Yes VC

# Yes VC – A San Francisco-Based Pre-Seed and Seed-Stage Firm

High-Level Overview

Yes VC is an early-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco, founded in 2018 by Caterina Fake and Jyri Engeström. The firm’s mission is to back category-defining companies at the pre-seed and seed stages, with a focus on startups that build communities, movements, and transformative technologies. Yes VC’s investment philosophy centers on saying “yes” more often than “no,” supporting founders who are pushing boundaries and creating new markets. Their portfolio spans artificial intelligence, climate tech, consumer brands, digital infrastructure, and social impact, with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion—many of their investments go to companies founded by women or people of color. By investing early and often, Yes VC plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of startups, helping founders turn bold ideas into scalable businesses.

Origin Story

Yes VC was founded in 2018 by Caterina Fake, co-founder of Flickr and Hunch, and Jyri Engeström, co-founder of Jaiku and Ditto. Both partners bring deep experience as founders and investors, having backed companies like Unity, Oura, and Etsy. Their combined background in building and scaling tech companies, along with their early-stage investing expertise, led them to create a firm that prioritizes founder support, community-building, and innovation. Over the years, Yes VC has evolved from a small, founder-led fund into a respected player in the early-stage ecosystem, known for its hands-on approach and commitment to backing underrepresented founders.

Core Differentiators

• Founder-Centric Approach: Yes VC is known for its founder-first philosophy, offering not just capital but also mentorship, network access, and operational support.
• Diverse Portfolio: The firm actively invests in companies founded by women and people of color, reflecting a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Community & Movement Focus: Yes VC seeks out startups that build communities and movements, believing these have the potential to create outsized impact.
• Strong Track Record: With notable investments in Adept AI, Boom Supersonic, Lovevery, Running Tide, and Steady Energy, Yes VC has a proven ability to identify and back high-potential early-stage companies.
• Operating Support: The firm provides hands-on support to portfolio companies, helping them navigate early-stage challenges and scale effectively.

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Yes VC is riding the wave of a new era in venture capital, where early-stage firms are increasingly focused on founder empowerment, diversity, and impact. The timing is critical, as the startup ecosystem faces growing scrutiny over representation and sustainability. By backing companies in AI, climate tech, and social impact, Yes VC is helping to shape the future of technology and business. Their influence extends beyond their portfolio, as they advocate for more inclusive and innovative approaches to venture capital, setting a new standard for the industry.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Yes VC is well-positioned to continue its growth and influence in the early-stage venture capital space. As the demand for diverse, impactful startups increases, the firm’s focus on community, movement-building, and founder support will remain a key differentiator. The future will likely see Yes VC expanding its portfolio into new sectors, deepening its commitment to diversity, and further shaping the venture capital landscape. Their story is a reminder that sometimes, the most transformative ideas come from saying “yes” to the unexpected.