Hustle Fund

High-Level Overview

Hustle Fund is a pre-seed and seed-stage venture capital firm founded in 2017 with over $125M in assets under management (AUM), backing more than 400 startups—over 30% of which are led by women. The firm’s mission is to democratize access to venture capital by empowering scrappy, resourceful founders with capital, mentorship, and networks, regardless of background or pedigree. Hustle Fund invests primarily in early-stage software startups across fintech, digital health, web3, B2B, and consumer tech, with a strong emphasis on founders who demonstrate speed, execution, and grit. Their hands-on approach, rapid funding decisions, and inclusive investment philosophy have made them a standout in the evolving VC landscape, helping to lower barriers for underrepresented founders and first-time entrepreneurs.

Origin Story

Hustle Fund was co-founded in 2017 by Eric Bahn and Elizabeth Yin, both of whom are experienced operators and investors with deep roots in the startup ecosystem. Elizabeth Yin previously co-founded LaunchBit, a B2B ad network, and Eric Bahn was an early employee at Ticketfly and founder of Boardlist. Their firsthand experience with the challenges of raising early-stage capital inspired them to create a fund that prioritized speed, accessibility, and founder support. Over time, Hustle Fund has evolved from a small, founder-friendly pre-seed fund into a multi-fund organization with a global reach, expanding into new geographies and launching initiatives like Angel Squad to further democratize access to startup investing.

Core Differentiators

• Hilariously Early Investing: Hustle Fund specializes in pre-seed and seed rounds, often writing checks as small as $25K–$150K, making them one of the most accessible early-stage funds.
• Rapid Decision-Making: Known for making investment decisions within 1–2 meetings and wiring funds within a week, Hustle Fund removes friction for founders in urgent need of capital.
• Inclusive Network: Through Angel Squad, Hustle Fund has built a community of over 1,500 angel investors, many of whom are new to venture, and offers educational resources to help them learn and invest alongside the fund.
• Founder-Centric Support: Beyond capital, Hustle Fund provides mentorship, practical advice, and access to Redwood School—a sales and customer acquisition training program—helping startups scale effectively.
• Diverse Portfolio: With over 30% of their portfolio companies led by women, Hustle Fund is a leader in promoting diversity and inclusion in venture capital.

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Hustle Fund is riding the wave of democratization in venture capital, a trend accelerated by new investment vehicles, remote work, and the rise of founder-led communities. As traditional VC becomes more exclusive and concentrated, Hustle Fund’s model—focused on speed, accessibility, and education—resonates with a new generation of founders and investors. Their emphasis on scrappy, early-stage startups aligns with the growing appetite for innovation in fintech, web3, and digital health, sectors where disruption is happening at an unprecedented pace. By lowering the barriers to entry and fostering a more inclusive ecosystem, Hustle Fund is helping to reshape the future of startup investing.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Hustle Fund is poised to continue its growth as the demand for early-stage capital and founder support intensifies. The firm’s focus on education, inclusivity, and rapid deployment of capital positions it well to capture the next wave of innovation, especially as more founders seek alternatives to traditional VC. Trends like the rise of remote startups, the expansion of web3, and the increasing importance of diversity in tech will only amplify Hustle Fund’s impact. As they scale their Angel Squad and deepen their global footprint, Hustle Fund is likely to become an even more influential force in shaping the future of venture capital—proving that hustle, not pedigree, is the true currency of startup success.