Draper Venture Network

Draper Venture Network (DVN) is a self-governed organisation of independent venture funds, initially formed in 1990. The network includes venture capital firms collaborating on investment diligence, marketing intelligence, corporate relationships, and co-investments. Each member fund in DVN independently raises its capital and manages its investment decisions. The organisation is headquartered in San Mateo, California, and operates from Hero City at Draper University.

DVN offers three primary services to its member funds: Access, Insight, and Scale. Access includes strategic introductions, preferred vendors, and connections with industry leaders. Insight covers learning events, a knowledge repository, and a Braintrust network. Scale involves supporting soft-landing in Silicon Valley, funding introductions, and partnerships.

Draper Round Table is a web3 deals syndication platform launched in January 2023. It is part of the Draper Venture Network and serves as a syndication vehicle for the network’s members. The platform is backed by Silicon Valley investor Tim Draper and NBA All-Star Baron Davis. Draper Round Table enables family offices, angel investors, corporate venture capitalists, and solo capitalists to invest in highly vetted deals alongside Draper Venture Network members. 

In November 2023, Draper Round Table merged with the DraperX platform, expanding opportunities for investment in space tech, healthcare, and other sectors. This merger has integrated Draper Round Table into the DraperX ecosystem, allowing for streamlined operations and a unified brand within the Draper Venture Network.

DVN has made 73 investments, with a portfolio of 57 companies and 17 exits. Recent investments include companies like Fieldguide and Bloqs4Good in business productivity software, Social Swag in social platform software, and FloMobility in commercial services. Some notable exits include DeepFactor in August 2024 and Tridiuum through merger/acquisition in January 2022.

DVN also has a network of co-investors, including DNX Ventures, Blume Ventures, Wavemaker Partners, Draper Associates, SOSV, Right Click Capital, Draper Dragon, and Iron Pillar. These co-investors collaborate with DVN on various deals, leveraging their expertise and resources to support innovative projects and entrepreneurial growth across multiple industries.

DVN also offers a platform for its members to share resources and expertise. The network is known for organising events and workshops to support its members and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. These events provide valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration among venture capital firms and their portfolio companies.

DVN plays a significant role in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship through its global partnerships and collaborations. Notable initiatives include supporting blockchain projects, AI advancements, and sustainability-focused startups. The network’s commitment to empowering early-stage companies and providing them with resources has positioned it as a key player in the venture capital landscape.

Draper Venture Network (DVN) was established in 1990 as a self-governed alliance of independent venture capital firms. The network was founded by Tim Draper, a well-known Silicon Valley venture capitalist, to create a collaborative environment where independent venture funds could share resources, insights, and opportunities while retaining control over their investment decisions.

In its early years, the organisation was originally called the DFJ Network, named after Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ), the venture capital firm co-founded by Tim Draper. DFJ played a significant role in the venture capital industry, investing in companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and Skype. As DFJ expanded, so did its network of partner funds, extending its reach globally and bringing together venture capital firms that specialised in different regions and sectors.

By 2016, the network had grown significantly and rebranded itself as Draper Venture Network (DVN). This rebranding marked a milestone in its history, reflecting the network’s broader reach and evolving identity.

DVN provides its members with three core services: Access, Insight, and Scale. The Access service includes strategic introductions, preferred vendor relationships, and connections with industry leaders. Insight encompasses learning events, a knowledge repository, and a Braintrust network that facilitates the sharing of expertise and best practices. Scale involves support for entering the Silicon Valley market, funding introductions, and partnerships that help portfolio companies grow and expand.

In January 2023, DVN launched Draper Round Table, a significant development in its evolution. Draper Round Table provided access to a network of investors and deal flow from the Draper Venture Network, enabling family offices, angel investors, corporate venture capitalists, and solo capitalists to invest in vetted deals alongside DVN members. Backed by Tim Draper and NBA All-Star Baron Davis, Draper Round Table was integrated into DraperX in November 2023. DraperX now offers structured investment opportunities in high-growth sectors such as space technology and healthcare.

Over the years, DVN has made 73 investments, with a portfolio of 57 companies and 17 notable exits. Recent investments, as of 2023, include companies such as Fieldguide and Bloqs4Good in business productivity software, Social Swag in social platform software, and IppoPay in financial services. Some of its notable exits include DeepFactor in August 2024 and Tridiuum through a merger/acquisition in January 2022.

DVN’s success is also attributed to its global partnerships and collaborations. The network works closely with a wide range of co-investors, including DNX Ventures, Blume Ventures, Wavemaker Partners, Draper Associates, SOSV, Right Click Capital, and Iron Pillar. This extensive network of co-investors has enabled DVN to extend its influence and support to a wide variety of startups and scaleups, fostering growth and innovation across multiple industries.

DVN is also known for its active engagement in the entrepreneurial ecosystem through events, workshops, and learning sessions. These initiatives have provided valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration among venture capital firms and their portfolio companies. This approach has facilitated the sharing of resources and expertise, helping its members and their investments thrive in competitive markets.

As of 2024, Draper Venture Network actively seeks new investments and supports innovative companies worldwide. The network now includes member funds spread across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, demonstrating its global footprint and influence. The organisation remains committed to advancing sectors such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and space technology. Through its global reach, collaborative approach, and dedication to promoting innovation, DVN is well-positioned to continue playing a significant role in the venture capital landscape in the coming years.

The goals and purpose of Draper Venture Network (DVN) are centred around fostering innovation and supporting the growth of startups and entrepreneurial ventures worldwide.

Goals:

• Collaboration among venture funds: DVN aims to create a collaborative environment where independent venture funds can share resources, insights, and opportunities while retaining control over their own investment decisions.
• Support innovation: The network seeks to promote and invest in innovative companies across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, blockchain, and artificial intelligence.
• Global reach: DVN strives to expand its global presence by working with venture funds in different regions, such as North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
• Facilitate investment opportunities: Through platforms like DraperX and Draper Round Table, DVN provides opportunities for family offices, angel investors, and venture capitalists to invest in vetted high-growth companies.
• Knowledge sharing and development: DVN is committed to facilitating learning and knowledge exchange through events, workshops, and its Braintrust network, ensuring that members have access to the latest industry insights.

Purpose:

The main purpose of DVN is to build a strong network of independent venture funds that can collaborate to support the growth of early-stage and emerging companies. By pooling resources, expertise, and networks, DVN enables its member funds to invest more effectively, foster innovation, and support startups in bringing their ideas to life.

The network is dedicated to providing strategic support, connecting companies with industry leaders, and ensuring that innovative businesses receive the funding and guidance they need to succeed. In doing so, DVN plays a key role in driving technological advancements and entrepreneurial success on a global scale.

The impact of the Draper Venture Network (DVN) is significant in the global venture capital and entrepreneurial landscape. By bringing together independent venture capital firms, DVN creates a collaborative environment that enhances the ability of these firms to support innovative startups. Through its network, DVN has facilitated over 73 investments in various sectors, helping early-stage companies grow and succeed.

DVN’s support goes beyond financial investment. It provides valuable resources such as strategic introductions, industry connections, and access to a vast network of co-investors. This support helps startups navigate challenges and expand into new markets. DVN’s partnerships with co-investors like DNX Ventures, Blume Ventures, Wavemaker Partners, and Draper Associates have further extended its reach and influence, allowing it to back a diverse range of companies globally.

The network’s focus on sectors like technology, healthcare, and blockchain has contributed to advancements in these fields. Through initiatives like Draper Round Table and DraperX, DVN has provided structured opportunities for investors to support high-growth companies in emerging industries. By fostering innovation and providing a platform for knowledge exchange, DVN continues to play a crucial role in promoting entrepreneurial success and driving economic growth worldwide.