Starship Ventures

High-Level Overview

Starship Ventures is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm dedicated to investing in deep tech startups that are tackling humanity’s most pressing challenges of the 21st century. Their mission centers on empowering contrarian founders who are transforming science fiction into reality—backing companies that push the boundaries of what’s possible in fields like advanced materials, aerospace, geoengineering, artificial intelligence, logistics, and energy. The firm’s investment philosophy is rooted in identifying early-stage innovators with scalable business models, disruptive technologies, and the potential to drive meaningful global impact. By providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and operational support, Starship Ventures plays a pivotal role in accelerating the growth of startups poised to redefine entire industries and shape the future of technology.

Origin Story

Founded in 2017 by serial entrepreneur and technologist Sean Hoge, Starship Ventures emerged from Hoge’s own journey as a founder and angel investor. After co-founding Crossfader.fm and serving as Head of Product at NVOLV, Hoge became increasingly focused on the convergence of digital and physical technologies—what he describes as the intersection of “bits and atoms.” Disillusioned by the limitations of pure software, he began advising and investing in deep tech startups, eventually launching an alpha test fund in 2018 that evolved into Starship Ventures. Alongside COO Hugo Peterson and Finance & Operations lead Ryan Reynolds, the firm has grown rapidly, raising over $30 million for its debut fund and establishing itself as a leading force in early-stage deep tech investing. The firm’s evolution reflects a deliberate shift from traditional tech to ventures that address grand challenges, from climate change to space exploration.

Core Differentiators

• Contrarian Focus: Starship Ventures seeks out founders and ideas that challenge conventional wisdom, often backing companies working on moonshot technologies that others deem too risky.
• Deep Tech Expertise: The team brings deep technical and operational experience, enabling them to evaluate and support complex, science-driven startups.
• Hands-On Mentorship: Beyond capital, the firm provides strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a network of industry experts and capital partners.
• Track Record: Starship has been an early believer in now-prominent companies such as Pipedream Labs, Reflect Orbital, Atmos, BRINC, and Rainmaker, many of which have gone on to secure follow-on funding from top-tier VCs.
• Network Strength: The firm’s relationships with leading investors, research institutions, and industry players enhance its ability to open doors for portfolio companies.

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Starship Ventures is riding the wave of a new era in technological progress, where breakthroughs in AI, materials science, and space technology are converging to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges. The timing is critical: as climate change, resource scarcity, and global connectivity become increasingly urgent, deep tech startups are stepping up with innovative solutions. Starship’s focus on these frontier sectors positions it at the heart of a transformation that is reshaping industries and redefining what’s possible. By supporting founders who are unafraid to tackle the impossible, the firm is helping to catalyze a new generation of innovation that could have far-reaching implications for society, the economy, and the planet.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Starship Ventures is poised to play an even greater role in the deep tech ecosystem as the world continues to grapple with complex global challenges. The firm’s ability to identify and nurture contrarian founders will be increasingly valuable as the pace of technological change accelerates. Trends such as the commercialization of space, the rise of AI-driven materials discovery, and the growing urgency of climate action will shape the firm’s journey in the years ahead. As Starship continues to back startups that turn science fiction into reality, its influence is likely to grow—not just in the venture capital world, but in the broader effort to build a more sustainable, innovative, and resilient future. In a world at the dawn of a new technological era, Starship Ventures is helping to chart the course.