Basis Set Ventures is a Silicon Valley venture capital firm founded in 2017 to back independent thinkers building systems level companies before categories mature. The firm is known for its early conviction in AI, robotics, and deep technical software. BSV moves fast, partners closely with founders from day one, and stays involved long term as companies scale from early prototypes to durable businesses.
In January 2026, Basis Set Ventures announced its 250 million dollar Fund IV. The fund strengthens the firm’s ability to lead early rounds and support founders through long build cycles. Fund IV continues BSV’s thesis of backing companies before the market narrative forms, focusing on AI driven products, infrastructure software, automation, and robotics. The firm highlights its long standing involvement in AI, having invested in the category since its founding in 2017. Fund IV was raised to double down on system level technologies where early conviction matters more than consensus. With this capital, BSV expects to spend more time embedded with technical teams, helping them test assumptions, accelerate iteration, and compound value. The fund is structured to support companies from early validation through significant scale.
Leadership
The firm is led by founding partner Lan Xuezhao, who has built the fund around a philosophy of radical honesty, deep technical curiosity, and long term founder partnership.
Investment Strategy
BSV backs founders at the earliest possible stage, often when the only proof is a strong belief and a technical insight. The firm selects companies based on founder quality, speed of learning, and the potential for foundational systems impact. BSV stays opinionated, avoids consensus narratives, and works closely with teams as a learning partner rather than a passive investor. The firm is comfortable entering unproven or undefined markets where AI, robotics, and infrastructure innovation reshape entire industries.
Notable Investments
The portfolio includes Quince, Cusp, Path Robotics, OpenArt, BAML, Tigris, and Scale, alongside other companies working in AI, materials discovery, creative tooling, and industrial automation.
Notable Exits
Not publicly disclosed.
Other
BSV offers hands on support, rapid feedback loops, and deep involvement in strategy and execution. The firm values technical rigor, fast iteration, and founders who embrace non consensus ideas.
United States
