Chroma
Chroma is the open source embedding database that makes it easy to build AI applications. It gives LLM apps the ability to store, query, and retrieve embeddings with a simple Python or JavaScript API. Chroma is the most popular vector database for RAG applications, with millions of downloads and thousands of apps powered by it.
- Location
- San Francisco, USA
- Raised
- $18M
- Stage
- Seed
- Founded
- 2022
- Category
- AI
- Funding
- VC-backed
- Team
- 10–50
Funding figures as of Jul 2025 · not independently verified
Founders of Chroma
- Jeff Huber
- Anton Troynikov
Investors backing Chroma
- Spark Capital
- a16z
Frequently asked questions
What does Chroma do?
Chroma is the open source embedding database that makes it easy to build AI applications. It gives LLM apps the ability to store, query, and retrieve embeddings with a simple Python or JavaScript API. Chroma is the most popular vector database for RAG applications, with millions of downloads and thousands of apps powered by it.
Where is Chroma based?
Chroma is based in San Francisco, USA.
When was Chroma founded?
Chroma was founded in 2022.
How much has Chroma raised?
Chroma has raised $18M in their Seed round as of Jul 2025.
Who founded Chroma?
Chroma was founded by Jeff Huber, Anton Troynikov.
Who has invested in Chroma?
Chroma is backed by Spark Capital, a16z.
How Chroma would pitch themselves
○ Auto-generated01Target customer
Companies + developers adopting AI in their stack — from indie builders to enterprise ML teams working on open source ai-native embedding database.
02Problem they solve
Chroma is the open source embedding database that makes it easy to build AI applications. It gives LLM apps the ability to store, query, and retrieve embeddings with a simple Python or JavaScript API. Chroma is the most… The category has historically been served by tools that miss the modern workflow this product is built around.
03Key differentiator
Chroma differentiates on open source ai-native embedding database. Backed by Spark Capital + a16z, $18M raised — the company has resources + validation to compound this thesis. Founded by Jeff Huber + team.
04Go-to-market strategy
Early-stage GTM — typically product-led growth (free tier or low-friction onboarding) paired with founder-led sales for the first 100 customers. Heavy content marketing + community presence on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and category-specific Slack groups.