Union Square Ventures

New York thesis-driven venture firm founded in 2003, managing approximately $2.5B+ and backing early-stage technology companies built on large networks of engaged users — historic bets include Twitter, Coinbase, Etsy, and Stripe.

Typical check size

$1M-$10M (stage-based estimate)

Founded

2003

Headquarters

New York, NY

AUM

$1.5B+

Rounds they lead

Seed Series A

Rounds they invest

Pre-Seed Seed Series A Series B+

Portfolio companies we track

Startups in our directory that list Union Square Ventures as an investor (26 total).

+2 more in the directory graph (browse related articles below or the startups index).

FAQs about Union Square Ventures

Stage fit, check size, thesis, and how founders typically approach this firm — based on public sources and our directory.

USV leads seed and Series A rounds and participates from pre-seed through growth. Our directory reflects multi-stage coverage; the firm typically writes Series A leads in thesis-aligned companies with early network traction.

USV does not publish a standard check-size range. For planning, see /union-square-ventures-check-size-2026 (~$1M–$15M indicative for thesis-aligned seed/Series A leads). The firm runs concentrated funds (~25–35 investments per fund per our coverage).

USV is headquartered in New York City and invests primarily in U.S. technology companies, with historic bets spanning coast-to-coast (Twitter, Coinbase, Etsy). Geographic focus follows thesis fit rather than a strict NYC mandate.

USV is thesis-driven, backing large networks of engaged users across social, fintech, crypto protocols, marketplaces, and climate. Our directory tags generalist-tech. Historic themes evolved from Web 2.0 networks to open protocols (Coinbase, Protocol Labs) and climate tech.

USV routinely leads seed and Series A rounds in thesis-aligned companies. The small partner team means every partner leads deals; the firm is known for long-duration holds (10+ years).

Many directory startups list USV, including Coinbase, Twilio, Foursquare, Protocol Labs, and Zynga — see /startup/coinbase, /startup/twilio, /startup/foursquare, /startup/protocol-labs, and /startup/zynga.

Read USV's public investment thesis at usv.com — the firm publishes thesis updates openly. Warm introductions from portfolio founders or co-investors help, but USV is known for engaging founders who articulate clear network-effect or protocol theses. No public cold-pitch inbox.

See nyc-union-square-ventures-thesis-driven-usv for USV's ~$2.5B AUM, thesis evolution (networks → fintech → crypto → climate), and investment style.

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