Note (July 2021 Update): The TechCrunch List has been officially retired.
The Founder-Approved VC Elite
TechCrunch recently unveiled The TechCrunch List, a groundbreaking directory of 391 venture capitalists across 22 industries who actively write first checks and lead funding rounds. While this resource remains freely available to all entrepreneurs, our team identified an exceptional subset of investors who received extraordinary praise from founders.
Here’s an exclusive look at 11 standout VCs who earned founder admiration through their exceptional support, strategic guidance, and unwavering commitment.
Why These Investors Stand Out
- Proven track records of backing successful startups
- Hands-on mentorship beyond financial investment
- Strong founder advocacy, especially for underrepresented groups
- Crisis leadership demonstrated during COVID-19 challenges
- Unique value-add through networks, resources, and operational expertise
The Founder-Recommended VCs
1. Ben Ling (Bling Capital)
Key Strengths:
- Unmatched responsiveness (including 2 AM texts)
- Strategic fundraising guidance
- Persistent network leverage for portfolio companies
Founder Testimonial:
“Bling is like having a sixth player on a five-person team. Even after our Series A, Ben remains actively involved.”
2. Stonly Baptiste & Shaun Abrahamson (Urban.us)
Key Strengths:
- Early crisis leadership during COVID-19
- Robust Slack community for portfolio companies
- Keen eye for unconventional but promising startups
Founder Praise:
“While others pulled back, Urban.us led the way with concrete support on PPP loans, burn reduction, and shared learning.”
3. Mar Hershenson & Pejman Nozad (Pear Ventures)
Key Strengths:
- Big-picture vision with execution focus
- Exceptional support for female founders
- Pre-investment resources including office space
Founder Feedback:
“Mar translates passion into metrics. As a solo female founder, her mentorship has been invaluable.”
4. Jerry Chen (Greylock)
Key Strengths:
- Deep enterprise tech expertise
- Founder-first mentality
- Crisis leadership with transparent market insights
Founder Perspective:
“Jerry doesn’t just invest—he coaches. His guidance makes you a better thinker and operator.”
5. Ed Sim & Eliot Durbin (Boldstart Ventures)
Key Strengths:
- Unparalleled enterprise tech network
- Flexible investment approach (“dribbled in” funding)
- High founder repeat rate
Enterprise Founder Note:
“They helped secure a pre-emptive Series A and were instrumental in our Series B backchannel.”
6. Josh Kopelman (First Round Capital)
Key Strengths:
- Champion of original investment theses
- Strong support for diverse founders
- Thought partnership over unilateral advice
Founder Insight:
“Josh delights in being first. His mentorship has fundamentally shaped my career.”
7. Elizabeth Yin (Hustle Fund)
Key Strengths:
- Advocate for underestimated founders
- Hands-on operational support
- Transformational belief in founders
Founder Tribute:
“She made me believe in myself when others dismissed me for my accent and background.”
8. Daniel Gulati (Forecast Fund)
Key Strengths:
- Authentic founder conversations
- Clear, direct communication
- Empowering approach for WOC founders
Founder Reflection:
“Daniel encouraged us to trust our gut and paved an authentic path as WOC founders.”
9. Nick Chirls & Alex Lines (Notation)
Key Strengths:
- True first-check specialists
- Deep tech expertise (AI/ML, crypto, security)
- Honest mentorship for first-time founders
Founder Verification:
“They were literally our first check and have been amazing partners throughout.”
10. Gaurav Jain (Afore Capital)
Key Strengths:
- Comfort with pre-product investing
- Remote diligence capabilities
- Strategic preparation for subsequent rounds
Founder Experience:
“Afore’s hard work helped us secure a $5M+ pre-emptive seed just 8 months post pre-seed.”
11. Shruti Gandhi (Array Ventures)
Key Strengths:
- Founder concierge service
- Strong female founder advocacy
- Consistent through challenging periods
Founder Appreciation:
“Shruti works tirelessly to make your path to success easier—through thick and thin.”
What Makes These Investors Exceptional
These VCs distinguish themselves through:
- Uncommon Commitment: Going far beyond check-writing to active partnership
- Founder-Centric Approach: Tailoring support to each startup’s unique needs
- Crisis Leadership: Providing stability and guidance during uncertain times
- Inclusive Investing: Championing diverse founders overlooked by traditional VC
- Long-Term Perspective: Maintaining support through multiple funding stages
For founders seeking investment partners who truly add value, these investor profiles demonstrate the gold standard in venture capital support.
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