Obvious Ventures has now officially closed our fifth fund, a big moment not just for us, but for the broader venture capital landscape. The firm is probably best known for its early investment in the HR and payroll platform Gusto. Today, it’s looking to advance that investment strategy further, focusing on aligning planetary health, human health and economic health. Gusto recently hit a $9+ billion valuation. As long as it continues on a path toward an initial public offering (IPO), the buzzy firm is primed to capitalize on its sector know-how and practice-based experience.
Founded by James Joaquin, Vishal Vasishth and others, Obvious Ventures has outgrown its early years to take on the market. These funds have accrued over time by attrition. They began with $123,456,789 for their first fund, increasing to $271,828,182 for their third fund, and an astounding $355,111,553 for their fourth fund. The firm is dedicated to investing in forward-thinking solutions. The launch of our fifth fund reaffirms this commitment to addressing pressing issues facing the world.
Joaquin was thrilled to get to this phase in the firms development.
“We made it to fund five, which is actually a big deal in the venture landscape,” – James Joaquin
Obvious Ventures plans to keep the investment pace at a nice clip – about ten investments a year. The firm’s sweet spot is checks from $5 million to $12 million. Their focus is primarily on Seed and Series A startups. This methodical focus allows Obvious Ventures to fund mission-oriented startups with the vital early-stage capital they need to thrive.
Apart from Gusto, Obvious Ventures has invested in Zanskar. Through the use of proprietary data and artificial intelligence, this innovative startup is bringing geothermal energy to harness across the globe. Just last week, Zanskar made the news with a $115 million Series C financing led by Obvious Ventures. This investment follows the firm’s recent focus on sustainability and emerging technology.
“We love the metaphor of taking a 360-degree view in each of those areas,” said Joaquin. Obvious Ventures We’re a values-led, profit-minded venture capital firm. They prioritize planetary health, human health, and economic health—three key ingredients for building a sustainable future.
The firm has additionally announced significant cash returned to limited partners from each of its key funds. These sorts of returns are an indication of the booming public-market exits of many of the firms’ portfolio companies. This track record of success establishes Obvious Ventures not only as a player in early-stage investing but as a reliable partner for investors seeking growth opportunities in transformative sectors.
As Obvious Ventures announces the closing of their fifth fund, they’re doubling down on mission-aligned investments that address challenges and create equitable opportunities. While doing that, the company has to deliver superior financial returns. The firm’s commitment to cutting-edge startups shows how far the venture capital industry has come in recent years on sustainability and responsible investing.
