Pitch guide
How to pitch Initialized Capital
Initialized Capital has backed 3 of the startups in our index. Here's everything you need to know before reaching out.
Quick facts
- Type
- Stages
- Sectors
- Based in
- Portfolio depth
- Website
- Twitter / X
The 4-step playbook
1. Confirm fit
Before spending a minute writing a cold email, make sure your startup matches Initialized Capital's actual focus. They're most active at seed, series a stage. If you're outside their thesis, save yourself the rejection.
2. Get a warm intro
Cold inbound to Initialized Capital works occasionally but the conversion is brutal. Find a mutual connection: a portfolio founder, an LP, or a fellow VC who's co-invested with them. LinkedIn's "see who else they're connected with" view is your best tool. If you have no mutuals, build relationships in their community first — comment thoughtfully on their content, attend events they speak at, get on their radar.
3. Tight 10-slide deck + clear ask
Your deck should be 10–12 slides covering: problem, solution, why now, market, traction, business model, team, competition, what you're raising, and the ask. For inspiration, look at decks from Coinbase, Instacart, Cruise — companies Initialized Capital backed early. See our pitch deck archive for slide-by-slide breakdowns of famous decks.
4. Follow up like a pro
If they pass, ask for one piece of honest feedback and one referral. Don't argue. Don't beg. Investors talk — and the founders who handle no's gracefully are the ones they remember when their next round opens. Keep Initialized Capital on your update list for 6-month progress mails even after a pass; many funded deals come from second tries.
Frequently asked questions
What does Initialized Capital invest in?
Based on their portfolio in our index, Initialized Capital most often invests in Dev Tools, AI.
What stages does Initialized Capital invest at?
Initialized Capital primarily invests at seed, series a stage.
Where is Initialized Capital based?
Initialized Capital is headquartered in San Francisco, USA and was founded in 2012.
How do I contact Initialized Capital?
The best way to reach Initialized Capital is through a warm introduction from a portfolio founder or existing LP. You can also visit their website at https://initialized.com for application details. They're also active on Twitter/X (@initialized).
What are Initialized Capital's most famous past investments?
Notable historical investments by Initialized Capital include Coinbase, Instacart, Cruise.