Update July 2021: The TechCrunch List has been officially retired.
For startup founders, securing that crucial first investment or finding a lead VC can make or break their venture. Yet, navigating the crowded and often opaque world of venture capital is no easy feat. With tens of thousands of VCs globally—each with unique focus areas, investment stages, and risk appetites—identifying the right partners is a daunting challenge.
The Problem: Finding the Right VC
Founders frequently ask TechCrunch:
- Which investors actively fund specific industries?
- Who genuinely writes seed or Series A checks?
- Which VCs are willing to lead a round without prior commitments?
To address these questions, we launched The TechCrunch List—a verified, curated directory of investors committed to writing first checks or leading rounds from seed to growth stages. Our mission? To bring transparency to an often-murky fundraising landscape.
How We Built the List
After announcing the initiative, we invited founders to recommend VCs who played pivotal roles in their funding journeys. The response was overwhelming:
- 1,200+ founders submitted recommendations
- Hundreds included detailed testimonials (one even spanned 14 pages!)
- Data was cross-referenced with Crunchbase for accuracy
The result? An initial list of 391 top-tier investors across 22 verticals, including:
- Consumer applications
- Enterprise infrastructure
- Digital biotech
- And more
Key Highlights
Founder-Favorite VCs: We spotlighted 11 investors who received the most glowing recommendations, proving that strong founder-VC relationships drive success.
Diversity Progress: While VC diversity remains lacking, founders highlighted standout women and POC investors:
- 18% women (69 total)
- 28% people of color (111 total)
- 6% Black VCs (23 total)
A Living Directory
The TechCrunch List is designed to evolve. We’ll update it regularly based on:
- New founder recommendations (submit yours here)
- Shifts in investor focus and portfolios
Acknowledgments
This project was a collaborative effort across TechCrunch teams:
- Executive Producer: Danny Crichton
- Data Analysis: Arman Tabatabai
- Product & Engineering: Santosh Ankola, Shikha Tandon, Robin Julius, Gary Smirny, Lety Gomez
- Design: Nigel Sussman, Bryce Durbin
- Business & Marketing: Ned Desmond, Joey Hinson, Travis Bernard
For more on our mission to reshape VC transparency, read How We’re Rebuilding the VC Industry.
🚀 Technology Solutions & Recommendations
Enhance your tech capabilities with these cutting-edge products that complement the technological innovations discussed in this article:
🛍️ Featured Product 1: HKG – Luggage Tag
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The article discusses the challenge of standing out to the right investors in a crowded VC landscape. Similarly, the HKG Luggage Tag solves visibility problems in high-volume environments—helping travelers (including founder-nomads) avoid lost opportunities by making their belongings instantly recognizable.
Just as founders need clear identifiers to connect with the right investors, the HKG Luggage Tag helps travelers quickly spot their bags in a sea of lookalike suitcases. Made from durable silicone with a secure stainless steel loop, this tag ensures your contact details stay visible while standing out from the crowd—because whether you’re pitching VCs or claiming luggage, recognition matters.
Key Features:
- Durable silicone construction withstands rough handling
- Stainless steel attachment loop for security
- Bright colors and unique patterns for easy identification
- Clear window for protected contact info visibility
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🛍️ Featured Product 2: HKG – Packing Bag
Image: Premium product showcase
Just as founders need the right tools to navigate the complex VC landscape, the HKG Packing Bag helps professionals stay prepared and organized for their next big opportunity—whether it’s securing funding or hitting the road for business.
The HKG Packing Bag is a durable, lightweight travel companion designed to keep your essentials organized—just like founders need to organize their search for the right VC. With multiple compartments and a sleek design, it ensures you’re prepared for any journey, whether you’re heading to a pitch meeting or a weekend getaway.
Key Features:
- Spacious main compartment with secure zipper closure
- Multiple interior pockets for organized storage
- Lightweight yet durable water-resistant material
- Sleek, professional design suitable for business or travel
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🛍️ Featured Product 3: HKT – Mousepad
Image: Premium product showcase
While not directly about venture capital, the HKT Mousepad supports the intense workflow of founders researching investors and preparing pitches - the same challenges highlighted in the TechCrunch List article about finding lead VCs. It’s a tool that facilitates the digital legwork required in modern fundraising.
The HKT Mousepad provides the smooth, reliable surface founders need to navigate the complex world of VC fundraising. Just as The TechCrunch List helped founders find the right investors, this precision-engineered mousepad helps you glide through pitch decks, financial models, and investor emails with effortless control.
Key Features:
- Premium textured surface for precise cursor control
- Non-slip rubber base keeps your workspace stable during marathon fundraising sessions
- Optimized for both optical and laser mice
- Slim, portable design for home office or investor meetings
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