutler, David Fialkow, David Orfao, and Bill Fitzgerald, General Catalyst began as a venture capital firm focused on early-stage technology investments. Over time, it expanded its geographic footprint with offices in Silicon Valley, London, Berlin, New York, and other innovation hubs. The firm evolved from primarily seed and early-stage investing to a multistage approach, supporting companies through growth phases as well. Key milestones include raising $4.6 billion for its 11th fund in 2022 and strategic acquisitions like Germany’s La Famiglia and India’s Venture Highway in 2024, which broadened its global reach and sector expertise[1][2][6].
General Catalyst rides the wave of applied AI and global resilience, investing in technologies that modernize critical industries such as healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and government. The timing is critical as these sectors face urgent needs for automation, sustainability, and systemic transformation amid geopolitical and economic shifts. By connecting founders with capital, industry players, and policymakers, General Catalyst fosters ecosystems that can scale solutions globally. Its investments in clean energy, healthcare innovation, and AI-driven enterprise software position it at the forefront of the digital and green transitions shaping the future economy[4][5].
Looking ahead, General Catalyst is poised to deepen its influence by continuing to integrate applied AI into diverse sectors and expanding its global footprint, especially in Europe and India. Trends such as energy transition, healthcare system overhaul, and AI adoption will shape its investment thesis. The firm’s emphasis on resilience suggests a long-term commitment to building companies that can withstand and thrive amid uncertainty. Its evolving “Famiglia” network will likely enhance collaborative innovation, making General Catalyst a pivotal player in shaping the next generation of transformative startups[2][4][5].
Key people at General Catalyst.
