Carbide Ventures

Carbide Ventures is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage technology startups. The firm focuses on pre-seed, seed, and Series A investments, partnering with entrepreneurs to build category-defining businesses. With a global investment philosophy, Carbide Ventures seeks out and invests in promising entrepreneurs regardless of location, with a portfolio spanning North America, Asia, and Europe. The firm has a particular emphasis on the US-Japan corridor, assisting companies in entering the Japanese market and helping Japanese startups expand globally. Their investment strategy centers on sectors such as software, artificial intelligence, blockchain, quantum computing, and materials science. Carbide Ventures has a track record of supporting companies like OfferFit and Calyptia, providing capital, guidance, and support to help portfolio companies achieve their full potential. The team comprises former operators who understand the challenges of scaling businesses to $100M+ ARR, offering expertise in go-to-market strategies, product development, technology, and finance. Their hands-on approach enables them to provide strategic guidance and operational expertise to the entrepreneurs they support. The firm is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with an additional office in Tokyo, Japan. They are committed to empowering, strengthening, and supporting entrepreneurs across each step of their journey, from seed to Series A and beyond. Their mission is to partner with founders who have the vision and drive to build category-defining businesses, providing capital, guidance, and support to help portfolio companies achieve their full potential. Carbide Ventures is always looking for great founders to partner with and is open to business proposals through their contact form. The firm has made 23 investments, with its most recent investment in Chezuba on May 26, 2025. Notable exits include OfferFit and Calyptia. The team includes General Partners Dan Weirich, Hiro Yoshikawa, Kengo Horiuchi, Pankaj Tibrewal, Stephen Lee, and Takuo Inoue, as well as Chief Financial Officer Kate Fry. Special Limited Partner Bill Tai also contributes to the firm's success. The firm is led by experienced investors and entrepreneurs who are passionate about building great companies and are committed to supporting entrepreneurs across each step of their journey.