Organization · Venture Capital
Founders Circle Capital
Founders Circle Capital is a growth-stage venture firm based in San Francisco, specializing in purchasing secondary shares from founders and long-term employees of venture-backed companies. They focus on providing liquidity solutions for individuals rather than direct funding to startups.
Overview
What Founders Circle Capital does
What Founders Circle Capital is
Founders Circle Capital is a growth-stage venture firm based in San Francisco, specializing in purchasing secondary shares from founders and long-term employees of venture-backed companies. They focus on providing liquidity solutions for individuals rather than direct funding to startups.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder and community and publisher capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Venture Capital
- Founded
- Founded in 2012
- Approximate age
- About 14 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder · Community · Publisher
- Last reviewed
- March 27, 2026
Official channels
Find Founders Circle Capital elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
Founders Circle Capital as a funder
Investment thesis
Founders Circle Capital specializes in providing liquidity solutions through secondary shares for founders and employees of growth-stage companies, particularly those nearing IPO.
Focus narrative
The firm invests primarily in growth-stage companies, providing both primary and secondary financing options. Their investment strategy is tailored to meet the specific needs of companies and their employees, with a strong emphasis on leadership development and community support.
Value beyond capital
Founders Circle Capital adds value by providing liquidity solutions that allow founders and employees to access capital without diluting their ownership. The firm also offers community support for leadership development, helping portfolio companies navigate their growth journeys.
Terms and economics
- Typical check
- $1,000,000–$100,000,000
- Sweet spot
- $5,000,000
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Series C · Growth Equity
- Sectors
- Consumer
- Regions
- United States
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded portfolio count
- 93
- Recorded notable exits
- DoorDash, Robinhood, and VMware
Portfolio context
Founders Circle Capital has invested in 93 portfolio companies, including notable names like DoorDash, Robinhood, and VMware. The firm has a strong track record with 21 companies going public and 27 unicorns among its investments, showcasing its ability to identify and support high-potential startups.
Capability profile
Founders Circle Capital as a community
Community overview
Founders Circle Capital is a venture firm focused on growth-stage companies. It was founded in 2012 and is based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in providing flexible capital solutions and fostering a community for leaders in the startup ecosystem.
Community focus
Founders Circle Capital invests in growth-stage companies, particularly those that are closer to going public. The firm offers two types of capital: primary and secondary financing options for companies, and community support for leadership development. Their investment strategy includes flexible capital solutions tailored to the specific needs of companies and their employees.
Audience and fit
- Stages
- Growth Equity
- Regions
- United States
Community activity
Notable members
Ken Loveless - Partner, Co-Founder; Mike Jung - Partner, Co-Founder; Mark Dempster - Founder, The Circle; Amy Aina - Director of Executive Operations; Andrew Boston - Partner; Anthony Matusich - Chief Financial Officer; Avery Cannon - Chief Administrative Officer; Dominick Richiuso - Investor; Hannah Starbranch - Senior Content & Communications Manager, The Circle; Kalee Gardella - Partner, Chief Community Officer, The Circle; Marilu Livermore - Partner, Chief Growth Officer; Nikki Tatalovich - Senior Manager, Events & Partnerships; Owen Van Arsdale - Partner; Ryan Morrison - Partner; Tyler Zengo - Investor.
Capability profile
Founders Circle Capital as a publisher
Editorial focus
Founders Circle Capital specializes in investing in growth-stage companies, particularly those nearing an IPO. The firm provides flexible capital solutions and community support for leadership development, focusing on both primary and secondary financing options tailored to the needs of companies and their employees.
Audience value
Founders Circle Capital addresses the liquidity needs of founders and employees of venture-backed companies by purchasing secondary shares, providing personal liquidity solutions before IPOs.
Format and cadence
- Content formats
- blog
- Primary platform
- founderscircle.com
Availability
- Guest pitch state
- Not currently accepting
Audience and focus
Flagship work and coverage
Flagship properties
Founders Circle Capital publishes insights and guides related to employee liquidity and venture capital through various channels, including the Liquidity Guide and Insights articles.
Common questions
What to know about Founders Circle Capital
Upseed classifies Founders Circle Capital under the Venture Capital organization type. Its current public profile includes funder, community, and publisher capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
March 27, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.