Social Leverage is a US-based seed-stage venture capital firm founded in 2009. With offices in Arizona and San Diego, the firm invests in high-growth software startups, especially at the intersection of fintech, vertical AI, and media. Known for its sharp thesis, disciplined check writing, and early wins like Robinhood, Social Leverage combines network-driven deal flow with deep founder support.
Social Leverage Fund V closed in January 2026 at $85 million. The fund will continue the firm's seed-stage focus and has already invested in five companies.
Backed by returning LPs as well as new institutions, wealth managers, and family offices, Fund V reflects confidence in Social Leverage’s top-decile returns and repeatable strategy.
The firm typically invests $1 million to $2 million for 10% to 20% ownership and follows on selectively. The fund is staying disciplined on valuation and doubling down on its fintech and vertical AI thesis, with continued emphasis on backing bold, product-focused founders early.
Leadership
The firm is led by General Partners Howard Lindzon and Matt Ober. Lindzon co-founded the firm and is a prominent figure in tech investing, with a background in hedge funds, angel investing, and startup building. Ober joined in 2022 from hedge fund Third Point, where he served as Chief Data Scientist.
Investment Strategy
Social Leverage operates with a conviction-based approach. The team looks for strong early signals—paying customers, product-market fit, and founder-market fit—then backs founders with capital, valuation discipline, and a network-driven edge. It typically leads or co-leads at seed and helps founders prepare for institutional follow-on funding.
Notable Investments
Social Leverage has backed over 125 companies including:
These startups represent billion-dollar exits and breakout growth across fintech, B2B SaaS, and digital media.
Notable Exits
Noteworthy exits include:
The firm’s early-stage discipline has led to multiple unicorn outcomes.
Other
Social Leverage invests across North America, with 40% of its portfolio in the Northeast, 40% in California, and 20% spread across the US and Canada.
It also runs the Stocktoberfest founder/investor event at the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, building community and visibility in the region. The firm is known for spotting trends early and backing contrarian or underestimated founders.
United States
