Pitch guide
How to pitch Khosla Ventures
Backing audacious entrepreneurs from the earliest stage.
Quick facts
- Type
- 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 Khosla Ventures's actual focus. They invest in AI, Climate, Bio, Fintech. If you're outside their thesis, save yourself the rejection.
2. Get a warm intro
Cold inbound to Khosla Ventures 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 OpenAI, Square, Instacart — companies Khosla Ventures 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 Khosla Ventures 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 Khosla Ventures invest in?
Khosla Ventures focuses on AI, Climate, Bio, Fintech.
What stages does Khosla Ventures invest at?
Khosla Ventures has historically participated most in Series A, Series B, Seed rounds.
Where is Khosla Ventures based?
Khosla Ventures is headquartered in Menlo Park, USA and was founded in 2004.
How do I contact Khosla Ventures?
The best way to reach Khosla Ventures is through a warm introduction from a portfolio founder or existing LP. You can also visit their website at https://www.khoslaventures.com for application details. They're also active on Twitter/X (@khoslaventures).
What are Khosla Ventures's most famous past investments?
Notable historical investments by Khosla Ventures include OpenAI, Square, Instacart, DoorDash.