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Learn which startups Goodwater Capital invests in, what size check sizes they write, and who their partners are (e.g. Chi-Hua Chien).
Goodwater Capital operates as a venture capital firm exclusively dedicated to consumer technology investments. The firm employs a software-enabled investment model combined with values-driven practices to support companies from Series A through to IPO. They strategically deploy capital across various consumer sectors, including healthcare, social and education, housing and transportation, and fintech and e-commerce, targeting enterprises with significant societal impact.
The firm was co-founded by Chi-Hua Chien and Eric Kim in 2014, based on the conviction that consumer technology possesses immense potential to measurably enhance billions of lives worldwide. Both founders brought extensive experience in venture capital and technology, identifying a clear opportunity to back entrepreneurs leveraging consumer-facing innovations to address pressing global challenges.
Goodwater Capital partners with ambitious entrepreneurs globally who are developing products and services for mass consumer adoption. Their overarching vision is to empower these exceptional founders to create meaningful change, focusing on companies that can positively impact a vast user base. The firm remains committed to its mission of improving lives through strategic investment in transformative consumer technology.
Key people at Goodwater Capital.
Goodwater Capital is a leading venture capital firm dedicated to empowering exceptional entrepreneurs in the consumer technology space to drive meaningful change and improve lives globally. Founded in 2014 and based in Burlingame, California, Goodwater focuses exclusively on early-stage consumer tech startups, investing $5M to $50M in companies that leverage technology to solve everyday consumer problems. Their investment philosophy centers on long-term partnerships, strategic guidance, and operational support, aiming to help founders build enduring, impactful businesses. Key sectors include fintech, health tech, retail tech, edtech, entertainment, and marketplaces. With over 500 investments and a portfolio featuring companies like Spotify, Square, Facebook, and Udemy, Goodwater has become a major force in shaping the future of consumer technology and fostering innovation across the startup ecosystem.
Goodwater Capital was founded in 2014 by Chi-Hua Chien and Eric Kim, both seasoned investors with deep roots in Silicon Valley. Chi-Hua Chien, a former partner at Kleiner Perkins and early investor in companies like Facebook and Twitter, brought a strong track record in consumer tech, while Eric Kim contributed extensive experience in venture capital and global investing. The firm was established with a mission to back visionary entrepreneurs building technology-driven solutions for consumers, with a focus on companies that could scale globally and create lasting impact. Over the years, Goodwater has evolved from a boutique investor into one of the largest and most influential consumer tech-focused venture firms, managing over $3.9 billion in assets and expanding its reach across North America, Asia, and Europe.
Goodwater Capital is riding the wave of digital transformation in consumer behavior, as technology continues to reshape how people interact with financial services, healthcare, education, and entertainment. The firm’s timing is critical—consumer expectations are shifting rapidly, and startups that can deliver seamless, personalized experiences are in high demand. Goodwater’s focus on early-stage innovation positions it at the forefront of emerging trends like AI-driven financial guidance, quick commerce, and digital banking. By backing companies that are redefining consumer experiences, Goodwater not only fuels individual startup success but also accelerates the adoption of new technologies across industries, influencing the broader tech ecosystem and setting standards for consumer-centric innovation.
Looking ahead, Goodwater Capital is poised to continue its leadership in consumer tech investing as the sector evolves with advancements in AI, blockchain, and decentralized platforms. The firm’s global reach and deep sector expertise will be key assets as it identifies the next generation of disruptive startups and helps them scale. Trends like embedded finance, personalized health tech, and the rise of creator economies will likely shape Goodwater’s investment strategy in the coming years. As consumer technology becomes even more integral to daily life, Goodwater’s influence will extend beyond individual companies to shaping the future of how technology serves and empowers people worldwide. In a world where innovation moves at lightning speed, Goodwater remains a trusted partner for entrepreneurs who dare to change the world for the better.
Key people at Goodwater Capital.
