Origin Ventures is a long-standing early-stage venture capital firm founded in 1999 with a reputation for backing category-defining technology companies. The firm has historically invested at the seed and Series A stage and is known for supporting founders with both capital and deep operating guidance. With over two decades of track record, Origin Ventures has consistently evolved its thesis to align with technological shifts while staying founder-centric.
Origin Ventures VI is dedicated to investing in the new wave of startups driving the Artificial Intelligence Economy, which the firm defines as the fifth major economic era.
The fund will focus on companies transforming how humanity lives, works, and plays, with particular emphasis on the infrastructure, applications, and frontier technologies that enable AI’s widespread adoption.
In October 2025, Origin Ventures announced the close of Origin Ventures VI, a $140 million fund. This vehicle is the largest in the firm’s 25-year history and was oversubscribed, reflecting significant investor demand.
The raise brings Origin Ventures’ total assets under management to nearly $500 million. LPs in the fund include institutional investors, family offices, and individuals across five continents, underscoring the firm’s global credibility and reach.
Leadership
The fund is led by Jason Heltzer, Managing Partner at Origin Ventures and Adjunct Professor at Chicago Booth, alongside the firm’s long-tenured leadership team. Origin’s partners bring a mix of venture investing expertise and operating experience, enabling them to support founders through multiple stages of growth.
Investment Strategy
Origin Ventures VI will deploy capital across three primary themes:
This focused strategy reflects the firm’s conviction that artificial intelligence is reshaping core systems of society and commerce.
The approach remains founder-first, with Origin Ventures emphasizing long-term support and value creation beyond capital.
Notable Investments
Origin Ventures’ historical portfolio includes:
While Fund VI is newly launched, these legacy investments highlight Origin’s ability to back companies that redefine industries.
Notable Exits
Past exits include Grubhub (IPO), Tock (acquired by Squarespace), and multiple high-profile liquidity events that underline Origin’s ability to identify and scale transformative companies.
Other
Origin Ventures is one of the rare early-stage firms with longevity and global LP support while remaining nimble enough to lead early rounds.
The new fund’s focus on the Artificial Intelligence Economy means Origin is looking for founders who are building defensible companies that can scale across industries reshaped by AI.
