SOSV

SOSV is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in startups at the intersection of science, technology, and entrepreneurship. It was founded in 1994 by Sean O'Sullivan and has since grown into a global network of funds and accelerators with over $1.5 billion in assets under management.

SOSV is known for its unique approach to investing, which involves providing not only funding but also resources, mentorship, and access to a global network of experts and entrepreneurs. The firm operates several startup accelerators, including HAX, IndieBio, Chinaccelerator, and MOX, which provide early-stage startups with funding, mentorship, and resources to help them grow and scale their businesses.

In addition to its accelerators, SOSV also invests directly in startups through its funds, which cover a range of sectors including life sciences, hardware, software, and sustainability. Some of the notable companies in SOSV's portfolio include Memphis Meats, a cultured meat startup; Formlabs, a 3D printing company; and Bitmex, a cryptocurrency exchange.

SOSV is headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, and has offices in San Francisco, New York, Boston, London, Paris, Shenzhen, and Taipei. The firm has a global team of over 120 professionals, including investment professionals, entrepreneurs-in-residence, and operational staff. SOSV's mission is to help visionary entrepreneurs create technologies and products that will change the world and to support them every step of the way with funding, resources, and mentorship.

SOSV, formerly known as SOS Ventures, is a global venture capital firm that provides seed and early-stage funding to startups with breakthrough technologies. The firm was founded in 1995 by Sean O'Sullivan, who is also the managing general partner.

SOSV's initial focus was on software, with the firm investing in companies such as NetCentric and MapInfo. However, in the early 2000s, the firm shifted its focus towards hardware and deep tech, investing in companies that were working on breakthrough technologies in areas such as biotech, robotics, and advanced materials.

In 2009, SOSV launched its first startup accelerator, Chinaccelerator, which focused on supporting early-stage startups in China. This was followed by the launch of two more accelerators, HAX and Food-X, in 2012.

HAX, which is based in Shenzhen, China and San Francisco, focuses on investing in hardware startups, particularly those working on robotics and connected devices. Food-X, which is based in New York City, focuses on investing in startups that are innovating in the food and agriculture space.

In 2014, SOSV launched IndieBio, an accelerator that focuses on startups working in the life sciences and biotech sectors. IndieBio is based in San Francisco and has since expanded to New York City and Cork, Ireland.

In addition to its accelerator programs, SOSV also provides follow-on funding to successful startups through its SOSV Select Fund. The fund has invested in a number of successful startups, including BitMEX, Formlabs, and Memphis Meats.

As of 2023, SOSV has over $1.5 billion in assets under management and has invested in over 1,000 startups. The firm has a strong track record of supporting successful startups, with seven of its portfolio companies becoming unicorns (companies valued at over $1 billion).

SOSV's mission is to fund visionary founders who are working on breakthrough technologies that have the potential to deliver a radically beneficial impact on human and planetary health. The firm is committed to supporting startups that are tackling some of the world's biggest challenges, including climate change, healthcare, and food security.

SOSV is a global venture capital firm that focuses on investing in early-stage startups in the areas of hardware, software, life sciences, food, and sustainability. As an organization, SOSV has a set of investment criteria that guide its investment decisions. Here are some of the investment criteria that SOSV looks for in startups:

• Founders: SOSV believes that the founding team is one of the most critical factors in the success of a startup. The firm looks for founders who are passionate, resilient and have a deep understanding of their market and product.
• Market potential: SOSV looks for startups that are addressing large markets or creating new markets altogether. The firm wants to invest in companies that have the potential to disrupt existing industries or create entirely new ones.
• Product differentiation: SOSV looks for startups that have a unique and innovative product or service. The firm wants to invest in companies that have a clear competitive advantage in the market.
• Traction: SOSV looks for startups that have demonstrated early traction. The firm wants to see that a startup has a clear path to revenue and growth.
• Technology: SOSV looks for startups that have developed or are developing cutting-edge technologies. The firm is particularly interested in startups that are leveraging emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and blockchain.
• Social impact: SOSV is committed to investing in startups that are making a positive impact on society. The firm wants to invest in companies that are addressing social or environmental challenges.
• Alignment with SOSV's focus areas: SOSV focuses on specific areas of investment such as hardware, software, life sciences, 

• Entrepreneurial spirit: SOSV believes that entrepreneurs are the driving force behind innovation and progress. The company values the courage, creativity, and determination of entrepreneurs who are willing to take risks and pursue their dreams.
• Impact: SOSV seeks to invest in startups that have the potential to make a positive impact on society and the environment. The company is committed to supporting ventures that address pressing global challenges, such as climate change, healthcare, and food security.
• Diversity and inclusion: SOSV recognizes the value of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation and success. The company is committed to investing in startups that reflect the diversity of the communities they serve and to creating a culture of inclusivity within its organization.
• Hands-on support: SOSV provides hands-on support to the startups in its portfolio, helping them to grow and succeed. The company has a team of experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts who work closely with portfolio companies to provide guidance and mentorship.
• Long-term relationships: SOSV seeks to build long-term relationships with the startups in its portfolio, providing ongoing support and resources as they grow and evolve. The company values collaboration and partnership, working closely with founders to achieve their goals and maximize their impact.

The mission statement of SOSV is to create a positive impact on humanity by supporting and investing in visionary entrepreneurs who are solving some of the world's most pressing problems through innovation and technology.

SOSV believes that breakthrough innovations can come from anywhere in the world, and its mission is to empower and support these innovators through its accelerator programs, early-stage investments, and mentorship. By doing so, SOSV aims to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that has the potential to create long-term, sustainable solutions to some of the world's most complex challenges.

In pursuing this mission, SOSV is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and actively seeks to support entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities. The organization is also committed to promoting ethical and responsible practices in technology and seeks to invest in companies that prioritize the well-being of people and the planet.

SOSV has a diverse portfolio of over 1,000 companies. The companies in the SOSV portfolio are primarily early-stage startups focused on areas such as life sciences, food and agriculture, hardware, and deep tech. Some notable companies in the SOSV portfolio include:

• Memphis Meats: Memphis Meats is a food tech company that develops lab-grown meat products. The company's mission is to create a more sustainable and humane food system. Memphis Meats has raised over $180 million in funding to date.
• Clara Foods: Clara Foods is a biotech company that develops animal-free proteins. The company's products include egg proteins that are used in food products such as baked goods and mayonnaise. Clara Foods has raised over $50 million in funding to date.
• Synthace: Synthace is a software company that develops tools for biological research. The company's products enable scientists to design, simulate, and analyze complex experiments. Synthace has raised over $50 million in funding to date.
• IndieBio: IndieBio is an accelerator program that focuses on life sciences startups. The program provides funding, mentorship, and resources to help early-stage companies develop their products and bring them to market. IndieBio has helped launch over 200 companies since its inception.
• HelixNano: HelixNano is a biotech company that develops gene therapies. The company's products are designed to treat genetic diseases by editing the patient's DNA. HelixNano has raised over $30 million in funding to date.
• Tellus You Care: Tellus You Care is a healthcare technology company that provides remote monitoring solutions for elderly and disabled individuals. The company's products include wearable devices that track vital signs and alert caregivers if there are any concerns. Tellus You Care has raised over $15 million in funding to date.

SOSV's portfolio companies have raised over $9 billion in funding and have a combined valuation of over $25 billion. The firm has a strong track record of investing in companies that are at the forefront of innovation and are addressing some of the world's most pressing problems.