DVC is a San Francisco–based venture capital firm founded by Marina Davidova and Nick Davidov, focused on accelerating the global AI ecosystem through targeted investments in infrastructure, model development, and application-layer technologies. The firm has emerged as one of the most active AI-focused investors globally, building on a large portfolio of early-stage AI startups and a deep network of founders, engineers, and researchers.
DVC invests exclusively in artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on core AI infrastructure, vertically integrated model stacks, and application-layer solutions. Its strategy centers on identifying scalable technologies that bridge the gap between foundational model innovation and real-world deployment.
In October 2025, DVC announced the launch of DVC AI Fund I, a $75 million vehicle dedicated to Series A and B investments in high-growth AI startups. The fund held its first close and remains open to additional institutional LPs, family offices, and accredited investors.
The LP base includes leading figures from the AI and tech ecosystem, such as Mike Arrington (TechCrunch, Arrington Capital), Denis Yarats (co-founder and CTO of Perplexity), Andrew Filev (founder of Wrike, $2.2B acquisition), and Oleg Shchegolev (founder of Semrush), alongside several other AI founders and engineers.
With this new fund, DVC expands its capital deployment from seed to growth stages, ensuring continuity for its portfolio companies and increased exposure to scaling opportunities in the global AI landscape.
Leadership
DVC is led by Marina Davidova and Nick Davidov, both experienced operators and early investors in AI infrastructure and applications.
The leadership team has recently been strengthened with the addition of new General Partners and executives, including Mel Guymon, a Naval Officer, serial entrepreneur, and former Product Executive at Google and Yahoo; Charles Ferguson, creator of FrontPage (acquired by Microsoft for $133 million), filmmaker, and AI editor of Project Syndicate, who now focuses on deal origination; and Alexey Rybak, formerly with Meta AI and Perplexity.ai, who joins as VP of Product and Investment Operations.
Investment Strategy
DVC’s strategy integrates technical due diligence, deep founder engagement, and cross-stage capital allocation. The firm targets companies building foundational technologies in AI infrastructure, next-gen chips, and model optimization, as well as application-layer startups embedding AI into enterprise and consumer workflows.
With its extensive seed portfolio, DVC uses data and relationship-driven sourcing to identify breakout founders early and support them through successive rounds. Its team includes operators from Google, Meta, and seminal AI companies, ensuring hands-on value creation across product, research, and scaling.
Notable Investments
Across its funds, DVC has invested in over 120 AI startups, including:
The new DVC AI Fund I has added five portfolio companies, two already showing marked valuation growth, extending its leadership in applied and generative AI investments.
Notable Exits
Given its recent expansion into Series A and B investing, DVC’s newest fund has not yet recorded exits. The firm’s earlier portfolios, however, include multiple companies that have achieved strong follow-on rounds or strategic acquisitions.
Other
DVC stands out for its strong LP base of founders and engineers, enabling a collaborative network that supports portfolio growth through peer mentorship and technical partnerships.
The firm’s founder-first culture and operational depth make it a strategic ally for AI startups navigating rapid scaling. Currently, specific contact details for DVC are not publicly available.
Marina Davidova - Managing PartnerFounder
Nick Davidov - Managing PartnerFounder
