Sound Ventures

Sound Ventures is a Los Angeles-based venture capital firm that seeks to invest in transformative technologies and exceptional founders. Established in 2015, the firm focuses on early and mid-stage investments in technology companies, particularly those in the consumer and enterprise sectors. Sound Ventures is known for its hands-on approach, leveraging the founders' extensive networks and industry expertise to support portfolio companies. The firm has invested in a diverse range of startups, including those in the fields of artificial intelligence, fintech, and consumer products. Their investment philosophy emphasizes identifying innovative companies with strong growth potential and providing them with the resources and guidance needed to scale successfully. As of 2023, Sound Ventures manages over $1 billion in assets across multiple funds, including the Sound Ventures AI Fund, which closed at nearly $240 million in May 2023. The fund seeks to invest in category-defining artificial intelligence businesses at the foundation model layer, with current portfolio companies including OpenAI, Anthropic, and StabilityAI. The firm is led by General Partners Effie Epstein, Ashton Kutcher, and Guy Oseary, and has made over 200 investments since its founding. Notable exits include GitLab, Affirm, and SentinelOne. Sound Ventures' portfolio spans various industries, including artificial intelligence, consumer technology, enterprise technology, fintech, healthcare, media, entertainment, e-commerce, SaaS, cybersecurity, edtech, proptech, agtech, cleantech, and mobility. The firm's geographical focus includes the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, South Korea, India, China, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Singapore, and South Korea. Investment sizes range from $1 million to $50 million, with a focus on stages from pre-seed to growth, including pre-IPO, buyout, turnaround, and distressed situations. Sound Ventures' investment requirements include a focus on transformative technologies, exceptional founders, and a hands-on approach to supporting portfolio companies. The firm's portfolio companies include Airbnb, Uber, Flexport, Brex, GitLab, Airtable, Affirm, Forethought, and You.com.