Lux Capital is a US-based venture capital firm founded in 2000 that invests in category-defining companies at the intersection of science and technology. Known for its high-conviction bets on ambitious ideas others often dismiss as too early or too hard, Lux backs founders building in areas like defense, biotech, robotics, automation, and deep tech. The firm is deeply involved throughout the lifecycle of a company, from initial concept to scale.
Lux invests in startups building breakthrough technologies in areas such as aerospace, defense, biotech, industrial automation, and AI infrastructure. The firm prioritizes companies operating at the edge of what’s possible in the physical and life sciences.
In January 2026, Lux Capital closed Lux Ventures IX at $1.5 billion, its largest fund to date. The fund was raised in just three months, reflecting strong LP conviction despite tighter capital markets. This latest vehicle brings the firm’s total assets under management to $7 billion, managed by a team of 44 people.
Lux IX continues the firm’s strategy of supporting founders from day one, with the capacity to deploy capital from first checks of $100K to follow-ons north of $100M. Lux positions itself as a multi-stage partner willing to stay the full arc of a company’s development.
The fund targets startups reinventing infrastructure in defense, aerospace, biotech, automation, and other sectors where science and engineering meet.
The close of Lux IX reinforces the firm’s commitment to backing scientists and technical founders with outsized ambition, especially in markets undergoing transformation from government or institutional demand.
Leadership
Lux Capital was co-founded by Josh Wolfe, who remains a central figure in the firm’s investment strategy and public voice. The team includes investors and operators with backgrounds in science, defense, engineering, and deep tech commercialization. The firm is headquartered in New York and also operates out of Silicon Valley.
Investment Strategy
Lux bets on frontier technologies and founders overlooked by consensus. It focuses on markets where breakthroughs in science and engineering are enabling entirely new categories. The firm operates across all stages but specializes in deeply technical investments with long time horizons. It’s known for deploying capital early and following through at scale, offering both strategic guidance and deep networks in science, government, and industry.
Notable Investments
Lux has invested in companies such as:
These reflect the firm’s focus on frontier tech across defense, biotech, and space.
Notable Exits
Lux has seen several high-profile exits including:
Its track record demonstrates an ability to turn complex tech bets into real outcomes across hardware, biotech, and software infrastructure.
Other
Founders working on hard science or dual-use tech should know Lux is one of the few VCs that deeply understands technical risk and is willing to go early and big.
The firm maintains close ties to defense, government, and industrial partners and is a top choice for companies needing capital plus credibility in technically complex markets.
United States
